Jiggin' Johnsons' Gilley 3.8" Finesse Soft Plastic Bait

When/Where: Outside weed edges, shallow grass lanes, docks, and wind-blown banks with small bait around.

How: Thread it straight and swim it just ticking cover. Add quick “half-second kills” after a deflection—then restart.

Why: The ribbing gives presence without a loud tail, so you get a clean minnow look that still feels alive.

Tuning: If it wants to roll, re-thread until dead straight. This bait rewards perfect rigging.

When/Where: Clear–stained water, points, marinas, and suspended fish over grass flats or brush.

How: Count it down, then slow-grind with occasional one-count stalls. Keep your rod tip down to hold depth.

Why: A small blade adds “find me” flash while the Gilley stays subtle—great when fish follow but won’t fully commit.

Tuning: If fish are nipping, slow down and extend the stall; let them catch up and eat.

When/Where: Vertical targets, shade lines, and deeper edges when you want the bait to hover in one lane.

How: Nose-hook and use tiny pulses—more fingertip than forearm. Let it glide and “breathe,” not dart.

Why: The 3.8" profile reads like real forage, but the action stays controlled for pressured fish.

Tuning: If you’re getting quick pecks, shorten the leader a bit to keep the bait tighter to the weight.

When/Where: Banks, rock seams, open-water points, and crappie edges where you want a simple “count down and swim” approach.

How: Count it to depth, slow-roll, then pause whenever you tick cover or feel the bait rise.

Why: The ribs push a little water at slow speed, so it stays convincing without needing aggressive rod work.

Tuning: In wind/current, go slightly heavier for control. In calm clear water, lighten up and lengthen the pause.

When/Where: Grass pockets, wood edges, and any place a jig head fouls but fish are still keyed on minnows.

How: Light weight if needed for depth control. Swim it through openings and let it glide on the drop.

Why: Weedless minnow profile that stays in the strike zone longer around cover.

Tuning: If it drifts too high in grass, add a touch more weight rather than speeding up.

When/Where: Sparse grass lanes, shallow weed edges, and around docks when you want a clean, stable swim.

How: Keep a steady retrieve and add brief stalls. A keel weight helps it track straight through chop.

Why: You get a minnow presentation that stays weed-friendly and doesn’t require constant correction.

Tuning: A dot of gel glue at the keeper can help the bait stay pinned and extend bait life.