Jig Fishing! How To Stroke A Jig!

This is how to stroke a jig, which is one of my favorite ways to fish a jig!
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I was born and raised in Chicago, but after working 12 years in the financial Industry regulating the futures and options markets at the CME/CBOT I decided to pursue my passion fishing professional tournaments and left my full time corporate job. At that point, I moved to Junction City, WI with my wife Sara and two boys Hank and Duke. I've been fishing professionally since 2011 and full-time since 2015. I've qualified for six MLF Championships and won roughly a half million in tournament winnings at the professional level.

[@briancarroll4333]

Showing a technique and catching fish using said technique is how it should be done. Great tip Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rafabonati7757]

I just watched this video either yesterday or two days ago. I knew that a jig needed to move, but didn’t know about stroking a jig. I fished today at Lake Champlain from the bank using a Dirty Jig and Z-Man Ned Craw. I gave it a double twitch lift and caught a very long and skinny smallmouth. Okay, it was actually a northern pike!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@dhjhawk]

I dont want to go to work now. These on the water videos where you're catching fish in the morning are costing me a lot of sick leave! 🤣

[@MattStefanFishing]

Might as well use the sick days/PTO days up!

[@dhjhawk]

@@MattStefanFishing I usually don't even call them PTO days, I call them fishing days. Lol

[@anthonywilletts7000]

I went kayak fishing this past weekend and picked up a swim jig as my second or third bait Saturday morning. I decided to try stroking the swim jig after watching this video and man did it pay off. Four fish later I had a fun and successful day. Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

That is awesome!

[@johnrayner5599]

I love the on the water lessons Matt, its great to see you on the water, that technic is deadly and works well I think everywhere. Thanks for taking the time to show us how its done.

[@codydulmes804]

Ditto John, I also love the on the water lessons!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I'm definitely trying to get out on the water more before the lakes freeze over

[@Ilovebananas12]

I am somewhat new to fishing (abt a year and a half in) and even newer to jig fishing. I really appreciated this no nonsense type of video with not a lot of yapping about the exact brand of jig you need and the exact strands of the skirt and such so thanks!

[@jelmo1057]

On the water tips are definitely my favorite, being able to visually see how you work the baits adds a lot of value and aid’s in understanding the proper technique. Thanks for taking the time and sharing this technique! Absolutely beautiful lake and area, I’m jealous!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

One of my favorite relaxing places!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Agreed! Seeing the exact techniques is much better than hearing about them in a tackle room. Talking about when and where to use a lure is fine in a room but seeing how to do it is infinitely more helpful.

[@robertbrost7777]

I'm way late on this one Matt but, it came up in my algorithm today. I used the stroking technique last Summer but, in a different way than this video. I used it once i get hung up in some grass and, I used it with a double pump to imitate an injured blue gill or a fleeing craw.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@Scott-se9yl]

I just came across your channel, and watched 90% of anglers fish a tube jig wrong. Thank you because I hardly use plastics, and I have a few bigger jigs and a bunch of small ones and had no idea on how to fish them. I mainly use lures & spinners and being in Wyoming bass are scarce. I hooked into a 17", 8 lb largemouth on a bluegill and one just as big on a Rooster Tail but now I know how to use jigs. Thank you very much!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to help

[@codydulmes804]

Great tip and love the on the water lesson too!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@335elkhunter]

Really really like the on the water instruction. Especially when the bass read the script. Lol. Please keep these coming.

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do...just need the ice to melt now.

[@tomjohnson8479]

Life jacket Matt! Killin me

[@MattStefanFishing]

I know...But I only went about 1/4 mile, but normally I always have it on.

[@tomjohnson8479]

Matt Stefan Fishing I lost a good friend on Tenkiller when I was stationed in Oklahoma in the late '70s. I just notice it more I guess

[@david.weston7911]

Never stroked a jig Love the on the water lessons from Ohio

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@juleswinnfield826]

Good info as always. Always like vids when guys shoot them from the deck of a boat.... ya more time away from home, logistics, scheduling, yada, yada. Vids from water on boat....big thumbs up. Good tips on jig trailers either slowing the fall or speeding it up. Ive found with practice that trimming the claws with scissors can increase the fall range of "1" craw bait vs. having 8 different craw baits in the boat. Craws that are designed with lots of kicking action are the best to work with. As simple as trimming the raised edges to cutting the entire claw is half depending upon the goal. Plus this caiters to the concept of "Something Different" in terms of baits. Thanks for the vid, appreciate your efforts.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@nellieupnorth4960]

Great video! Jigs and Jerkbaits I just can't seem to click... Thanks for the tips . SWEET Hoodie!!! That thing is sharp

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Striker has them available now I believe to everyone!

