Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Suther on October 22, 2013, 12:13:44 PM
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So the subject basically says it all. I want to start tying jigs.
I have never tied anything before, but looking at some videos on youtube, it seems easy enough with some practice.
My question is this - what should I buy to start with? Also can anyone explain what the some of the different materials are? (maribou is turkey feather, for instance?)
Thanks!
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Maribou, shlappen, rabbit strips and crystal flash.
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If you are in the Abbotsford/Chiiliwack area I would contact Fred's Custom Tackle to see if Rod Toth will be doing some jig tying classes over the next few weeks. Failing that you could contact him at his company Bent Rod jigs.
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Follow the above advice. It does depend on what type of fish you will be going for. I have found Cross cut rabbit strips to work the best mixed with schlappen, to get the two color patterns. Also i have found the rabbit strips to last longer than maribou, but marabou is cheaper and has some great pulsing motions in the water. i tend to stick with 3/8 jig heads for most of my jigs, but there is 1/4 and 1/4 that work well. Depending on the species i will use Size 1 hooks mainly for steelies, cohos, pinks, and then 1/0 hooks for chum and chinooks. You can even start tying some up for trout as they work great for them as well.
I'm starting to mess with some smaller jig sizes as well as larger ones, for different conditions.
Cheers,
Moe
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If you are in the Abbotsford/Chiiliwack area I would contact Fred's Custom Tackle to see if Rod Toth will be doing some jig tying classes over the next few weeks. Failing that you could contact him at his company Bent Rod jigs.
Rod has done them at hatchmatch'r in maple ridge in the past as well - great class! http://www.hatchmatchr.com/
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Hardly even have money to be buying stuff, so I wont be taking any classes... Im usually a quick learner, and from what I've seen on YouTube its not that difficult to do once you get the hang of it.
Whats the difference between straight strips and crosscut rabbit strips? One vid I watched the guy prefered straight but didn't really explain why...
What about tools and thread? I already have a good pair of scissors, so I dont need them, but some thread and something to hold it seems like a good investment? I was thinking about trying to create a make-shift vice with some vice grips and maybe some lumber... Anyone done something like this?
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Marabou is not turkey feathers
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Forget about the rabbit fur, schlappen is where it's at. The rabbit fur has very little to no action in the current so it acts as a filler. I find that I hook more fish on jigs made out of all feathers than feathers and fur. Most of the time it is the stupidest, ugliest, most simple jigs that hook the most fish.
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Yes it acts as a fill most of the time. I just like it because it lasts longer. I use it as a bottom color, and then have the schlappen as the color on top. I do agree though i have had some straight schlappen jigs that have been deadly. its always nice to have some of each i find.
Tools all i use is a vise, bobbin, hackle tool (sometimes), and a whip finish tool (not anymore i learnt to do it by hand).
Thread just go to you local tackle shop and grab some it can be fairly big for jigs you don't really need to conceal the thread to much
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Marabou is not turkey feathers
Then what is it? And wtf is schlappen?
What is a hackle tool and whip finish tool? Those were not covered in the vids I watched
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no problem with rabbit cross hair and zonker
easy to tie and effective
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Then what is it? And wtf is schlappen?
What is a hackle tool and whip finish tool? Those were not covered in the vids I watched
Marabou is generally from chickens. A hackle tool is a tool used to hold hackles for tying although it can be used to hold other tying materials such as chenille. A whip finish tool is used to finish a fly and tie a knot at the head. You can achieve the same result by doing half hitches with your fingers.
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Just go to a&n.or local tackle shop,they have fly tying vise,come with all the tools u need for fly tying.just make tying lot easier.they aren't that expensive.
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Just a few random comments from what I've read. I started fly tying with jigs and it's a good way to start as they are pretty easy to tie and you dont need a ton of expensive materials. I took a jig tying class at Sea Run in Coquitlam and it was awesome and the instructors are top notch. Watching youtube videos is good and I learned a lot from it but I really would reccomend taking a class if you can swing it. Normally about $50 and they supply all the materials, you will tie 5-6 jigs, learn tips on fishing them etc. Check out Sea Run's website or call.
As far as rabbit goes straight or "zonker" cut is generally used for tails as the fur flows straight back. Cross cut is more used for wrapping for bodies as the fur is cut so it will flow back when wrapped around a hook.
