How to Go Jug Line Fishing

One of the most innovative ways that I have seen people fish is by that of jug line fishing. I had often heard of it but, had never seen it done. In the movie "Jaws". we saw the men going after the "Great White Shark," putting out buoys with long lines on them. The main line was then connected to all of them.

Well jug line fishing is similar. To do it correctly though you need a boat. The boat is used to set the jugs out and to collect them along with the fish. You can also change the bait on them and reset them easier by using a boat also.

A jug line is made up this way. You take a plastic jug and glue the caps on with a good type of water resistant glue. You get a magic marker and write your name on it. Sometimes you might even put your address and phone number on it. Some game wardens prefer this. This is so you and others can identify your jug lines. This is very important if you are fishing around others the same way.

Next you put on your lines. You tie them through the plastic handle. The lines can be anywhere from one to five feet long. They can be even longer if you are fishing on the bottom for Catfish. Remember Catfish are scavengers they stay and feed close to the bottom of a stream or pond. Next you put on your hook. You only need one hook per line. This is so they don't get tangled up. Then you just put on the type of bait you use. The bait should be live bait and needs to be changed regularly for success. The type of bait you use varies with what you are fishing for. If you are after Bluegill or Bass, you can use worm, dough bait, grasshoppers, bugs, or minnows. If you are fishing deep for Catfish, then you need something that scavengers like to eat. You can use liver, cottonseed, chicken gizzards, worms, or something that has blood in it.

You next take the jug lines out in your boat and start placing them out in the pond or lake. Notice I said pond or lake. There is very little current in these two types of bodies of water. They are the ideal place for jug fishing. It is possible to put out jugs in a stream where the current isn't strong but, they need to be secured to a tree or bank. This is so they don't drift downstream and can't be found.

After you have your jug lines placed out, you then run them every two to three hours. By this I mean, you get in your boat and check each one that you have placed out. If fish are on them you take them off and re-bait your line and reset it out again. Fish that get hooked run with the jug line and eventually tire out. This makes it easier for the fisherman to bring them in.

When you are finished fishing for the day, you collect all your jug lines from the pond or area that you were fishing. You don't leave them out. People that leave their jug lines out when they are done is very inconsiderate of others. Many times a Game Warden will identify who left them out and fine them.

Jug fishing is an excellent and exciting way to fish. Some good size fish have been caught off of jug lines. If you are fishing in someones private lake or pond, it is best to explain what your goals are ahead of time. Some have livestock that use these ponds or lake and get concerned over the use of jug lines. Animals can get tangled up in them rather easily. Most farmers don't care yet their are others that have concerns about the safety of their animals.

If you have never tried jug line fishing, give it a try. You may find this style of fishing rewarding as well as exciting. It gives you a chance to fish all over a pond instead of just one particular area.