[@andys1170]

Mullets sharp as well

[@jeffcroppereastside9943]

I am going to learn stroking jigs on my next outing with those techniques I’m sure it will great thx Matt.for a great video.keep them coming peace

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@rmccrna1]

Still the BEST intro music

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@howtosavemoneyonbill]

You're quickly becoming my favorite pro brother. You're just the best. Keep it up.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Wow, thanks

[@lizmaurer3830]

I sure appreciate your videos. They help people improve their quality of life. Thank you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Glad to help!

[@jamierice3189]

Seriously Matt.. your channel is on of the absolute best fishing channels on KZbin.. its loaded with great tips and info.. I will definitely be trying this..

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@willperryman4559]

That’s a fundamental perfect technique and you did an excellent job proving it Matt 😜👍😎 WooHoo 🎉 Thanks for your channel and tutorials

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kanejude9063]

Great tips Matt on stroking a jig. I really enjoyed the video 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@josephhrnciar9376]

A lesson with a BASS……can’t beat that!! Thanks again Matt!! Great stuff!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you liked it!!

[@paulksicinski6181]

Just came across this video. Great video. If you were talking about walleye fishing, you would be using the Snap Jigs

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good call!

[@bryanmasters5423]

Awesome tip! Love fishing a jig. On the water tip was awesome, gives a better perspective to see how the tips work when on the water and see a actual fish catch! Thanks for sharing!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@burdettehoeppner1062]

Great job on video and demonstrating the technique. Ive never done this tecnique but i can see its hugh potential on the lakes i fish. Keep making these great learning videos.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edpelkey7798]

Thanks Matt, great info 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@WesleyKennedy]

I absolutely LOVE technique videos and where/when/how to fish them with the dealing cadence!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@HBeretta]

the video content lately...well always...but lately...crushing it!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@markbelanger1093]

Great video. So much credibility by showing the entire cast. Much better then cutting to a pre-hooked fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheRealLifeoutdoors]

I came here to tell you that I have subscribed solely because of hearing you talk about how you like to help others rather than being tight lipped on tactics. Just want you to know it’s appreciated

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks so much for the support!

[@williamwhitaker2928]

Had one of my biggest days on the water in Hayward when i caught the biggest fish in the 1956 Musky Festival kids fishing contest at a little lake in town.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That's awesome!

[@chrisboyd1408]

I really enjoy seeing you showing the demonstration on the water please keep it up

[@MattStefanFishing]

You got it!

[@andys1170]

My favorite walleye fishing method

[@MattStefanFishing]

Walleyes love a snap!

[@manofthehour1983]

All my biggest bass caught on jigs were on the initial fall. This technique of recreating a first fall multiple times in one cast is game changing. Awesome vid - Joe from NY

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it helped!

[@craigstevens9734]

Very helpful glad I got to see

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@bigmikefishingchonicles9950]

Thank you so much for showing this I have heard people talk about it but never knew how to do it most of the time I swim a jig I caught one yesterday he was 3.52 he stop the jig in his tracks all I felt was a big thump and my line going to the right again thanks for showing this I am gonna try it

[@MattStefanFishing]

I love the feeling of the big thump!

[@michaelmartin6695]

I really like your show

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@rorimarston3385]

Matt Superb instruction! I seldom feel jig bites you explaining why watching the line is important opened my eyes. Thank you very much - I will be fishing jigs all weekend to try to develop this technique. I really enjoy your on the water fishing videos so I can watch your hand and rod techniques.. Thank you Rori

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful! Ill try to do more before the lakes freeze over.

[@rorimarston3385]

@@MattStefanFishing Matt I retired and moved to Texas I don’t do snow or frozen any more. 😁 From A little North of Houston. Thx Rori

[@jamescaspersamanthalintner4767]

I stroke a ned rig just like this and it works. Done it with tubes also. It's a cool bite

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep smallies will gobble them up

[@papapump5738]

Thank's. Matt. Great gig. Seminar. I fish the cal. Delta. 25 years. You and. Blanket. Intuitive. Fishing are very. Good. Teachers. I want to be a. Good jig. Fisherman. So I go to your. School to learn. Gig. Fishing. Also. I used to lower my rod. Slowly. After casting the. Gig out. There. Not good. You have. Super. Educational. Show's. Matt. Stay. Working. For us. Out. In. You tube. Land. Your. The. Best. Gene. From the. California. Delta

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks so much for your support!

[@cheesemaster1993]

I am done wasting my time watching all the other people’s videos because all I need is your channel. I might start hitting some of the local tournaments to see if I can put all your tips to good use. Heck - who knows - I might see you on the circuit!! Watch out buddy.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I appreciate that

[@learningtofish7036]

Finally, a tutorial with results. Good job.

