Did I get your attention? I thought so.
A jig is not exactly a super secret lure. They’re used by anglers around the world to catch all sorts of fish.
So why are these jigs super secret? It’s simple. Every single one of them was custom tied by me. They are all one-of-a-kind creations.
When I decided to make my own jigs, the plan was to buy painted jig heads and go from there. However, I had trouble finding the right gauge hook that was strong enough to handle the fight of a silver or pink salmon. For an angler, about the only thing worse than having your line snap while fighting a fish is having your hook straighten out.
I eventually found what I needed but the jigs were not painted. No problem. Pro-Tec Powder Paint is specifically designed for jig heads. Cerise, chartreuse, and white are the core colors that get the attention of a salmon.
A hundred painted jig heads later, I began to tie away….
Why tie so many jigs?
There are two reasons. First, what use to be a lure costing less than $3 has more than doubled. I had the time, the patience, and just enough skill to make my own.
The second reason has to do with a new regulation passed by the Board of Fisheries in March. The Kenai River will now be without bait and treble hooks until August 15th.
Single hook and no bait means more casting with spinner baits, spoons, and jigs. The more casting we do the more likely lures will wear out, or I dread the thought, be lost on a snag. Some times you just can’t help but lose a few lures on snags. However, this August I’ll be guiding several world class snaggers from Texas and Tennessee and 100 jigs might not be enough…
Besides the standard marabou, flashabou, and rabbit hair, I like to add plastic paddle tails to a jig. Not only does it enhance the action and give the lure more color, it slows down the rate at which a jig will drop in the water. A slower, falling jig can often be a difference maker. If you’re wondering why you don’t see Gulp or Power Bait (both are excellent) it’s because they’re infused with scent and scent is considered bait in Alaska.
Pretty, eh?
I’m counting on the salmon thinking that too.
Fish App