| When I walk into a Cabela's or Gander Mountain store I can't help but realize how many different weedless bass jigs are offered. Finding the right jig can be a challenge, especially for someone new to jig fishing. Anglers need to consider a few different aspects when searching for that perfect jig. The first thing I ask myself is what type of terrain will the jig be thrown in wood, weeds, rocks, docks, and/or rice?
 With so many jigs, and so many different types of cover to fish, the question then becomes 'what is the perfect jig?' While it's difficult to choose just one that is perfect for every situation, I've narrowed it down to two excellent jigs - the new RT Jig from Outkast Tackle and the Pro-Staff Jig, also available from Outkast. So why these two jigs? Upon inspection, the answer is fairly obvious. First, both jigs offer a Mustad Ultra-Point hook, great skirt colors, and top quality paint finish that resists chipping. The key difference between these jigs and others on the market is that all Outkast jigs are lead-free.
Now the difference between the RT Jig and the Pro-Staff Jig is in the hook and the shape of the head. As mentioned, both feature Mustad hooks, but the RT Jig features a 30-degree line tie and an extra strong round bend hook. The head design features a sleek bullet head that slips right through weeds and wood. The 30-degree eye is great for traveling through heavy coontail, milfoil and hydrilla while the extra strong round bend hook will not budge or bend. In my testing and design of this jig, I have found it to be the best flipping and pitching jig I have ever used period.
For deep water jigging along weedlines or when using lighter action rods, I find the Pro-Staff jig to be a perfect fit. The wide-gap design of the hook provides for a solid hookset every time. The Pro-Staff jig features a tapered, wedge-shaped head, with flat sides, making it the perfect jig to skip under docks and other tight spaces. It also excels in grass and other similar types of cover. But perhaps the most unique feature of the Pro-Staff Jig is its stand-up design, which is almost impossible to find on a weed jig.
The type of cover you are fishing will also dictate the type of equipment that should be used. Many jig fisherman prefer a braided line such as Spiderwire and a heavy-action Fenwick flipping stick when fishing in and around heavy vegetation such as milfoil and hydrilla. On the other hand, many anglers use Medium or Medium action rods with a mono line similar to Trilene XT.
Novice and experienced jig fisherman alike will find that carrying just these two jigs, in various sizes and colors will allow them to effectively fish any type of cover. So if you're looking for the perfect jig for every situation, consider this two-pronged approach and add the RT Jig and Pro-Staff jig to your arsenal.
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