For thread I like UTC 140 as it's nice and strong. You will need a bobbin. Spend a few extra bucks and get one with a ceramic tip as it'll break your thread much less often. For now you do not need a whip finish tool you can just use half hitches with your fingers.
I have a very basic clamp vise that you can HAVE if you can pick it up in Chilliwack. I started out with it as it was given to me. Now I have a nicer rorary vise but this basic one works fine you just need a table to clamp it to.
Aside from that all you need to get going is some head cement/glue, a few different colors in your materials of choice, and a little patience! Also hackle pliers DO help when you are trying to wrap schlappen and other hackle...a must have for me I find it impossible to hold onto.
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Hardly even have money to be buying stuff, so I wont be taking any classes... Im usually a quick learner, and from what I've seen on YouTube its not that difficult to do once you get the hang of it.
Whats the difference between straight strips and crosscut rabbit strips? One vid I watched the guy prefered straight but didn't really explain why...
What about tools and thread? I already have a good pair of scissors, so I dont need them, but some thread and something to hold it seems like a good investment? I was thinking about trying to create a make-shift vice with some vice grips and maybe some lumber... Anyone done something like this?
The course was next to free - ten or twenty bucks, and you tie a couple jigs that you keep. Answers questions like the what is, where do I get, what's the difference of, what color for where etc etc... Highly recommend finding one that Rod puts on....
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I have a random pick of 1/4oz jigs. Not jims jigs but same idea.
The hooks seem pretty flimsy, I'm guessing I shouldn't use these for salmon?
I see lots of jigs like this in the store, but they all have flimsy wire hooks. What would you use these for?
Spawn sack I will take that vise! I don't get out to chilliwack that often but I should be out that way sometime in the next 3-4 weeks. Email me at mattsutherland000@yahoo.ca
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Suther where are you located ?
I have a lot of tying stuff and while I don't tie jigs I can sit down with you and explain and show you several of the materials you would use and when/why/how they are different. I also have at least one old vise lying around your welcome to have. I unfortunately just donated a buttload of materials and tools to a kids fly tying club otherwise I would have had tools as well
If you want good jig hooks I suggest you pony up a bit more cash and buy them from Bentrods. his are top quality and you wont regret buying them
the wall is only salmon/steelhead materials ;) (each peg is 8" long)
(http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Flaming_Hook/IMG_20131003_192437_zps7222a52f.jpg) (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/Flaming_Hook/media/IMG_20131003_192437_zps7222a52f.jpg.html)
I am located in Langley near Army & Navy
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I am in port moody. When I have some free time I would love to take you up on that offer! I was planning on buying my supplies online most likely...
I saw some hooks without jigheads, that you tie a bead on with a pin through it... anyone use this style? Obviously they are more time consuming, but I figure they give more choices for a final product?
Also what weight(s) should I focus on? I was figuring 1/4oz but I don't know for sure...
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I prefer the ones without the jig heads on the hook. You can choose to buy better quality hooks, which would solve your problem of flimsy hooks. Also i like to have the option to paint my jig heads, or leave them silver/gold/copper. etc. I second the jig kit from bent rods he uses quality hooks as well as jig heads.
Their are other companies that i use because their variety for bead heads, but i can't give all my secrets away.
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I prefer the ones without the jig heads on the hook. You can choose to buy better quality hooks, which would solve your problem of flimsy hooks. Also i like to have the option to paint my jig heads, or leave them silver/gold/copper. etc. I second the jig kit from bent rods he uses quality hooks as well as jig heads.
Their are other companies that i use because their variety for bead heads, but i can't give all my secrets away.
I specifically liked how I could buy an assortment of sizes and colors of hooks and beads, so I could create just about any combo I wanted.
I assume you can paint any jig head if you really wanted... Just seems silly to buy one painted just to paint it differently.
With a quick look at Bent Rod's site, I dont like the lack of detail they give about their products. Might be that I didn't look hard enough, but that just seems like retail 101 - detail wtf your selling...
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Rod Toth (owner of Bentrods) isn't in the business to give his secrets away either. He would rather you buy his jigs or jig kits rather than tell you how to make them, that's business 101. We are all well aware he makes quality stuff and does a lot of field testing finding colour combos that work.
