How to Fish a Marabou Jig for Trout

The short answer: cast across the current, let the marabou jig sink to just above the bottom, pop the rod tip, then let it fall again on a slack line while you reel in the slack. Repeat all the way in. Trout hit a Zig Jig on the drop about 90% of the time, so the fall is where you catch fish.

The pop-and-drop retrieve, step by step

  1. Cast across the current. Cast perpendicular to the flow, or quartering downstream just a little.
  2. Let it sink. On a slack line, let the jig sink to within 3 to 6 inches of the bottom. Count it down at about one foot per second.
  3. Pop it. Give it a good pop with your rod tip.
  4. Drop and reel. Drop your rod tip as the jig falls on the slack line, reeling in the excess. When it's almost on the bottom, pop it again.
  5. Repeat all the way in. You usually won't feel the bite. When you pop at the bottom of the drop, you'll either pop the jig or set the hook.
  6. Adjust your speed. Not catching fish? Slow down so the jig gets deeper. Hanging up a lot? Speed up or pop it sooner.

Why the fall matters

Most strikes come at the bottom of the drop or as the jig nears the bottom. A round, symmetrical jig head sinks straight down. The Zig Jig's offset head was designed so it won't: as it drops, it zig-zags back and forth like wounded prey, which keeps it in the strike zone longer.

Watch the fish, then match them

In clear water, polarized sunglasses help you judge depth and see fish chase the jig. When you see a fish chasing, adjust your retrieve to the speed the fish seem to want that day. Fish often swirl and strike all the way to the boat, and many are caught within three or four feet of it, including some nice-sized fish.

Choosing a weight

  • Micro jigs (1/124 to 1/64 oz): the lightest presentations.
  • 1/16 and 1/8 oz: the most-used weights for river trout in normal flows.
  • 1/4 oz: high water or stronger current.
  • Super HD (1/4 to 1/2 oz): deep water, big fish and salt water, with 2x steel hooks.

Rod and line setup

Use a light, sensitive spinning rod that can cast a very light jig. The Crossfire rod was built for this technique: 6'8" one-piece IM6 graphite, ultralight with an extra fast action, rated for lures from 1/32 to 5/16 oz.

Frequently asked questions

Do you feel the bite on a marabou jig?

Usually not. Most strikes come on the fall. When you pop the jig at the bottom of the drop, you'll either move the jig or set the hook.

Why do I keep getting hung up?

The jig is sinking too deep before you pop it. Speed up your retrieve or pop it sooner.

Can you fish a marabou jig on a fly rod?

Yes. Hamilton Bell caught catfish, striper, drum, skipjack, crappie and bass in one day on Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas, on a 1/8 oz white Zig Jig with Krystal Flash, fished on a fly rod.

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