Jigs & Jig Heads

Jig Head Buying Tips

Find the right jigs and jig heads for your next fishing trip at DICK'S Sporting Goods.

There are a variety of tackle shapes, sizes and materials. Avoid getting weighed down with the wrong jig heads by gearing up with the most effective styles for different situations and different conditions on the water.

Popular Jig Head Styles

Take the guesswork out of your next tackle purchase by learning more about popular jig head styles:

Brush Head

Conditions: Shallow laydowns, trees, bushes and offshore brush piles

Typical Use: A brush head is typically shaken or hopped through heavy cover

Details:

• Brush jig heads can result in fewer lost lures by pulling over branches and brush piles without snagging.
• The line ties for this type of jig head are set perpendicular to the hook and the lead may be molded around the line tie in some models. The lead and tie should create a triangular shape and a line direction that allows the jig to come up and over brush without catching.
• This style is ideal for flipping and pitching in solid cover in shallow water.
• Pro Tip:The brush jig head style may also display a more vertical presentation on the bottom, creating a trailer that is reminiscent of a defensive crawfish, and may draw the attention of big bass.

Football Head

Conditions: Rocky/ hard bottom, vertical presentations, deep water and docks

Typical Use: A Football head is typically fished with a dragging motion over a hard bottom structure to create a natural, erratic motion.

Details:

• This wide-head jig style avoids getting stuck between rocks by rolling and deflecting.
• The position of the line tie with a football head is meant to keep the hook pointed upward, which can result in better hooksets.
• Football head styles often come in heavier weights and have good motion transfer to feel the bottom, making them a popular choice for deep-water jig fishing.

Swim Head

Conditions: Clear water, deep water structure, grass or weed beds, reaction bites, currents

Typical Use: This jig head style is typically used with a swimbait as a trailer to imitate baitfish with a moving presentation.

Details:

• A heavy swim head is ideal for deep bottom structures like ledges, road beds and creek channels where ambush predators lurk.
• A lighter weight swim head is great for shallow vegetation, helping draw out fish like largemouth bass.
• Pro Tip: This type of jig head can be ideal for days with changing weather conditions when fish aren't interested in slower presentations.

Grass/Weed Head

Conditions: Heavy vegetation, shallow or deep water

Typical Use: Grass or weed heads are typically fished slowly with pulling, hopping or dragging motions through heavy vegetation

Details:

• Grass/weed jig heads are designed to be sleek and slim to allow the jig to penetrate and cut through heavy vegetation without getting caught.
• This type of jig head is similar to a swim head but with a different hook angle and bottom presentation.

Arky Head

Conditions: Vegetation, shallow or deep water, fishing through different covers and all-around performance

Typical Use: This type of jig head is somewhat universal, making it efficient when flipping and pitching as well as when used as a swim bait.

Details:

• This type of jig head is versatile and can help bolster your fishing skills as an introductory lure.
• Arky jig heads are suitable for multiple fishing techniques and could be a good option if you're looking to own just one lure style.

Lead & Tungsten Jig Heads

Lead jig heads are a cost-effective, traditional option, and tungsten jig heads can be effective for better sensitivity and durability with higher density allowing for smaller profiles.

Note: Lead jig heads are prohibited in some regions. Always be sure to check your state and local fishing regulations to confirm if lead weights are permitted.

Gear up with all of the fishing gear you need by checking out our complete selection of fishing gear, equipment and tackle at DICK'S.