Rod does offer a jig tying class but Im not sure how often or cost
best stuff would be the hook, pin, bead separate from each other which is how good jig hook sets should be. ones with the lead head attached always seem to be on flimsy hooks and designed more for trout, course fish than salmon/steelhead
when picking your materials your better off doing it in person. I dig through and open packages all the time looking for the better stuff, each package is not created equal when it comes to feathers/fur
email me and we will try and set something up.
EDIT - Rod is top notch ! here is a link where he almost holds your hand in how to tie a jig ;D
http://bentrods.ca/steelhead-jigs-salmon-jigs/how-to-create-your-own-jigs
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Yes Rod is great i ended up buying jigs off him to start and now i tie my own. He is a wealth of knowledge, and trust me his jigs are made from top notch materials.
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I'll second the opinion about using Rod's hook kits. The main reason for me is that the material the hooks are made from is about double the gauge of anything else in the size class. They are made by Matzuo I believe and come sharp as hell.
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It all depends on what you are fishing for and where you are fishing. Fishing the Columbia for walleye is entirely different than fishing the coastal rivers for steelhead or salmon. Are you fishing for bass and sunfish or trout in a lake? Bead head chironomids are basically just small jigs and they are fished under a bobber like bait.
Like others have said, it is hard to beat marabou in the various colours from hot pink to subtle shades of olive. Cheap body feathers can replace the most expensive genetic hackle necks for jigs. You don't need a lot of materials if you are willing to experiment. The only secret is learning to tie a whip finish knot to finish the flure. And, that is pretty much what "jigs" are... they are a cross between lures and flies. The basics of fly tying can be learned in one night if taught by a good tier. I don't know where you live, but there are group tying nights in various locations throughout the province. I learned entirely on my own over 65 years ago. There were no books or mentors to help.
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When would I want a 60 degree eye vs a 90?
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1/8th oz jigs work well for floating, or even lighter if you can find them.
Like many others have mentioned get a few of Bent Rod's jigs for comparison and his hook kit to tie your own. Save yourself some time and aggravation. Those thick gauge sickle hooks are awesome.
Though if you think about it. At $3.50 a pop, it may actually be not that much more expensive to buy Rod's jigs at the store vs tying, for me it is after all said and done, but I like doing my own for the ego.
His jigs are pretty good. If for whatever reason you don't like doing as others, owner jig hooks from SeaRun are really good too. Not cheap though. The class at Sea Run is excellent...tying marabou and schlappen to a lesser extent is a bitch.
Any of you use cheap dollar store nail polish to color jigs with success.. catching fish that is.
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I have been fishing/tieing jigs for over a decade...must be doing something right as I hooked 3 species and over 10 fish on them yesterday. Not to mention a fisher thought they were Bentrod jigs...shucks i'm blushing now ;)
Anyhow, here's what I can tell you:
- bead heads are not good for twitching/spin casting because that are too light. The pin/bead heads are great for jigs under a float.
- 1/4 is a good alround size, 3/8 is pretty heavy for dead water pools. I carry 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.
- my best jigs are copies of productive coho fly patterns...dont reinvent the wheel, copy what works
- marabou is my favorite material...I think it give the best result. Learn to PALMER the marabou (wrap opposed to tie flat)...a hackle tool helps immensely
- I don't think a painted head does anything more than impress the fisher! If you disagree, I have some powder paint I am selling :)
- tie a variety of colors for different conditions
- use a good hook...no point in spending the time tieing them if they are dull and miss fish or if they bend out.
- if you can tie a fly, know the different materials, and can whip finish then I think a class is pointless.
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you can learn almost anything related to fly tying on YouTube ;)
instead of searching for jig tying tips be more specific with your search and look under fly tying stuff.
example - palmering/wrapping marabou, Schlappen, how to whip finish by hand..........etc.
any skill you need for tying jigs is the same for tying flies
Suther - let me know if you have any free time sometime soon if you still need some help
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Rod Toth (owner of Bentrods) isn't in the business to give his secrets away either. He would rather you buy his jigs or jig kits rather than tell you how to make them, that's business 101. We are all well aware he makes quality stuff and does a lot of field testing finding colour combos that work.
Actually, with some more searching on his site I found the info I was looking for.
Also, what do you mean he isn't in the business to give his secrets away? I was just told by a bunch of people to look for a class taught by him... Isn't teaching a class exactly that - a business? Where he gives away some of his secrets to tying a good jig?!
