What You Should Do When Bass Go Deep (infographic)

On many bodies of water during the winter, fall, and summer month’s bass and baitfish migrate to deep offshore structure in search of cooler or warmer waters. A few simple adjustments to your fishing gear and cast will have you tackling bass, even when they go deep.

A favorite jig for many fishermen is the football jig for fishing deep water and structure. We've compiled a list of our favorite football jigging gear and fishing tactics in this informative infographic to help you get started.

Get the Right Fishing Gear

Fishing Rod and Reel: Abu Garcia MLF Baitcast Combo Medium Heavy rod 6'8" to 7'6" Heavy depending on the weight of the jig. The longer rod allows for better hook setting ability. Reel Gear rations of 6.4:1 or 7.1:1 help retrieve long casts and improve line tension.

Fishing Line: Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line. Fluorocarbon line allows you to feel light bites and bites in deep water. Also, less stretch allows for better hook sets in the deeper water. The line weight will depend on the density of the cover and cleanness of water. Fishing line in 12,14 or 17 pound test works best.

Fishing Jig: Bass Pro Shops Enticer Pro Series Football Jigs or the Bass Pro Shops Enticer Pro Series Football Jigheads. A football-shaped jig head "walks" through rocks and cover easily. The shape also keeps the hook and trailer riding upward. The best weights for deep water fishing: 1/2 oz., 5/8 oz., 3/4 oz., and 1 oz.

Jig Trailer: Bass Pro Shops XPS Double Tail Grubs. Rigging a football jig (back) with double tail grubs adds swimming action. Be sure to match the jig trailer to the jig color.

Now Go Fishing - Cast Long and Go Deep

Position your boat for a long cast just beyond the cover. Pay careful attention to your fishing line as the jig sinks; this is often time when the bass strike. Once the jig hits the bottom, small hops of the jig during the retrieve sometimes get the fish to strike.