Light Jig Head Rig Diagram & Gear List

A small lead jig head threaded with a soft plastic grub or paddle-tail, cast out, allowed to sink, and lifted and dropped back toward the bottom. It is the everyday finesse setup for walleye, perch, crappie, bream, and flathead, and one of the most useful rigs a beginner can learn.

Also known as: Soft Plastic Jighead Rig (AU, NZ), Jig and Grub (US, CA)

Where to use it: lake, river, boat, kayak, pier, jetty
Difficulty: beginner

Gear List

main Line4-10 lb monofilament, or 6-15 lb braid
leader6-15 lb fluorocarbon when using braid
leader Length2-4ft of fluorocarbon joined to braid with a double uni or FG knot; none needed on straight mono
hook Range1/16 - 1/2oz round or darter jig head, hook #4 - 2/0 matched to the plastic
weight TypeJig head itself: 1/16 - 1/8oz in shallow water, 1/4 - 1/2oz in depth or current
sinker Drop LengthNot applicable, the weight is molded into the jig head
swivelNone, tie direct with a loop knot or improved clinch
extrasSoft plastic grub, paddle-tail, or minnow 2-5in, Live minnow or worm tip where bait is allowed

Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Light jighead assortment Match hook size to the plastic.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Light Jig Head Rig

If using braid, join 2-4ft of 6-15 lb fluorocarbon with a double uni or FG knot.
Tie the jig head on with a loop knot so it swings freely.
Thread the soft plastic up the hook shank until it sits snug against the head, with the hook point exiting the top of the bait.
Cast, count it down to the bottom, then lift the rod, let the jig fall on a semi-slack line, and repeat.

When and where it works best

Shallow to mid-depth water up to about 30ft, light current, and fish feeding on small baitfish or shrimp.

How it differs from similar rigs

The leadhead jig rig uses 4-8oz heads on heavy braid for deep reef fish; this rig uses 1/16 - 1/2oz heads on light line for smaller fish and shallower water.

Is the Light Jig Head Rig good for beginners?

Yes. It is rated beginner: quick to tie and forgiving to fish. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Spinning Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Light Jig Head Rig good for?

White Bass White Crappie Yellow Perch Walleye European Perch Australian Bass Australasian Snapper Yellowfin Bream Black Bream Dusky Flathead Golden Trevally

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Light Jig Head Rig?

A 4-10 lb monofilament, or 6-15 lb braid main line, a 6-15 lb fluorocarbon when using braid leader (2-4ft of fluorocarbon joined to braid with a double uni or FG knot; none needed on straight mono), a 1/16 - 1/2oz round or darter jig head, hook #4 - 2/0 matched to the plastic hook, and a Jig head itself: 1/16 - 1/8oz in shallow water, 1/4 - 1/2oz in depth or current. Full gear list is above.

What is a Light Jig Head Rig best for?

The Light Jig Head Rig works best for lake, river, boat, kayak, pier, jetty fishing, and is a recommended setup for White Bass, White Crappie, Yellow Perch, Walleye. Difficulty: beginner.

Is the Light Jig Head Rig hard to tie?

It is rated beginner. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.