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I've been to one of Rod's jig tying seminars. He did pretty much give away his secrets. He took several of his popular jigs and showed us how he ties them. I bought the materials, went home and tied them, and yes they look pretty much the identical to a BR jig you'd buy off the shelf. Sometimes I'll go on his website, see a jig I like the color combo of, and copy it and tie the same ones.
BR jig hooks are very good and I think he knows that if you don't buy his premade jigs them you'll likely buy some of his hooks. In addition he just seems like a really decent guy who likes teaching and sharing his knowledge of jig tying/fishing.
BR jig hooks are pricey. Owner and gammagatsu jig hooks are also good I use them all. Check out ebay etc for hooks you can score some good deals if you buy in bulk.
If you still want that vise Suther lemme know kcp@alumni.sfu.ca.
I am looking for some new ideas for jig ties so I think I'll throw a thread up on that :D
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Upon searching the internet and whatnot, Bent Rods actually offers very competitive prices for smaller (ie only 10 jigs, not 100 or something) kits... But you cant place an order under $40 on their website. That sucks... I think Im heading into Army and Navy tomorrow to see what they've got for supplies, hopefully they stock the Bent Rod jig kits.
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I think Im heading into Army and Navy tomorrow to see what they've got for supplies, hopefully they stock the Bent Rod jig kits.
They do
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If your that stuck and money is certainly an object then do what a good ol boy/redneck would do,
grab hook,
squeeze large split shot on hook near eye
tie on some purple or pink marabou with elastic band or magic thread
go fishing, it works great,...... it really is that simple.
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Bently, I love that solution. Simple and cheap. Will definitely try that one day soon. Find whatever they're hitting on that day and make it on the spot. Thanks
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If your that stuck and money is certainly an object then do what a good ol boy/redneck would do,
grab hook,
squeeze large split shot on hook near eye
tie on some purple or pink marabou with elastic band or magic thread
go fishing, it works great,...... it really is that simple.
Thats not a terrible idea at all, although my funds are not THAT limited... Besides, I dont have any suitable hooks for doing that with in my box, so I'd have to go buy hooks no matter what lol
Has anyone had any luck using dollar store nail polish to color jigs or lures? Seems like a cheap and easy way to do things, but I question how resilient it would be...
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I needed to change the colour of my jig last week so I just tied some purple wool to my existing jig and proceeded to catch chum. Just needed a few loops of fishing line tied to the beads already there. Not the cheapest option but it worked for changing colours quickly.
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Thats not a terrible idea at all, although my funds are not THAT limited... Besides, I dont have any suitable hooks for doing that with in my box, so I'd have to go buy hooks no matter what lol
Has anyone had any luck using dollar store nail polish to color jigs or lures? Seems like a cheap and easy way to do things, but I question how resilient it would be...
That paint will work, the paint on jig heads usually get scratched off and chipped if it hits rocks, so with cheapo paint i imagine it will be worse, but you can just always repaint them.
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The reason I ask about nail polish is that it is typically waterproof and chip resistant, so I was thinking it should last longer than other cheap options. Also you can get all sorts of crazy colors including glitter and glow-in-the-dark
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If your that stuck and money is certainly an object then do what a good ol boy/redneck would do,
grab hook,
squeeze large split shot on hook near eye
tie on some purple or pink marabou with elastic band or magic thread
go fishing, it works great,...... it really is that simple.
Suther: by all means try this idea out, but seriously I would just buy some proper damn jig hooks. Split shot tend to loosen, twist, ride down the hook, etc. Plus look at a jig hook...the eye is usually bent at 90 degrees to the hook. A standard octopus/salmon hook will NOT fish like a proper jig hook. That being said the hook + split shot idea may just work so by all means try it.
Nail polish works fine for painting. My gf gave me a bunch she didnt use plus i bought some from the dollar store. Id do a final coat of hard clear coat like sally hansen hard as nails. I prefer the metal bead and pin jigs as they dont get chipped up like the painted lead heads.
To save money here's a tip...if you have a jig that has been ripped up by fish dont toss it...put it in your vise, cut the materials off with a razor, and tie up a new jig! Sharpen hook at the same time and maybe even paint head a new color. Ive tried adding stick on eyes, sparkles, combos of paint colors dtc. I keep reusing my jig heads until either it breaks off on a snag or a fish.