[@soonerfan1675]

A technique that I’ve ive heard of but never tried. You convinced me that it works. I’ll give it a try next time.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good luck!

[@mikeantes9597]

Thanks for taking the time to help us all to become better at this technique .

[@MattStefanFishing]

No problem!

[@thekidfishing5745]

Great video really appreciate that you were on the boat. Also last 2 videos on bait casting really helped me. I’ve been hesitant about using them and have focused on learning how to this summer. THANK YOU

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad I can help!

[@larryn1929]

I just learned a new technique! And you proved it worked!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@bigredbass7898]

This is great stuff. Your explanation about creating multiple first falls is the first time ive heard it explained that way. Awesome that helps a lot!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ukstorm2727]

Definitely going to add this technique to my game, appreciate the information

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertcook8187]

Great video I love stoking a jig could you do a video on hair jigs thanks again

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sure can!

[@FiciousCritik]

Perfect instruction on stroking jigs. I knew about stroking a jig, but I needed to see it done. I've not been doing it correctly, gratitude to Matt. So, feeling the bite is NOT to be expected, just a line twitch ... right?

[@MattStefanFishing]

correct. watch your line for any unusual movement. you will feel some in the rod as well but not all bites in the rod.

[@robertstone3417]

This was one of your most exciting videos with magnificent information. I watched it twice I enjoyed it so much. Spontaneously catching fish while you teach. It doesn't get any better than that. I love to be up and on the water that early as well. So refreshing!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was fun morning!

[@rocks1954]

Hey Matt, Playing catchup on your videos. I never heard of stroking a jig. Thanks for sharing. Your technique is so smooth, it gives me something to work on!! Just can't beat on the water lessons. I Definitely have homework to do!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@williamschneider6811]

I will definitely try this, I usually drag or hop my jigs. Thanks for a great tip, as usual. I live in South Central Mississippi, in west Hattiesburg. So, your tips work well down here. Have a great day and be safe.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@stephenknight7601]

I understand line watching but have been asked by many people how to do it. Might be hard to do a video on it. But if you could might be very helpful. I think bite detection is a major thing that many people don’t understand they wait for tug and missed 70percent of fish. Thanks great informative videos

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep thats a good topic to discuss! THanks!

[@jonathandiehl8006]

Thanks for the info on the multi species live bait rods on instagram. Would love to see a video on lures for pike or cross over smallie/pike lures!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Will do! Thanks for the channel support!

[@SHOJA1284]

🙏

[@crowe1974]

I'll definitely be trying that nest time I go fishing. Thanks for the tip

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck

[@paulpierce5566]

And the plan comes together! Awesome. Great technique. 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

I agree that with most baits you get the most bites as the bait falls. I am a bank angler in South Africa and my biggest bass was caugt just as my bait started falling.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Its the best way to get a reaction strike!

[@normanham6142]

Good stuff again Matt! Thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@Dubpommie]

Thanks matt, i was wondering about this very topic!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Happy to help!

[@pauladriano8300]

Your Best video yet !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Im going to try to do more like this before the lakes freeze up

[@treywheeler8365]

U tell too much Stefan Great job I love your stufff

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@mikegardiner3934]

terrific jig stroking tutorial, Matt!! I need to do this more!

[@MattStefanFishing]

It really is good!

[@MatthewMichaelC]

Thank you!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You're welcome!

[@itllkeal]

Nice one. Thanks

[@stevenbrown5572]

Great technique! Never heard of it but will be using it. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrisduffy2737]

I've been trying to stroke a jig to catch striped bass here on Chesapeake Bay. I have had some difficulty because the tide moves the jig making feeling the bottom more difficult. The way I've been taught it to snap that jig immediately as it hits the bottom. I'll try your tips. Thank you. I found out there will be a Bassmaster Open on The Bay next year (2022). I will follow you if you fish it. Good luck.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Im considering it

[@stephanelavoie2258]

Will go and try this tomorrow….. thank you 🙏🏻

[@MattStefanFishing]

Best of luck!

[@erichoffman2014]

hell yes! Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@OldMysticFantasist]

Very nice explanation & demonstration! Thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AddictedAngler]

I definitely have to try this , thanks for sharing

[@MattStefanFishing]

You should!

[@johngalt3568]

Good lesson Matt. Thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@lyndeen]

Enjoyed the instruction. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnnyweaver1300]

I definitely will be trying this, thanks!👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Have fun!

[@anthonygehl3563]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

No problem!!

