Smallmouth hair jigs?

I have tied thousands of buck tail jigs for hybrids, white bass and walleye but haven’t for smallmouth. Last winter I was introduced to a highland reservoir that has lots of smallmouth. I used swim baits and Ned rigs for them but I want to try some hair jigs this winter.

I’m thinking keep it simple so a few colors (black, black/purple, brown, brown/orange). Will that cover the basics? I have modified a mold to get a head that I like. So far 1/8 oz is all that I have poured.

With my other jigs less hair was better. I don’t know about these. Here is one that I have tied. Please critique it so I can proceed with confidence.

Do you use chenille or not?

Take it for what its worth, I tied 2-3,000 a year for a long time, selling. 30+ molds. This is the one that I sold, mind you I would mold many other heads, but this has a more horizontal look in the water. Had many 15-20 doz standing orders. I dont sell any more, and stuggle with getting time at the bench now.

https://i.postimg.cc/tgC1MKZb/20200928-130213.jpg

So more hair? What kind of trailer do you like?

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Originally Posted by Jig_Man

So more hair? What kind of trailer do you like?

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I believe there should be more hair on yours, and please remember its all preference. some like it short some like long... ETC. I am a strong 101 pork user.... but the small Zman ned craw is nice size and Tiny packa craw. I had guys that swore by a Slider worm as a trailer. Note that hair, will keep any scent longer than plastic. If you get into feathers the paste or gel type scent only on the collar not on the feathers.....

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Originally Posted by basscat21

I believe there should be more hair on yours, and please remember its all preference. some like it short some like long... ETC. I am a strong 101 pork user.... but the small Zman ned craw is nice size and Tiny packa craw. I had guys that swore by a Slider worm as a trailer. Note that hair, will keep any scent longer than plastic. If you get into feathers the paste or gel type scent only on the collar not on the feathers.....

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This is really interesting. Thanks! So if you’re using a marabou or synthetic hair jig, where is best to apply gel scent? I’ve always wondered if getting it on the hair impedes its action.

I like the darter style head with the vertical line tie like basscat21 shows, also don't like a weed guard.

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Originally Posted by Runsome

This is really interesting. Thanks! So if you’re using a marabou or synthetic hair jig, where is best to apply gel scent? I’ve always wondered if getting it on the hair impedes its action.

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Gel on the collar, liquids doak into the hair and no effect. Had one guy that put tge hair jigs in tupperware with riverside real craw.....

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Originally Posted by basscat21

Gel on the collar, liquids doak into the hair and no effect. Had one guy that put tge hair jigs in tupperware with riverside real craw.....

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Great advice - thank you very much!

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