If youre getting into jig fishing I would buy a dozen or so jig heads, some basic materials to tie up some jigs in colors/materials you like, and cut/retie any jigs that get ripped up.
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100% agree with Gooey. Painted jig head is for catching fishermen, not fish.
If dead drifted the fish should never see the head, for example.
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Yes you always want to re use your jig hooks and heads. I find that if i tie up colors i and either never use them or have never seen any fish action ill just cutem up and re tie them.
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I was using a couple of my own fresh tied jigs and apparently i tied something wrong cause after a few fish battles i lost the pin and ball. It just popped off of the jig hook. So, can yuo buy new pins and balls separately of the package or do you have to buy a whole kit to get more balls and pins?
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you can buy them separately at sea run last time i was in. I wrap them on the hook tie it off with a whip finish, most likely two, then put head cement on the wraps. Let dry then add material after it dries.
Never had a problem going that way.
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exactly what Moe said. you need to tie the pin to the hook shank, lay a base layer of thread down first will make give it something to grab onto because metal on metal will slide over time. gluing it will increase its durability also. This is the same thing us fly guys do when tying trailer hooks onto hook shanks.
It doesn't surprise me that chum battles would toss the pins. they can thrash and chew on the jig allowing the materials to become even a tiny bit loose which will cause your pin to slide out
You guys are starting to make me think about tying my own jigs. problem with that is that I never fish them ???
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I tie the bead + pin down with a good layer of thread, whip finish (or just half hitches will suffice) then glue with a solid glue like zap-a-gap, crazy glue, etc. You want something that will dry fast. I normally decide how many jigs I'm going to tie then tie up all pins + beads first, let them all dry, then add whatever materials I decide on. I've had chum rip my jig to shreds but I've never had a pin rip out.
I agree the head color likely doesn't make a difference. Partly why I prefer the pin heads as they dont get all chipped up like the painted ones. However the odd time I like to paint a lead head some cool color just for kicks. I just try to fish it on a nice deep "jiggy" run where it won't get chipped up when Im reeling in.
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Well thank you Hook, Moe, I just realized that I did not use any whip finish knots, I did not wrap the pin anywhere near enough, and I didn't use head cement on the pin. So 0/3 would be a good indication why they came out, lol. Now I'm pumped to try doing it again to improve. Glad I a sled and glad some experience guys answered my query. Thank you all for helping.
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Maribou can come from turkeys. ;D
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No first light fishing for me tomorrow..so stayed up and tied some jigs to replace the ones trashed by chums at the Stave. I found the marabou/schlappen jigs did especially well. Rabbit fur base, then marabou, finished with schlappen. Nightmare..ish jigs finished with a red wool collar (never tried before, needed something red).
I found this video helped immensely with palmering the feathers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Ww1WFPyAE
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww31/elf773/DSC00080.jpg)
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww31/elf773/DSC00083.jpg)
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The only secret is learning to tie a whip finish knot to finish the flure.
Disagree with this. Both Rod Toth and another instructor who teaches jig tying both just do half hitches with their fingers and do not use a whip finish tool/knot. I myself always whip finish but that's just me. My point here is if you do not know how to use a whip finishing tool dont panic...just tie your fly/jig and do a hlf dozen or so half hitches and add a dab of head cement or super glue. In fact Rod doesn't even use glue...if you look closely at one of his jigs in the store you'll se there is a little tag end on the thread and no glue on the thread.
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Disagree with this. Both Rod Toth and another instructor who teaches jig tying both just do half hitches with their fingers and do not use a whip finish tool/knot. I myself always whip finish but that's just me. My point here is if you do not know how to use a whip finishing tool dont panic...just tie your fly/jig and do a hlf dozen or so half hitches and add a dab of head cement or super glue. In fact Rod doesn't even use glue...if you look closely at one of his jigs in the store you'll se there is a little tag end on the thread and no glue on the thread.
Yeah one thing I really wasn't worried about was tying it off. between half hitches, clove hitch, and some super glue I really dont think I need a whip finish tool.
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Ya man half hitches and some glue is good enough those chum will rip your jig aaprt long before the thread at the head gives out (just don't get in on the feathers!) I remember what Rod does: so you have the thread in your fingers ready to do some half hitches...twist 2-3 times in the air (not around the fly head) THEN go over the head and finish the half hitch. Repeat 3 times and cut the thread leaving a short tag end. Rod doesn't use any glue and I've never had one of his jigs come undone.
