As ice out approaches rapidly, so too does the finesse style of fishing needed to coax pre-spawn fish out of their winter slumber. If one lure has proved over time to do this better than any other, it's the hair jig.
A sportfishing throwback, the hair jig has found itself back in the spotlight recently because of its versatility and its effectiveness at enthralling all game fish species. Bass, walleye, crappie and trout can't get enough of these baits, and their ability to be used in a wide variety of methods and techniques make them just as irresistible to anglers.
A number of different styles of hair jigs are available nowadays, with the most common ones sporting either bucktail or marabou skirts. While both are equally effective, there are a few key differences that make them better in certain situations.
Marabou jigs are preferable in the very early part of the season when water temperatures are low and fish are still lethargic. They typically have a slower rate of fall and more pronounced movement than bucktail jigs, owing mainly to the more feather-like quality of the skirt material.
When fishing with a marabou jig, be sure to fish slowly. Whether you are casting into structure or vertically jigging off the bottom, it is important to make sure that you are allowing the jig to get a little bit of hang time, as the action of the skirt makes it very appealing to neutral fish. Trailers are not always necessary, though a live minnow or plastic twister tail grub makes a good one if you wish to do so.
As the water temperature rises and clarity improves, bucktail jigs become more effective. Because of the finer quality of bucktail hair, the skirt becomes more compact and aerodynamic in the water. This gives the jig a more erratic darting action that perfectly imitates small minnows and other low-profile baitfish.
While marabou jigs are meant to be fished slowly, I find that bucktail jigs are at their best when fished with vigor. A popular bucktail technique involves allowing the jig to hit the bottom and quickly popping the bait with a whip motion of the rod on the retrieve. Be mindful that a lot of bites occur as the jig falls, so pay attention for line movements and ferocious strikes.
Color choice is a very important consideration, especially in the early going. Early on, throw jigs that sport solid colors across the jig head and skirt. Chartreuse, white, pink and black are good options when the water is still cloudy from snow melt. As waters become more clear, don't be afraid to throw jigs with more lifelike color options like gray, green or brown.
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March 10, 2021 at 12:28AM
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When fish come out early, the hair jig is a main attraction - Daily Herald
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