Why Fish A Jig?
Jig fishing is without question the hardest method to master because of the subtle bite. Quite often, bites occur while a jig is falling, so many strikes go undetected. Nevertheless, the flip side is jig fishing produces more trophy fish and tournament big fish winners than any other type of artificial bait. If you need a “kicker fish”, a jig is one of the most effective tools in an angler’s arsenal.
How Does Natural Hair Differ From Synthetics?
Natural hair flairs differently and has a more natural look and feel than synthetics. This natural feel can extend the hookset window of opportunity, which is very important considering the subtlety of a jig bite. Depending on the design and type of hair used, hair jigs can have a dramatically slower fall rate than synthetic jigs. Deer body and rabbit hair absorb water very effectively, thus creating a lure with a slower, more natural fall than synthetic and bucktail jigs.
Another overlooked aspect of hair is it is less affected by heat and direct sunlight…raise your hand if you’ve encountered that messy glob of plastic in your tacklebox?
Does Size Matter?
We tend to believe the speed of the jig is more important than the size. Typically, but not always, larger fish tend to prefer bigger baits. The natural characteristics of hair allow the angler to use larger, more bulky baits without sacrificing a slower action, thus keeping the jig in the strike zone for a longer period of time. The HammerHead Jig Sledgehammer Series jigs consist of an alloy material slightly lighter than lead which multiplies its slow fall capabilities.
Why Thin Wire Hooks?
Thin wire hooks offer more forgiveness, and will penetrate a fish’s mouth more easily. Our Finesse, SledgeHammer and Trout series jig feature razor sharp, thin wire, sickle bend hooks. The unique bend strengthens the hook body, thus offering an angler the opportunity to reap the advantages of a thinner wire hook without having to worry about bending or breaking.
Our striper and pike jigs do NOT come in thin wire since they feature a Seaguard finish.
What Are Some Line Size Recommendations?
The axiom of using the lightest line you can get away with rings true. A good rule of thumb is 4-8 lb. test line with 1/16 and 1/8 oz. jigs. Usually the 8-12 lb. test size is appropriate for 1/4 oz. jigs. When fishing heavy cover with a Flippin‘ Series jig, or open water with one of the Striper Series, 15 lb. test and higher is essential. It goes without saying when fishing for musky or pike, a wire leader is vital. Braided or fluorocarbon line is often used when fishing jigs because of its ability to transfer the subtle bite through the line more effectively than traditional monofilament.
How Important Is A Trailer?
Trailers serve three primary purposes:
1) They provide more bulk and buoyancy to the jig, thus making for a slower, more natural fall.
2) They provide color contrast to aid fish in seeing the jig. Fish see colors differently than humans, and color contrast can be key when fishing varying light and water conditions.
3) Trailers can enhance the overall look of the jig. When fishing crayfish colors (e.g. Dirty Green, Nasty Craw) a crayfish imitating trailer would be appropriate, whereas when fishing baitfish colors (e.g. River Ghost, Dirty Shad) a curly or straight tail trailer might be the ticket.
What Is The Best Jig Fishing Technique?
To be honest, there is no “best” way to fish a HammerHead jig. You can swim it, hop it, drag it, or shake it and still get results. Water, weather and light conditions will be the biggest factors. Pay attention to the first strike of the day…the fish will let you know how they want it.