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My experiences-
Sockeye- flame red/orange, red/chartrues, black/red, purple/pink (Usually tipped with procure prawn chunks)
Chinook- Red/black, black/chartrues, blood red/orange (tipped with procure prawn or roe)
Chum- Pink/purple, purple/black (anything purple and I love flash, pretty much fish all day)
Pink- Anything chartrues or pink really
Coho- Blue/black, purple/blue, pink/blue, straight pink (again lots of flash)
Can't tell you guys how much confidence I have built on jigs in the last 3-4 years. Started twitching this year but dead drift them OVER fish and not near the bottom and they will hammer it, specially the chums, pinks and sockeye.
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Few I tied last night
(http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/itaSFU/111F0D79-A34D-4821-8ED3-5FF0C9C1DF12-6741-000007BA804CD2EC_zpsc71705b8.jpg)
(http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/itaSFU/92AA8B31-537B-4F9A-8980-6578FA7D2DE6-6741-000007BA923B688C_zps32925e96.jpg)
(http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/itaSFU/CCB389CB-C164-4B10-B7D2-000EFBD2937E-6741-000007BACA531A4A_zps6158a047.jpg)
(http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/itaSFU/7020C08C-1C19-4FDC-A9BA-A05011677C73-6741-000007BADDFE6F8E_zpscb4d5f44.jpg)
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My experiences-
Sockeye- flame red/orange, red/chartrues, black/red, purple/pink (Usually tipped with procure prawn chunks)
Chinook- Red/black, black/chartrues, blood red/orange (tipped with procure prawn or roe)
Chum- Pink/purple, purple/black (anything purple and I love flash, pretty much fish all day)
Pink- Anything chartrues or pink really
Coho- Blue/black, purple/blue, pink/blue, straight pink (again lots of flash)
Can't tell you guys how much confidence I have built on jigs in the last 3-4 years. Started twitching this year but dead drift them OVER fish and not near the bottom and they will hammer it, specially the chums, pinks and sockeye.
What knot do you use to attach your line/leader to your jig? I used to always just use the improved clinch but I've started experimenting with a non-slip loop knot. I think it gives the jig better action.
Also I've experimented with tapping the spool with my thumb a little while it's dead drifting to make the jig twitch/dance a little. A couple times while doing this a chum smashed the jig so I'm convinced it can work.
Also do you always run a short leader? I was taught to keep the leader to a max of 18inches or so and vary the float if you want to go deeper. For kicks I stared trying out 2 foot + leaders in deep clear water. I didn't hook any coho on short or long leaders using this method. Small hammed brass colorados are what I caught most of my coho on this year. And...of cousre...roe.
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Disagree with this. Both Rod Toth and another instructor who teaches jig tying both just do half hitches with their fingers and do not use a whip finish tool/knot. I myself always whip finish but that's just me. My point here is if you do not know how to use a whip finishing tool dont panic...just tie your fly/jig and do a hlf dozen or so half hitches and add a dab of head cement or super glue. In fact Rod doesn't even use glue...if you look closely at one of his jigs in the store you'll se there is a little tag end on the thread and no glue on the thread.
For jigs I only use a half hitch (well, 2 or 3) and never had one untie on me yet.... no cement or anything.
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Nice jigs BCfisherman. There are marabou in those jigs? I'm looking at mine now and am wondering if the feather stem spun and the feather is palmering the wrong way? The ends of the marabou on my recent ties seem to puff out too much. Just can't remember.
Oh well only one way to find out if they'll work. My last ones worked well.
3 half hitches and a little dab of head cement. Never had one come loose.
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I use an improved clinch but I put my line through the eye twice and then tie, connect my swivled like this too. Jigs are heavy but seem to not get down to the zone if your leader is long. Had leaders that I fished with blades (usually longer as I like to swing them with floats, about 3 feet and a long float depth as I find blades will lift up and swing better in a good view to the fish when holding back on your float) and I was not getting bit much, shortened to a foot and it was easy pickings from there.
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Animal Chan, I tie in in by the tips and strip off some of the butt to tie in easier. I like rabbit for chum as it holds up way better. 3 different whip finishes for me (5 times each), "hard as nails" brushed on and they hold up. Sometimes finish with hackle for the collar.
