jighead colors - how important?

[Specktater]

I used to think hot pink heads were the only way to go. Then I picked up some unpainted for some reason and seemed to do better with them. I think it all evens out in the end.

[chaunc]

I use unpainted heads 90% of the time. Other than that, i use old reliable jigs from microspoons.com.

[fish-wva]

i haven't seen any difference at all but just like tying my own jigs i also powder paint all my jig heads. for me it's fun and just another hobbie when i can't go fishing.

[joejv4]

I've fished painted and unpainted heads side-by-side on identical tubes (didn't feel like re-tying so I just put tubes on heads that were already tied on).

I've done this tons of times and have seen no difference at all in number's caught, one vs. the other.

I now only buy unpainted heads and since they cost less, I can buy more in different sizes for the same money. I still use painted ones from time-to-time, because I have to use up the ones that folks give me for birthdays and Christmas, but I don't buy painted jig heads for myself anymore.

Somebody mentioned confidence - that can play a bigger role than many people think. If somebody is confident in painted jig heads, they should use painted jig heads. Otherwise, what sometimes happens is you switch to unpainted then start to question your choice. You might end up slightly changing you presentation or start missing light hits because you're distracted by second-guessing your choice to change to something you don't have a high level of confidence in.

Because of this, my standard answer when asked this question - and it seems to come up frequently, is this:

From personal experience, I've seen no difference between painted and unpainted, but if you feel more confident in your ability to catch fish with one or the other, you might want to simply stick with what you feel most confident with.

[mozingo1952]

I've seen times when a hot pink or orange head out fished anything else
10 to 1, but these were white bass, not crappie.
On crappie , I have seen a change in color , head or tail , pull a few
more fish off a pile after the bite had died.

this discussion brings to mind another question, If head color does not
matter , why paint eyes ? I don't , but it seems a lot of jig makers do.

good luck
MO

[bpm2000]

to catch more fish... or is it more anglers?

[Cane Pole]

I've seen times when a hot pink or orange head out fished anything else
10 to 1, but these were white bass, not crappie.
On crappie , I have seen a change in color , head or tail , pull a few
more fish off a pile after the bite had died.

this discussion brings to mind another question, If head color does not
matter , why paint eyes ? I don't , but it seems a lot of jig makers do.

good luck
MO

It is an art form. A personal expression. The ones I like have the 3D eyes that roll around. They are neat. I don't have any, but I am amazed/intrigued by this jig.

[LOZcrappie]

sounds like most are experiencing no difference? Mostly a confidence thing for yourself?

That's what it is for me -- a confidence thing. I just feel better fishing with one, although I've caught a fair share with unpainted ones, as well.

[TeamCSJE]

I agree it is more personal preference and confidence in your equipment (just like hook size, sickle hook or regular hook, etc). Many times the way the jig head looks attracts the fishermen and not necessarily the fish. I think the real question is does it hurt anything by having a colored jighead?

TeamCSJE
Arizona Slab Slayers

[gone_fishing]

I never buy painted jigs. I do tie my own jigs. So I do paint some but see little difference if any. I don't do much bluegill fishing but I got a small jig with a head I painted that bluegill just seem to love. I am not sure they like the painted head more or not but when there is a lot of success I tend to go with the flow.