Trying to get a consensus on best jigs to use in 10 to 20 feet of water
in spring.

As a general rule I like 1/8-1/4 oz in that depth depending on wind. 1/16 or 1/8 under 10 ft.

As far as makers I like fireballs or lindy live bait jigs for live bait and anything with a big long shank hook when using artificials. VMC makes some good ones.

live bait or plastics?

1/4 - 3/8 Northland Fireball

I have and use a lot of the Northland jigs, fireball, gold, silver and black. I use leeches with them.

Generally, the smallest jig that conditions (wind, current, depth) allow for while still keeping in contact with it is what will work best. For me, that's anywhere between 1/32 and 1 oz. Fish care about a natural looking presentation they can locate and eat, but they don't care about manufacturers. Avoiding cheap hooks is the most important part of selecting a jig. I often buy local brands that look good.
Use an anchor or drift sock.

1/8-1/4 oz jigs when anchored. 3/8 when drifting.

I don't hear anyone talk about them, but I like slopoke jigs. They are uniquely shaped and I wonder if they present uniquely too.



Slopoke Jigs

Thanks for the feedback. This forum is superb. May you all catch lots of
fish this coming season.

1/8-1/4 as stated above. Lindy live bait jigs for live bait (or gulp leeches), Kalin's, fireballs, roadrunner pros, or VMC for plastics. I have some standup jigs similar to the slopoke (I heard they're specifically really good for rip jigging), but I haven't been in good conditions to do that since I bought them.

agree on the weights- agree on a quality hook on the jig (most times red, but not always- and fish like red imo as mimics blood and/or they can't see it as much as a black hook )--- but if your using a jig under a slip bobber (which I don't reccm-- use a #4 red hook) but for weight to get down with the jig , get short shank jig heads, or live bait heads. Less wire means bait looks better. my .02

schweady: "1/4 - 3/8 Northland Fireball
"

These are what I generally use as well with a couple colors of 1/2 jigs thrown in when I'm laker fishing.

Early spring , cold water , the lighter the better for a slow drop. 1/16 black 2" twister tail can be the ticket.

lundojam: "Generally, the smallest jig that conditions (wind, current, depth) allow for while still keeping in contact with it is what will work best. For me, that's anywhere between 1/32 and 1 oz. Fish care about a natural looking presentation they can locate and eat, but they don't care about manufacturers. Avoiding cheap hooks is the most important part of selecting a jig. I often buy local brands that look good.
Use an anchor or drift sock."

Agree with the weights. I like the VMC Moon eye jigs, northland fireball, and the reel bait walleye flasher.

T

We don't go north without a good supply of Captain Redbeard jigs.

I think the consensus is to use a variety of sizes depending on conditions and depth. You want a light, natural, live presentation. You need to keep contact with the jig and in contact with bottom. Be prepared to loose jigs. Change size and presentation and colors often. Tip your jig with plastics and/or live bait.