Smallmouth hair jigs?

[Jig_Man]

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?

[basscat21]

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.

[Jig_Man]

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

[basscat21]

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

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.....

[Runsome]

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.....

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.

[pabasshawk]

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

[basscat21]

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.

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.....

[Runsome]

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.....

Great advice - thank you very much!

[SPOONMINNOW]

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