You can move a jig as fast or as slowly as you wish, but realistically, jigs are moved rather slowly. If you move them too fast, they rise toward the surface. Of course, how fast they can be moved before they rise toward the surface depends on their weight and bulk. Heavy, slender jigs can be moved relatively quickly. Lighter or bulkier jigs must be moved slowly.

Leadheads used for muskie fishing, in most circumstances, should weigh at least 1 ounce. Anything lighter cannot be used in deep water, because some bulk is required to make it sink and work for you. Muskie jigs should be at least 5 inches in length, and if you are targeting big muskies, they can be even longer. Check shops and catalogs that cater to muskie, striper or saltwater anglers to find suitable muskie-sized jigheads and plastic bodies.

FISH ON! NOW WHAT?
The second, more challenging problem with jigging for muskies in weedbeds is hauling hooked muskies out of the weeds. Very strong line is necessary, at least 30-pound-test, and 50-pound-test is even better. You are not only dealing with the weight and strength of a thrashing muskie, but also the weight of entangling weeds. A battling muskie can twist a lot of weeds around the line. To thwart this problem, try one of the newer, fine-diameter, low-stretch braided lines. These cut through weeds better than monofilament or softer braided lines.

The deep-water ends of fallen trees are likely midday muskie haunts in most manmade reservoirs. These can be real jig eaters, though, and it is virtually impossible to keep a jig out of the limbs all the time. But if you can stay close to the outer edges of the limbs, you will hang up mostly on small limbs that can be easily snapped with strong, braided line.

Vertical jigging, of course, can minimize snags. Also, watch your sonar. You might be able to see both the limbs and your jig if you fish directly beneath the transducer.

It is very likely that a big muskie will completely engulf a jig. This makes it prudent to use a wire leader or risk losing the fish (and the jig) to the muskies' sharp teeth.

Color patterns for both jigs and jerkbaits should emulate natural forage during summertime, even more so than those you might use during spring or fall. One reason is that the water is usually clear. Combinations of black, brown, green or blue with silver or gold are excellent. Try to match a natural food, such as perch, suckers or carp. If you fish a lake that has a good trout population or a lot of shad, match their natural colors. Also, carry a few brighter, bolder colors in case you encounter stained water, and do not hesitate to try them in clear water if natural colors are not working.

Muskies are unpredictable, probably more than any other game fish. Even though jerkbaits are generally most productive during summer in low-light conditions, they might also be effective at midday. Also, jigs are not just for midday muskie fishing.

Most of the things you have read or heard about muskies, no matter how contradictory, are probably true to some extent. Learn from your own mistakes (and successes) and see where your experiences lead you.