Shimano Butterfly Jig Techniques

Using Shimano Butterfly jigs to fish is quite similar to using standard jigs to fish, except for some important differences. Shimano Butterfly jigs are typically used by fishermen on boats. The type of fish desired determines which jig to use; the jig should provide the appropriate action, or movement, to which the target fish is attracted. Predatory fish usually respond well to darting actions while bottom-feeders prefer slower actions. The shape, color and weight of an appropriate jig depends on the body of water. Shimano's Butterfly jig system encompasses most jigs a saltwater or freshwater angler may consider.

  1. Flat-Side Jig

    • A Shimano Butterfly flat-side jig is used to fish for bottom-feeders such as catfish and grouper and fish that stay below 150 feet. The jig's flat-side design allows it to remain in deep water or close to the bottom when you apply action to the lure. The lure exerts pressure on the water during the retrieve so that it stays deep, right where the fish are located. The more time a lure stays in the fishes' zone, the more chance fish will bite the lure. After you cast the flat-side jig and allow it to sink naturally to the bottom, avoid excessively long snaps of the wrist. Use short, quick flicks instead to ensure the lure stays near the bottom and to make the jig appear as if it is in injured fish. High-speed conventional reels are less important when using a Shimano Butterfly flat-side jig because less retrieval is involved.

    Shallow-Water Jig

    • As its name implies, the Shimano Butterfly shallow-water jig is designed for use in shallow water. You also may use it to attack predatory fish such as mackerel and large-mouth bass. The lure's highly accentuated actions result in more water vibration than other jigs, which attracts more predatory fish because they respond to great disturbance in the water. Jigs also mimic easy prey: a small injured fish. Use the shallow-water jig from a boat, and cast toward the shore so that when you flick your wrist the jig is drawn into deeper water, away from the bottom. Jigging in this way helps to keep the hook from being snagged on an obstruction. Using a high-speed reel is helpful with this jib. Many predatory fish like to see fast actions and retrieval, and high-speed conventional reels help to attain fast speeds without too much stress on the angler.

    Shore Usage

    • Casting a Shimano Butterfly jig upstream while on shore eventually sends the lure past you. That allows more time before you have to re-cast. No matter which lure you use, the application of the action is the same: short, quick jerks followed by an immediate reeling in of the slack in the line. When you feel the lure touch the bottom, apply the action again. A few short snaps of the wrist mimic the motion of dying prey, which attracts fish. Reeling in the slack in the line allows you to feel fish bite the jig. Wait five or 10 seconds after you feel a fish bite and then jerk the jig again, reel in the slack and wait. Shimano Butterfly jigs work well with that technique, but they are more tailored for fishing in deeper water for larger game or from a fishing vessel where the fishing is more versatile.

    Cleanup

    • Washing a jig with fresh water after use is imperative. Saltwater and certain mineral-rich fresh water may erode the lure's finish. A simple dousing in faucet water suffices. Jigs should be kept out of sunlight when not in use so that their color does not fade.