[VIDEO] Why Weight Size Matters with FFS Baits

In this video, professional angler Joey Cifuentes explains why weight selection makes or breaks your Damiki Rig setup. Also known as a hover rig or jig and minnow, this presentation depends on getting your bait to hang naturally above the fish. Cifuentes stresses that too heavy of a jig head can ruin your chances by sending the bait past suspended bass before they have time to react. Choosing the correct weight keeps the bait at eye level, maintaining a realistic profile that triggers strikes.

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Matching Weight to Fish Depth

When fishing suspended bass, Cifuentes matches his jig head to the depth zone. For fish holding 10 to 15 feet down, he prefers a 3/16-ounce jig to maintain a slow, natural hover. For deeper fish, in 20 to 30 feet, he bumps up to a 1/4-ounce head for better control and feel. These small changes ensure your bait stays in the strike zone longer and looks more natural to bass feeding on shad or small minnows.

Adjusting for Cast Distance and Control

Cifuentes also highlights how casting distance and line control play a big role in how your Damiki Rig performs. Longer casts require slightly heavier weights to maintain contact and control in deeper water. In contrast, shorter pitches to shallow, suspended fish benefit from lighter jig heads that fall slowly and glide naturally. He explains that understanding how your line angle, wind, and water depth interact with your jig weight helps you stay connected to your bait at all times. That connection makes it easier to feel bites and react quickly when a bass commits.

How to Keep Your Bait in the Strike Zone

A balanced jig and minnow combo should never fall too fast or dart unnaturally. Cifuentes keeps his rod movements subtle, allowing the bait to “hover” above suspended fish. This realistic motion mimics dying baitfish—something bass can’t resist.

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