Football Jig
Jig — football head
The football jig has a wide head that walks over rock without wedging and stands the trailer up like a feeding craw. Dragged on points, ledges and rock, it is one of the best big-bass and smallmouth baits on clear Central Texas lakes.
Why: The big-bass rock crawler.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Football Jig · Offshore / Ledge Fishing · All bass lures
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
Why it works
It perfectly mimics a crawfish crawling on rock — the top big-fish forage on rocky Central Texas lakes.
Brands that make this style: Dirty Jigs No-Jack Football, Strike King Tour Grade Football, Santone Rattlin' Football
As an Amazon Associate, Texas Hawgs earns from qualifying purchases.
Football Jig at a glance
- Family
- Jig
- Sizes
- 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz, 1 oz
- Weights
- 1/2-1 oz
- Water temp
- 45-88°F
- Skill level
- ●●●○○
- Bryan's confidence
- ●●●●●
Catches: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
When to throw it
Best seasons: Summer, Fall, Winter
Best conditions: Summer Heat / Dog Days, Post-Frontal / Bluebird
Where to throw it
Depth: 8-30 ft; cover: Rock, Open; structure: Points, Ledges, Humps, Rock.
How to fish it
Rig it with: Football Jig, Offshore / Ledge Fishing.
Retrieve: Slow bottom drag with the rod, pausing at rocks so the trailer stands and kicks.
Color selection
By water clarity — Clear: green pumpkin, brown · Stained: black-blue
By forage — Craw: green pumpkin, brown-orange
Lakes where it produces
Lake Buchanan · Inks Lake · Lake Marble Falls · Lady Bird Lake · Lake Belton · Lake O.H. Ivie
Common mistakes
- Hopping instead of dragging
- Head too light for deep rock
- Missing the subtle "just heavy" bite
Pro tips
- Match the trailer to the local crawfish
- Fluoro line gives feel and a better hookset on the drag
From Bryan's logbook
Based on Bryan Cotter's on-the-water observations.
Belton is the best smallmouth lake in Central Texas, and a very good largemouth lake too - I've caught a 10.13 pound bass here myself. The clear Corps water is a big part of why the smallmouth thrive.
Lady Bird Lake is the best jig lake around, right in the center of Austin. I've won plenty of bass club tournaments here and know where the big ones live.
Keep exploring
All bass lures · Football Jig · All techniques · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Want to catch 'em on a Football Jig? All tackle is provided on a guided trip. See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.