[@brettturner5780]

Really good tip Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zman7779]

Love the "on the water" instruction videos. Fairly new to bass fishing and have never stroked a jig. What exactly am I looking for in my line to detect a bite? Rewatched videos and just can't tell what you're seeing. Love all your content, thank you so much! And that hoodie rocks!

[@zman7779]

Okay I really love that hoodie how do I get one?

[@MattStefanFishing]

your line will pop when you get a bite

[@skyocean639]

Nice video.Good work Love it.❤thanks for the lesson

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@timg185]

Perfect timing for this video. I was just wondering if this would be a good technic in the fall to create a reaction strike. Because fishing can be so tough.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It definitely can be. Works year round with the right conditions.

[@johnlantz7278]

They are all big.some larger than others ,do large hair jigs work the same at this time, tied some for walleye in larger weights to try,great on the water today ,tight lines

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes they do

[@lakeforkwiring]

Thanks for the break down your vids are awesome ... would you try that with a bladed jig ???

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet! But i fish it a little different. Ill do a video on it once the ice melts here in wisconsin

[@ro-cl2do]

Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

You betcha!

[@johnm2617]

Pretty much like snap n tube **** These warm water conditions in October have realy made tough fishing ! Here in the northeast ! 64° the end of oct ! Sick of scratch n my head !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Similar to tube snapping

[@stevekeen7035]

Good video Matt. How far off the bottom do you expect that jig to come up each time you stroke it?

[@MattStefanFishing]

4-6 ft

[@bassingaround3233]

no on the heavy grass Florida lake , if you do that here by by lure

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ive done it with good success in florida on the weed edges and shell bars

[@bassingaround3233]

Matt you are a pro I'm no even the average , you know what now I realize I'm the problem not the grass 😄

[@bassingaround3233]

@@MattStefanFishing thank for take you time in answer me

[@maureenw2151]

Great video and great tip. What line were you using? THX

[@MattStefanFishing]

15 lb berkley 100% fluorocarbon

[@tjwilliamson7882]

Excellent video and information! Thanks for showing that along with everything else you provide 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kurtdaum9796]

Thanks for the great content again. Here in northeast Nebraska I fish a lot of milfoil and grass. What line do you recommend using with this technique?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I like braid Berkley X5 braid if im punching thick milfoil and 15lb 100% fluorocarbon if im fishing sparse milfoil

[@johncoopes1056]

Awesome

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@tonyb-50]

👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@tragikk03]

You live around the potomac area, right? Do you ever meet up with people from here in real life? I've been bass fishing around the Potomac (and other waters near NoVA) for about 5 years now (have "normal" fished my whole life, though) and I really think having some sort of mentor would help me elevate my game - your advice aligns with some of the other hammers I trust, like Matt Allen and Tim Little; you all just seem honest and I respect that a ton.

[@tragikk03]

Interesting, you throw dirty jigs too... I heard about their stuff from Matt Allen years ago and I have grown to trust them. I've slowly replaced all my jigs with DJ stuff.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i live in wisconsin

[@tragikk03]

@@MattStefanFishing ah, gotcha. I must have misheard you when you guys were here for the tournament

[@sebastiansiebiedzinski7460]

Lo e it what you are doing. Good job

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@_bilski]

Can you elaborate on boat positioning?? From what I see on the electronics and direction of the trolling motor it looks like your casting into the weed line and striking out?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thats correct. I prefer to stay deeper casting at the weedline and bring the jig back to me in deeper water.

[@jimmybrown9563]

Thanks Matt this is great info. I’m curious how this differs from fishing a big flutter spoon. Seems to be similar.

[@MattStefanFishing]

it is similar. like i mentioned in the video you can do this with lots of baits. but i was fishing grass edges and a spoon probably would not have worked well

[@Zellamo1]

Good video matt. Im going to a lake tomorrow here in SE WI that holds big bass but there is a ton of pike. I mean 20-30 pike caught for every bass lol. Any tricks on how to bypass the pike?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Use dark colors and slow moving baits should help but you cant truly get around them

[@twiggsherman3641]

Never ever had good luck with jigs. Started tying my own last winter as a hobby, and it took til this fall before I started catching fish on them. I'd always just revert back to a neko or wacky senko after a half hour of nothing. Caught my biggest fish of the year on one a week ago. Was just casting out and hopping it along. I'll have to give this a shot instead. There's something more fulfilling catching fish on something ya tied yourself.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I love catching fish on baits/rods I make!

[@johncloud2851]

Awesome video. Need more of these type of videos. Question... Are you right handed or left? I have noticed throughout your videos that you have both left and right hand retrieve reels. Reasons for that...?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Both! Here's a video I did on why a long time ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWene2BonMmtpcU

[@fishingkid8467]

Great video! Thank you sir!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!