A jig that is hand-tied and custom-made can be a secret weapon for things like crappie and shellcrackers. Tying them is not all that difficult, and it gives you the option of being able to endlessly customize your approach that simply buying a jig can’t. So how exactly can you start to hand-tie your own jigs?
Required Materials
Before getting started, you are going to need a few different tools and materials. This includes things like:
- The jig head itself
- Thread
- Feathers
- Any other fur, hair, or other materials you want to use or add
- Flashabou
- Clamp or vise
- Small scissors or nail clippers
- Glue
Once you have everything gathered together, you can decide on how you want to tie your crappie jig. Do you want something big, bright, and flashy? Or are you looking for something sleeker and natural-looking? Your answer will dictate what colors, sizes, and materials that you should gather and use.
Tying the Jig
You will get started by clamping the jig head in the vise. This will firmly hold onto it while you are working, and allow you to add things to it without it moving around. Next, load a good amount of thread onto the “body” of the jig head. This will allow for other materials to bind to it and give you a surface area to work with. Around fifteen to twenty wraps should give you an adequate starting point.
Once you have a good base layer, you will now use the thread to begin to add materials to create your jig’s body, fin, and tail. Start at the back of the jig head, and find the material that you want to use as a tail. This material can be long hair, feathers, or tinsel chenille. From here, work your way to the head of the jig and add materials as you see fit. After all, this is your own custom jig so it can look however you want it to!
Once you have finished the jig, take some of the Flashabou and give the jig a few wraps with it. This will complete the look, and you are now ready to finish your jig up! Remove it from the vise, and trim any excess material or loose thread. Make sure the knot you tie with the thread is good and tight, and trim the excess as well. Apply the glue over this area to keep it all together and allow it to properly dry.
Final Thoughts
Hand-tying your own jigs for things like crappie and shellcrackers can be a lot of fun, and it is very easy to do with a little practice. And who knows, your own custom jigs could perform way better than anything bought from the store!
Interested in checking out more information about fishing bait? Look no further than our articles on:
Why Bigger Baits Trigger the Biggest Bass
Top 5 Most Attractive Trout Baits
How to Build Your Own Worm Bait Farm
For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.
