More discussion about Jigs...

[Finfollower]

With the current discussions on gear, and the fact that the weather does not seem to be cooperating right now I thought I'd try to open up a bit of discussion about jigs. I've searched old threads here, and keeping in mind the manufacturing guys here (Kramer Jigs, Firstbite Jigs, and Strike Rite tackle). I was curious on what you the members, really like about jigs. What type of materials, colors, and little tweaks to the jig you'd like to share that help you in your hunt for the coming steelies.

If we can't fish right now we could at least build up our supply for the coming season. One of the tactics I really find ingenious was posted by Fllyfishy in the thread "Tying the basic Bunny Jig." The use of the rubber leg material for a bait holder was something I had never thought of, but was a brilliant IMHO. 

[Chum Man]

i know that some of the guys here like to get really fancy, but i stick to the KISS principle.  90% of the jigs i fish are all pretty basic -- either the "leo" style(couple beads and yarn or marabou tail), or just a simple palmered rabbit jig.

my favorite winter run jig colors are cerise, pink/purple, and pink/orange.  last winter's best producer was a white head, with 2-tone pink w/purple tip rabbit strip palmered around it.

boring, i know, but it works for me!

[Grizz]

I'll I can tie are simple jigs so it doesn't get too fancy for me 

That said, where does one find this magical rubber leg material?

[Finfollower]

I'll I can tie are simple jigs so it doesn't get too fancy for me 

That said, where does one find this magical rubber leg material?

Local fly shops sell rubber leg material. It's the same stuff I used when making those summer steel nymphs. If you don't have any available locally, you could check the stuff out online with any major outdoor store. I prefer the rubber to the silicone material. Seems the rubber has more stretch. I also like to get colors that I can use as leg material in the collar of the jigs. Compared to the Kramer jigs though my skills are seriously lacking. He's the pimp for a reason!

Like Chum I really like the use of bunny fur, but when you want that huge sexy nasty profile it's really hard to beat maribo.

[Grizz]

Definately dig the bunny fur. I'll have to tie more of those. Although my current color selection is limited.

I'll check for some of those legs. Thinkin' I'll like the ones designed to fit over the collar.

[One More Cast]

Kramer is the one to talk to about rubber legs.  he was the first person i ever heard of widely using this material.  Its a lot more common now and is starting to show up on major manufactures.  I definately makes a jig stand out from the rest.   

[Finfollower]

What you're describing there is more like a hackle skirt. That would be something probably found in the bass/panfish section. If you try the search function you should be able to find something along the lines of the Hackle Bug Jig here. They were given as a prize for a couple of photo contests (I still have not been able to win dang it). May want to give that a look. The legs I was talking about are just strips of round rubber sold in sheets about 1.5" wide by 8" long. You peel off a leg and tie it in how you would like. In theory you can tie it in how you would like. I usualy end up cursing a lot, cutting them off, or making some excuse that ugly jigs catch fish too.

Has anyone use a regular strip of bunny, then a collar of cross cut bunny to make a bigger profile? Not sure if it would work like I would hope it does.

[Grizz]

Kramer is the one to talk to about rubber legs.  he was the first person i ever heard of widely using this material.  Its a lot more common now and is starting to show up on major manufactures.  I definately makes a jig stand out from the rest.   

I did talk to him about just that. 

Have been chomping at the bit to tie up a few ever since.

[rvrfshr]

Rabbit strip, Estaz and Krinkle Mirror Flash tied from tail to head, or crosscut rabbit, Estaz, Krinkle Mirror Flash tied from head to tail... Six each in four colors and two sizes, Wibble Tail selection complete for winter and summer. That's 48 jigs total, two minutes per each.

(If bait is to be used just slide a egg sinker down the leader and hold in place by overhand knotting some yarn above sinker, because no tying skills, secrets or colors apply here.)

Good luck.

[Finfollower]

There's another aspect to the process, and something I have not tried yet. Apparently I just found another reason to buy more gear.

[queets guy]

I think the really fancy jigs containing the UV, rubber legs...ect attract more the fisherman rather than the fish. However that doesn't really stop me from getting creative at the vice for jigs. I'm starting to really like the micro jigs for lower or small water, I haven't tried them yet for winters but imagine they would work the same. The bulk of steelhead (not including stagnant water lockjaw summer runs  )are not picky for certain jigs at all but I find that profile, weight and colors can definitely vary depending on water conditions. Other than that I find them to be a glorified prawn holder. 

[Grizz]

I think the really fancy jigs containing the UV, rubber legs...ect attract more the fisherman rather than the fish. However that doesn't really stop me from getting creative at the vice for jigs. I'm starting to really like the micro jigs for lower or small water, I haven't tried them yet for winters but imagine they would work the same. The bulk of steelhead (not including stagnant water lockjaw summer runs  )are not picky for certain jigs at all but I find that profile, weight and colors can definitely vary depending on water conditions. Other than that I find them to be a glorified prawn holder. 

Speaking of glorified prawn holders,..............

Anybody have a simple pattern specifically designed for such?

[Fast- eddy]

Here you go Grizz...

http://steelheadnotebook.net/forum/index.php/topic,24.0.html
looks like the images have been deleted but the info is still there.
http://steelheadnotebook.net/forum/index.php/topic,14.0.html

[Grizz]

Thanks Eddy.

Pics are no longer there but with the added commentary I can use my imagination 

[Finfollower]

Jake always good to hear from you, and I totally agree on the making of micro jigs. UV items may or may not actually work, I think it has something to do with the person's mojo fishing any type of gear.

Grizz check out the thread I mentioned in the start of this thread. He placed a link as a tutorial that shows exactly what I mentioned regarding the creative uses of rubber leg material. His demo was also with the use of bunny strips.

One thing I'm still trying to learn, and is helpful with Micro's is that sparse is better. Great reminder Queets.