[Gerry Zagorski]

Fishing an Ava is usually done by drifting. Drop your Ava down so it makes contact with the bottom and reel it in a few cranks to keep it just above the bottom to avoid snags. As you drift along you sweep the rod tip up and let the jig flutter back down, once again keeping it close to but not on the bottom to avoid snags. You'll find most of the time your hits will come as the jig is fluttering back down.

This does require some work since you'll constantly be working the jig and re positioning the boat so you're drifting over productive bottom. The other plus to drifting is you cover more ground and this makes it easier to locate fish as opposed to committing to a spot and anchoring up.

If you find a consistent mother load as you drift, you can always anchor up and bait fish and work that particular area.

Drifting does require the right conditions. A slight wind or current to keep the boat moving is what you want. If it's really windy your drifts may become too fast anchoring might be the better choice.