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Detailed Breakdown of Mikey’s Video on Custom Power Finesse Jig Fishing

3/25/2025

Detailed Breakdown of Mikey’s Video on Custom Power Finesse Jig Fishing

YouTube Video Link: Watch Here
Video Duration: 16 minutes 51 seconds

Overview

Mikey shares an innovative power finesse jig modification that helped him land an epic 40+ lb bag of bass. Instead of using traditional jigging techniques, he customizes a finesse-style ball head jig with a modded skirt and lightweight trailer to create a unique jigging presentation.

This video focuses on:

  • How to build a custom power finesse jig
  • Best conditions and scenarios for using it
  • How to fish it effectively for big pre-spawn bass

Key Strategies & Techniques

1. The Concept – Why Modify a Jig?

  • Traditional flipping jigs are great, but they can be too bulky and slow-falling for pressured or deepwater bass.
  • A finesse jig falls faster and has a more natural, subtle presentation.
  • This custom jig is versatile, allowing it to be used for both:
    • Forward-facing sonar techniques (dropping directly to fish)
    • Dragging presentations on hard bottom areas

2. Building the Power Finesse Jig

  • Starting Jig Head:
    • Uses a Boss Ball Head Jig – compact, shorter shank hook, but strong enough for big fish.
    • Perfect for hard-bottom areas like shell beds and gravel but not ideal for thick wood.
  • Modifications for Maximum Hookup Ratio:
    • Trim the brush guard → Reduces missed hookups.
    • Flare out the skirt → Ensures better hook coverage.
    • Reduce skirt layers → Creates a faster-falling, streamlined profile.

3. Choosing the Right Skirt & Trailer Colors

  • Custom Skirt Material:
    • Magic Craw Color → Mimics both bluegill and shad, making it versatile.
    • Pearl with a Red/Pink Flash → Adds a natural sheen, imitating baitfish.
  • Best Trailer for this Setup:
    • Gambler Power Ned Stick Bait – Small, subtle glide instead of aggressive kicking.
    • Alternative Trailer Options:
      • Small Ned-style bait
      • A downsized stick bait (Senko-style)
      • A finesse swimbait for a more baitfish-like profile

How to Fish the Custom Power Finesse Jig

1. Forward-Facing Sonar (Dropping to Fish Directly)

  • Pitching directly to marked fish seen on sonar.
  • Let the jig pendulum down slowly on a semi-slack line.
  • Watch how the bass react – ideally, they follow it down.
  • Once on the bottom, shake the slack line to make the bait rock subtly in place.
  • Key Detail: The ball head design allows for a subtle rocking motion, keeping the bait stationary while creating micro-movements to trigger bites.

2. Dragging on Hard Bottom for Staging Pre-Spawn Bass

  • Best for shell beds, gravel, and hard bottom areas.
  • Slow, methodical drag, barely moving the bait.
  • Use small pops and shakes to keep the jig in the strike zone.
  • Key Detail: Instead of hopping forward, use a rod trick (tapping the rod handle) to make the bait jump in place without moving far.

3. Adjusting for Different Conditions

Clear Water (3+ Feet Visibility)

  • Lighter Skirt & Trailer → More natural fall and appearance.
  • Slower, controlled movement to avoid spooking fish.
  • Use a translucent skirt & light-colored trailer.

Stained Water (1-3 Feet Visibility)

  • Slightly bulkier skirt to create more presence.
  • Darker colors like Green Pumpkin Magic Craw for better visibility.

Muddy Water (<1 Foot Visibility)

  • Louder jig movement – more hops, more shaking.
  • Use a darker-colored trailer (Black & Blue or Junebug).
  • Slow down even more – fish rely on vibration and movement instead of sight.

Rod, Reel, & Line Setup for Maximum Hookup Ratio

1. Rod Selection

  • 7’2” Medium-Heavy Rod with a sensitive tip.
  • Allows for better feel and hook control while maintaining power for big fish.

2. Line Setup

  • Straight 15-17 lb Fluorocarbon
  • No braid – prevents unnatural jig movement and allows for better feel.
  • Fluorocarbon provides better sensitivity to detect subtle pickups.

3. Reel Selection

  • 7:1 or 8:1 High-Speed Reel
  • Why? Helps quickly catch up to fish when they bite and swim off.

Results – Did It Work?

Final Stats from the Trip:

  • Biggest fish: 9.87 lbs
  • Total 5-fish bag weight: 40+ lbs
  • Smallest fish: 5.57 lbs
  • Biggest bites came from:
    • Dragging the jig super slow over hard bottom
    • Dropping the jig to bass spotted on forward-facing sonar

Final Thoughts from Mikey:

  • “The biggest fish bites were super subtle.”
  • “Cutting down the brush guard increased my hookup ratio.”
  • “Dragging the jig and barely shaking it was key – big bass don’t want fast movements.”

Final Takeaways & Key Lessons Learned

  • Customizing your jigs makes a big difference – modifying the skirt, hook, and trailer can change how a bait falls and acts.
  • Power finesse jigging is a deadly technique for pre-spawn and pressured fish.
  • Presentation is everything – the fish responded better to a slow-falling, subtle jig instead of a standard bulky jig.
  • Dragging ultra-slow on hard bottom is a proven pre-spawn strategy.
  • Forward-facing sonar is a game-changer – being able to drop the jig directly in front of fish maximizes your chances of a bite.