Skirted jigs come in just about any color combination under the sun. Most manufacturers offer upwards of 20 different skirt colors, from tame to wild. This can be frustrating for beginners or anglers on a budget; as with all the options out there how does one decide which to use, and when?

The truth is – there are only 4 jig color patterns that you need to have. Set yourself up with a couple jigs in each of the following colors, and you’ll be all set 99 percent of the time, anywhere bass swim, under any water conditions.

Here they are, and when to use each jig color:

Contrast/Black & Blue



From south to north, as long as you’ve got at least a little stain to the water – a black and blue jig will get bit. Black and blue offers the ultimate in contrast, which gives bass a target any time the water’s got some stain. Use a black and blue jig in dirty water, during low light conditions, and anytime around vegetation.

Bluegill/Green Pumpkin



Bass eat tons of bluegill, and a green pumpkin jig is a deadly bluegill imitator. Use a green pumpkin jig any time the bass are feeding on bluegills, regardless of water color. Try adding a little chartreuse dye to the tip of whatever trailer you thread on – as bluegills have iridescent tails.

Crawfish/Brown



Most crawfish are some derivation of green or brown, so make sure you have a supply of brown jigs. Dragging a brown jig around rocks, shells, and wood is a great way to get bit, particularly in clear water.

Baitfish/White



A white or baitfish colored jig skirt is a deadly tool when you suspect the bass in your lake are feeding on shad or other baitfish. The obvious application for white is on a swim jig, but don’t be afraid to flip and pitch a white jig either. Bait fish live in laydowns as well, and a white jig does a great job imitating a baitfish flashing through a snag.