Rodney- you can join my posts if you want, I reply off my phone sometimes and its easier to create a new reply for me.
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Interesting idea for the knot. I'll give it a try some time. I found the same thing with blades amd coho. Long leader 3+ feet worked best and short from float to swivel 2 feetish. Seemed like if noone had tossed a blade in a while as SOON as it drifted a few feet and was spinning it got smashed. Then 5 min later blades not working and had to switch to something else. Guys fishing bigger steelhead sized blades also getting nothing. I was using a small dime sized blade, #4 hook, and 8lb leader.
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Im curious to know if anyone else has trouble with the marabou colours bleeding? I have had purple/pink jigs bleed to the point where the pink turned almost purple. I have had colour off wet jigs cross over to dry jigs next to them in the coarse of the day...drives me NUTZ when this happens.
Can anyone recommend a brand where the colour wont bleed?!?
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Weird, I would think any brand sold by a good fly shop should be fine. Most of mine is from Fred's and Sea Run and never had an issue.
Question for ya'll: I'm assuming you are using STRUNG marabou for palmering on jigs? I would think wooly bugger or other kinds of marabou would be too short.
Was out fishing this morn on the Vedder canal. Was using mainly a jig I copied from Bent Rods. Purple cross cut rabbit body and pink schlappen collar. That's it! Oh and the head is a brass bead on a pin. I was into many chum and to my surprise a massive (12-13lb I'd guess) hatchery buck coho that was pure chrome. It fought so hard for a while I thought it was another chum.
Oh I was also using little pieces of raw prawn on the hook tip - dynamite!
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I was down to the last few feathers in a pack of marabou so I ended tieing a jig with maybe 2 small plumes in it. For my twitching jigs I usually use 2-3 full/large plumes.
Anyhow the "skimpy" jig KILLED the chum yesterday. I hits 7 in one upper river pool and maybe 15 in a lower river spot. I went 7 fish in 8 casts! I also hit 7 coho twitching my jigs.
anyhow this chum slaying jig was being floated vs twitched and I was wondering if a jig meant for floating can/should be smaller than a jig tied for twitching? I should have put on a fuller bodied jig just to see if it made a difference but I was having too much fun.
So how much marabou do you usually tie into a jig's tail?
PS - 3/4 of the chum in the lower spot were chrome and had sea lice (including tail) so they were very fresh and fiesty!
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I usually only use two marabou plums, usually 2 different colors. Then i tie them on 3/4 of the way back and then palmer the marabou towards the front. This is either done one color at a time or you can do two colors at once and it creates a different look.
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Just curious while on the topic of tying your own jigs.
Does anyone here buy and melt their own lead to make the jig heads?
I saw a lead jig head mold at cabelas recently and was wondering about doing this process on your own.
Thanks.
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don't under estimate a pink/purple jig for coho. I have seen many taken with them before
yes of course its strung marabou. It all comes that way but then you can buy regular stuff and then spey marabou that will be longer. Honestly with jigs I don't think you'll want the really long stuff
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I prefer the long stuff for twitching jigs..all the movement, I want as much body as possible.
I cast my own jigs. Just ordered some 2/0 matzuo sickle hooks and I'll be casting a bunch up as soon as I get em.
I think I may liquidate a mold so if you're looking, let me know.
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I prefer the long stuff for twitching jigs..all the movement, I want as much body as possible.
I cast my own jigs. Just ordered some 2/0 matzuo sickle hooks and I'll be casting a bunch up as soon as I get em.
I think I may liquidate a mold so if you're looking, let me know.
Where are you ordering them from? I've had some troubles trying to source them out.
For heads - I've been using pencil lead, clipping a small piece of 1/4 tube in about 3/8" length, and drilling a hole through it and sliding it up onto a sickle hook. Very quick process, works very well. Very cost effective, the jigs don't look super pretty like the ones posted above; but the salmon this season haven't had any concerns.
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ebay has everything one could need to make a quality jig. I ordered 500 hooks so maybe a sell a bunch here. Whats a bare lead jig head with a quality hook worth?
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Hopefully you end up with good hooks on them. That style never seems to have good hooks from my experience. Ive seen them sheer, and break.
Looks at what you paid for them per hook and then go from their on how much you want to sell them for.