Where is your tail?

[Crestliner08]

Use to use curly tails almost exclusively for smallmouths back 30+ years ago. And back then I was told that on a straight retrieve, it's "better" (notice I didn't say best) to run with the curly going in the same direction as the hook bend. And if you're fishing an on/off bottom retrieve, the opposite is the way to go. I"ve always adhered to this philosophy. Which is correct or incorrect? Simple. Let the fish tell you what they want, not any human!

(And btw, for what it's worth, I've rarely ever had the tail hang on the hook during a steady retrieve.)

[Slabprowler]

Generally I fish it with the hook but the last couple trips my fishing partner was fishing it the other way and was catching fish and I wasn't so I turned mine away from the hook and started catching . I have also had days that I turned them side ways. So let the fish tell how they want it!

[worminken]

Thank you for all your input. Sounds like tail down wins. I do appreciate all the responses.

[CrappiePappy]

(And btw, for what it's worth, I've rarely ever had the tail hang on the hook during a steady retrieve.)

I've never had a curly tail hang on the hook during the "retrieve" ... it's always been when casting them out that it has happened. And it happened so often (to me) that I basically quit using curly tail grubs ... and went to "stinger shad" style plastics &/or "boot tail" style grubs ... either of which I cast or "push" and do very well on.

[jigfisherx]

I always felt the tail sticking on the hook was a function of a missed strike but with slab hunters it does make a difference. I always have the hook away from the tail.


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[doggone]

Not every curly tail is made to rig tail down. Some with a body shape that puts the belly down have a tail up design.You can't put the tail down without rigging the body wrong.Some of the swimming minnows are like that.Also the size and profile of the tail will determine if it gets hung on the hook.Some baits can be rigged tail up and never get on the hook.Some of my most productive minnow and shad body grubs are designed to be rigged tail up,and have a large tail that does get on the hook at times....but if it catches fish like crazy i don't care I just clear it when it gets hung.Some tails will swim better and impart action to the body also when rigged one way or another.The tail will swim differently and the fish will have a preference many times,if it makes the body wobble or roll it will usually catch fish better. Try whatever and don't get hung up on one way or another just do whatever works best. I have caught just as many or more fish on jigs that are designed for tail up,and i have caught just as many or more fish on straight body grubs rigged up as down.