First attempt ever at tying jigs

[bkhollan]

Well I decided to try to tie my own crappie jigs (1/16th). I need to order more tail material to try out, but I think my first batch turned out alright. I may trim the tails a little shorter on a couple of them.

I did have some issues getting the hackle tied on level. When I started tying them in, they would slightly turn. Any tips?




Most are strung hackle tail, red and silver flash, and new age/rayon chenille using Crazy Angler Powder Paint. I'm planning to order some type of hair and marabou. Any suggestions or preferences you have for hair (fish hair, bucktail, kiptail, etc)?

[Cray]

I would fish those babies just as they are. Personally I like Kiptail and Rabbit. I can't seem to tie buck tail tight enough. Rabbit has been a bear for me to learn but I'm getting there. Fish hair is pretty easy to work with and makes a nice jig. Those are some nice first time ties.

[kickingback]

Nice ties for your first time! Tying the hackle sometimes makes it slip to the side from the thread. Just place it a little more off center to adjust then tie with thread and adjust before cinching down the first couple of turns of thread. Hope it helps. I personally would not cut any of the tails. They look good and if you cut marabou it looks funny.

[smoothlures]

Look great. Never ever cut off tails unless they're synthetic material and don't taper, cut them shorter before you tie them. I also like shorter chenille bodies but it's personal preference. Those will catch plenty of fish as is!

[skiptomylu]

Have to agree, never cut a tail after it's tied! If you are after crappie they have a big mouth so would not have eny reason they wouldn't eat a longer tail. I have used longer tails for years and had plenty people tell me when I started that I should make my tails shorter, but I found that just as many like a longer tail just like I do. Anyway I catch plenty crappie and I have tied plenty jigs for guys that liked them.

jigs look really good for your first ones!

[Illinoisgiller]

If those are for crappie , I'd think you are ready to fish. Great start! Above average

[Tommy Skarlis]

Great looking jigs! Where you use hackle - I use the individual strands from a rooster pheasant tail feather. I wrap thread a few more times on the shank of the hook (20) that helps the hackle or feathers from slipping - and if you really want to get it to stick - I use a little dot of head cement, then continue wrapping. It slows down the process a bit, but also keeps from slipping.

[smoothlures]

Great looking jigs! Where you use hackle - I use the individual strands from a rooster pheasant tail feather. I wrap thread a few more times on the shank of the hook (20) that helps the hackle or feathers from slipping - and if you really want to get it to stick - I use a little dot of head cement, then continue wrapping. It slows down the process a bit, but also keeps from slipping.

If you have tail material slipping, your initial 1-10 wraps aren't tight enough.

[skiptomylu]

All my tails lay the same way or very close or I am not happy! Depending on your direction to make wraps this could be wrong, but I always wrap away from myself and I start the hackle a little on my side and when I reach the end of how far I want to wrap the thread and before I go back to the head I adjust how it sits if needed. I just pinch it tight between my thumb and finger and twist it a little to be where I want it. Once you have it right keep the pinch holding for just a few very tight wraps and then all the way back to the head. Then finish with chenille and what ever. It will stay where you left it! Can't tell you how many time I have heard guys say they don't understand how I get the hackle to stay on top the hook like I do.

Oh and if you stop at that point even with marabou you can twist it back where you want it and then just do as I stated above and all will be right!

Good luck!

Skip

[warmouth]

You are doing great, I like those jigs and colors.

I would recomend marabou if you are looking to buy different tail material.

Good luck!