Are hand tied jigs better than ones with plastic tails

[ksnouf]

I have caught a ton of crappies mostly long line trolling with jigs with different plastic tails. Is there an advantage using hand tied jigs.
Not wanting to offend anyone. Just asking what you experienced old timers know.

[SuperDave336]

Both have advantages and disadvantages. Both can catch a ton of fish for you. I use both. I have started tying and found the hand ties are more durable for me as well as the satisfaction I get from catching a fish on something I made. Guys pouring plastics probably feel the same. I’m not sure there is a correct answer just use what you like and catch fish.

[deathb4disco]

Rabbit fur and marabou have a subtle action that no plastic can match, particularly in colder water. Some materials, like bucktail or synthetics, have a translucent appearance that no plastic can match. As a general rule, fur and feathers will last far longer than plastic. (Being tied to the hook makes them much tougher.)

I use plastics, too, but you’re missing out if that’s all you fish.

[Ketchn]

handties cost and plastics not so much , both work well in some scenarios and some don't work at all.
handties in the winter are for sure a must for subtle presentations and super slow and still .
plastics have that real feel though and sometimes I think fish hold them longer when they take them .
its a toss up for me , I love all jigs that ketch crappie and both versions ketch crappie .
I am apt to use more plastics as it hurts my feelings lots less when one don't come back to me .
a little part of some artist stays on the bottom every time I lose one .
I lost 2 or 3 the other day using real light line and i am still not all that happy about it .
i lost a good plastic on a pretty jighead yesterday and even though they liked it
i am ok with it staying in that brushpile .

[USMA65]

handties cost and plastics not so much , both work well in some scenarios and some don't work at all.
handties in the winter are for sure a must for subtle presentations and super slow and still .
plastics have that real feel though and sometimes I think fish hold them longer when they take them .
its a toss up for me , I love all jigs that ketch crappie and both versions ketch crappie .
I am apt to use more plastics as it hurts my feelings lots less when one don't come back to me .
a little part of some artist stays on the bottom every time I lose one .
I lost 2 or 3 the other day using real light line and i am still not all that happy about it .
i lost a good plastic on a pretty jighead yesterday and even though they liked it
i am ok with it staying in that brushpile .

You are too sensitive ;-)

[USMA65]

I have caught a ton of crappies mostly long line trolling with jigs with different plastic tails. Is there an advantage using hand tied jigs.
Not wanting to offend anyone. Just asking what you experienced old timers know.

Really good question. I can also tell that you are probably regretting selling all those jigs you just got rid of. ;-)
Seriously, I enjoy tying but there is a limit you reach where you have to ask yourself....what am I going to do with all of them?
Why? Because it is an addiction. You can give some away, you could sell some, you can just keep tying new creations for new creation sakes and you still will hit a wall. Bobby Garlands just sit there in the bag until needed. They occupy little space and don't complain. I do both, but have not brought myself to trolling with my creations; they're more for tight lining and single rod approaches to crappie stalking. I really believe there is wisdom in continuing to use both types of jigs.

[ksnouf]

[QUOTE=USMA65;4015332]Really good question. I can also tell that you are probably regretting selling all those jigs you just got rid of. ;-)

LOL I still have a lot. I bought 350 1/8 oz roadrunners without a hook on the shank to hold on plastic. So I started tying some. I have collected a ton of stuff over the years and have a box of calf tails, marabou, feathers and deer tails. So am going to give it a try. But I had keck surgery so cant cast all day. My boat is set up with Lowrance and an xi5 so trolling works for me. Have it down to a science but have always used plastic. So am just wanting input like you offered to get the feel. Tied about 30 yesterday and the lake should be down enough Monday to see if they work.
Thanks

[tahoe 50]

I also use both even minnows in the colder months. My catch rate is about 50-50. But I think that hand ties is winning. As I ties my own if I I loose one then I tie a new one. Last weekend I caught my PB shell Cracker on a hand tie. So it was a double whammy that day. I think its a confidence thing.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[longhunter]

They both work for sure, In my mind the advantage to plastics would be a quick color change. I sometimes stack um when fishing bridge pilings to see what the fish like that day..., but I still prefer using my own.

[brettw]

I've tied a lot of jigs. Maybe mine are junk but i seem to do better with plastics.
Also, plastics color changes are fast. Hand ties are retying knots.
If you hit on a good color, switching to a hand tied can save jigs.
Last year i gave a buddy a few chartreuse/ blue combos. He caught 100+ off one hand tied jig.
He retired it and its in his fishing hat now.
It was summer, clear water

Sent from my SM-G965U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app