How to choose a jig head
Choosing a jig head means choosing how your lure will sink, move and present. Here are the rules of thumb.
1. The head shape
- Round: the all-rounder, for bottom work, a straight retrieve or jigging (round jig head).
- NED (mushroom): sits flat and keeps the lure upright (NED head, see the Ned rig guide). Works great with buoyant or naturally floating lures. Avoid heavily salted lures.
- Micro: for finesse, light game and LRF (micro jig head).
2. The weight
Simple rule: take the lightest weight that keeps contact with the bottom. The deeper or faster the water, the heavier the head. The figures below are indicative and depend on the lure and rod.
| Situation | Indicative weight |
|---|---|
| Finesse, LRF, trout, shallow water | 0.8 g to 2.7 g |
| Perch, chub, calm or slow water | 2.7 g to 5.3 g |
| Deeper water or current (perch, zander) | 5.3 g to 10 g |
| Big lures, strong current, inshore saltwater fishing | 10 g to 14 g and more |
3. The hook size
Numbering is confusing: for numbered sizes (#4, #2, #1), a higher number is a smaller hook; for /0 sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0), a higher number is a larger hook. The hook should match the lure’s volume without choking it, with the point clearing the body at around a third of the lure’s length on average.
4. Weedless or not?
Where there is weed, branches or rocks, choose a weedless Texas-hook version such as the round jig head weedless or the NED head weedless. In clear water the standard version hooks fish more easily.
5. Why tungsten?
At equal weight a tungsten head is smaller and more sensitive than lead (see tungsten vs lead). All our tungsten jig heads are 100% lead-free.
Frequently asked questions
What jig head weight should I choose?
Pick the lightest weight that keeps contact with the bottom for the depth, current and lure. In finesse fishing 1.8 g to 3.5 g is often enough; in deep and very deep water, rivers with heavy current and saltwater fishing, choose 7 g to 14 g.
Which hook size should I choose?
For numbered sizes (#1, #2, #4…), a higher number means a smaller hook; for /0 sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0…), a higher number means a larger hook. Match it to the size and softness of the lure.
Weedless or standard version?
The weedless (Texas) version shields the hook point so you can fish through weed and near snags. The standard version leaves the point exposed for easier hooksets in clear water.
