What is “jug fishing”?

Jug Fishing is a technique that catfishers have been using for years and is a simple and inexpensive way to catch a lot of fish in a short amount of time. Most commonly used when fishing for Channel or Blue Catfish, jug fishing is fast-paced and is a great way to get your children interested in fishing. In jug fishing, you need bait, a boat and a jugline. A jugline is a large float (such as a 2 liter bottle) that has fishing line extending from it and a weight on the bottom. On that line, you tie anywhere from 2 to 5 baited hooks. When placing the hooks, you’ll want to stagger them on the line. Juglines are very easy to move and just as easy to retrieve. The float on your jugline can either be anchored or free floating. With a free floating jug, you simply allow the jug and the baited hooks to float with the current, giving out enough line to let it move freely. It’s important to stay close to the line so you can pick it up as soon as you get a strike. Another technique is using an anchored jugline which is different from a free floating jug only in that you tie a 1 or 2 pound anchor to the bottom of the line. This anchor will hold your jug in one place and will eliminate the possibility of your jug taking off across the lake when you get a fish. While you can purchase commercial juglines, most fishermen would rather make their own. There are hundreds of ways to do so and a little internet research is the best way to find one that works for you. In most states, you are required to tag a jugline with your name and address if you leave it unattended.