Slowly swimming the jig back and forth is another tantalizing motion to incorporate into a jigging pattern. Hitting the lake properly equipped with rods, reels, and line is highly important. Small open face reels by Silstar, Diawa, and Shimano perform admirably. Pair your reel with a quality 24 to 36-inch rod. A good rod allows you to sense light bites and a jig moving up and down.
Strength is necessary to battle-big panfish with a narrow blank diameter and light line.
A fast tip engages instantaneous hook sets. Thorne Bros. Sweet Heart is a prized 28-inch graphite pole. Small diameter light line is also necessary. I prefer two-pound test strength Berkley Cold Weather line. Its soft enough to perform in a frozen environment, yet strong enough to tackle hefty bluegills if teamed with the right rod and reel.