The BASS Masters Classic is held in the dead of summer each year. In the last 6 years, the jig and pig or the jig and plastic trailer have almost won the worlds championship. Why do professional anglers use this bait in the largest tournament of their lives? Because the bass will eat this imitation.

This is a small freshwater crayfish that all bass, largemouth, spotted and even small mouth will hardly ever pass up. With more nutritional values in the small tasty creature than anything in nature, the crawfish is great food.

   Start with a 3/8 ounce jig and be sure to use the lure that has a fiber weed guard. These tiny fibers can be cut and trimmed to suit the cover being fished. Stanley and Bulldog are name brand jigs that are tournament tested. Buy three colors, black, brown and blue. Next select the number 11 Uncle Josh pork trailer. Mix and match the colors and look closely at the head of the pork. Notice that the hole in the jig is really a slit. With the fat part of the pork down, run the hook through the pork.

If the pork trailers are tough to use, find the plastic imitations and mix and match colors. Once the plastic trailer is added to the jig, take a round tooth pick and poke it right through the plastic in front of the hook. Go all the way though and then trim the toothpick on both sides. This will help reinforce the plastic and it won’t rip off easily.

   Rig this bait up with a bait casting rod and reel and 12 pound test line. Cast this lure and let it settle to the bottom. Now work the bait with the rod tip and slowly hop this bait across the bottom. Strikes will be a solid thump and then jerk real hard. Try this bait this summer and the largest fish of the year is a possibility.