Kerry
Jigging is a confidence game. If you believe then you are expecting and if you are expecting then you are ready. What happens to the novice is they are getting bit but don't perceive it and fail to react.

They fail to recognize a bite because they don't "feel" that subtle "tick" when it happens. And why not, you might ask? Simple, they don't place their forefinger on the line. Yup, that's it. To feel that little bite it must come through your finger which is always applying a slight pressure to the line.

So, your holding the rod with one hand (spinning is much preferred) and your forefinger is extended and cupping the line upward toward the rod. Rods now become important.....jigging rods are shorter, lighter and a little bit stiff with some flex at the tip. 5.5 to 6 is ideal and comfortable to handle.

Now you can feel a bite, count to 1 and snap your wrist and your fish is on. Simple!

As per the actual jigging motion? Emulate the creatures in the water. For example, a wounded minnow might make 2 or 3 six inch kicks and then slowly float downward. So, snap your rod two or three times upward about six inches and then gently lower your rod as if your lure is nearly weightless. Strikes often come on the gentle lowering. You do have your finger on the line right? If not they will strike and then spit it out (Puteuy!) and you will have missed Your chance.

Bear in mind that your jig can imitate all sorts of critters. When the water is cold those critters move slower and consequently so should your jig. Visualize a crawfish.....kick, kick, kick and then nearly motionless. Piece of cake!

Vary the action until you find what works wether slow or fast. A friend of mine related an experience he had in sylvania wilderness area. He got the big small mouths to bite through radical jigging......snapping the rod very quickly some 2 of 3 feet in the air and letting it drop very quickly. Reaction bites.....

But consider carefully when to employ your jig. They are not such a good fish finding tool but rather a fish catching tool. Find them with a crank bait and catch them with a jig.