Weedless Jigs

[stray]

Has anyone tried these “Bass Pro Shop Stickguards?” I’m thinking of trying some weedless jigs and found these and was wondering how they would work. I’ve been a little Leary of weedless jigs because of the very light bites we get; I was worried that the weedless part would be enough to make me miss more bites. But I’m now getting tried of tying on jigs instead of fishing. I know crappiepappy likes “Oldhams” I think, any other thoughts. I’ve not check price to see if the weedless jigs are cheaper than a regular jig and one of these “Stickguards” or not.


Bass Pro Stickguards

[whizkids]

The Stickguard™ pushes onto the hook therefore everytime you get a strike or catch a fish it experiences wear or tear. You can make a weedless lure yourself with some 40 lb test cheap line a small drill and super glue. see picture. It has enough resistance to make a 1/32 or 1/16 jig crawl over a limb.

[CrappiePappy]

looks like BPS has copied the "stickguard" made by Laker. I've tried the Laker version ... and like Whiz says - they tear up pretty quick (where the hook point is inserted). I've even tried the "dental rubber bands" trick (works, but a pain to rig).
And you're right ... I've used Oldham's for a long time. They're a little expensive nowadays ($3.50/8pk) at my local tackleshop, but eight of them will last for quite some time ... especially when used in the timber.
I also use a couple of models made by P&S Custom Tackle ... the brush guard style & a V "wing" version. Both have proved very effective.

Do I get hung up with weedless jigheads - yep! Sure do! But I get hung up a whole lot less than if I was using a jig without any kind of "guard". Hey - they claim to be "weedless" ... not "snagless" or "branchless" ....LOL !!

Light bites are a problem, regardless of what type jighead you use. But, since I am a "line watcher", and cast my jigs (most of the time), I "see" most of the bites at the instance they occur. And I've caught some that were biting pretty light. If I don't see or feel a bite - I don't know I've had one - so I don't worry about those. And I have about an equal ratio of "hookups" vs "hooksets", between weedless & non-weedless jigs .... I just prefer the weedless ones, because I'd rather spend my time fishing rather than tying.

All-in-all ... I think the Laker Stickguard is a little too soft. If the BPS version is a little stouter, it may work a little better. At $1.50/25pk - they're not very expensive. (just don't forget to factor in the S/H) If you decide to try them - please use the BPS link on this site.
Whichever way you decide to go ........... luck2ya ........cp