Selecting The Right Weight Jighead For Bream
Here's the breakdown of popular jighead weights for bream fishing, including their gram equivalents to help you make the best choice based on your fishing conditions.
1/20 oz Jighead (Approx. 1.4 grams)
When to Use: This ultra-lightweight jighead is ideal for shallow, calm waters with minimal current, like sheltered estuaries and bays. It allows for a slow, natural sink rate, giving bream more time to see and strike the lure.
Conditions: Best for shallow water (1-3 feet deep) with little to no current. Ideal in clear, shallow areas where a delicate presentation is required.
1/16 oz Jighead (Approx. 1.8 grams)
When to Use: A versatile option for shallow waters and light currents, this weight provides a controlled, natural sink rate that’s effective around structures like jetties and weed beds where bream often gather.
Conditions: Effective in shallow water (2-4 feet deep) with a light current. Ideal for low-light conditions or for bream around structure.
1/12 oz Jighead (Approx. 2.3 grams)
When to Use: Perfect for moderate depths and slightly stronger currents, this weight gives a quicker sink rate and is ideal for fishing along drop-offs or in channels where bream might be holding.
Conditions: Suitable for moderate depths (3-6 feet deep) or areas with moderate currents. Works well in estuaries and river systems with some water movement.
1/8 oz Jighead (Approx. 3.5 grams)
When to Use: This heavier jighead is ideal for deeper water or stronger currents. It allows you to reach the bottom quickly, making it a great choice for fishing in deeper channels, estuary mouths, or on windy days.
Conditions: Suitable for deeper waters (6-10 feet deep) or areas with stronger tidal currents. Ideal for fishing in estuary mouths, deeper river channels, and other high-current areas.
1/6 oz Jighead (Approx. 4.6 grams) - Occasional Use
When to Use: While less commonly used for bream, this weight can be helpful in very deep water or exceptionally strong current when you need to keep the lure near the bottom. It’s a go-to choice for challenging conditions where lighter jigheads won’t stay down.
Conditions: Use in very deep water (10+ feet) or areas with heavy currents. Good for fast-moving estuaries or offshore reefs.
Quick Jighead Weight Guide: Oz and Gram Comparison
| Jighead Weight (oz) | Jighead Weight (grams) | Best Conditions |
| 1/20 oz | 1.4 grams | Shallow water, minimal current |
| 1/16 oz | 1.8 grams | Shallow water, light current |
| 1/12 oz | 2.3 grams | Moderate depth, moderate current |
| 1/8 oz | 3.5 grams | Deeper water, stronger current |
| 1/6 oz | 4.6 grams | Deep water, heavy current |
Additional Tips for Jighead Selection
Adjust Based on Water Temperature: In warmer water, bream tend to be more active, so a slightly faster sink rate (using a heavier jighead) may work well. In colder water, a slower descent (lighter jighead) can be more effective.
Experiment with Retrieve Speed: In calm or shallow conditions, lighter jigheads with a slower sink rate can create a more enticing presentation. For faster-moving water, a heavier jighead may be necessary to keep the lure at the desired depth.
Match to Lure Size: Larger soft plastics are often paired with heavier jigheads, while smaller lures work best with lighter weights for a balanced, realistic presentation.
Choosing the right jighead weight based on these guidelines can make all the difference in your bream fishing success, enhancing your lure’s presentation and helping you catch more fish.
