Good post JW, Jig head can play apart in how many strands to leave on each side of hook also. 1/4 !/8th oz/3-5 strands on each side, 1/16 oz 3-4 strands, 1/32oz 2-3 strands on each side of hook. In other words the bigger the jig head the more strands you can leave on each side to obtain a sleek natural looking presentation. Keep strands all close to the same length and never fish with a strand that has been bitten off half way down poking out short and stubby. They just wont bite it as well as it looks un-natural. A properly trimmed tube has a sleek natural look to it as it travels through the water column. I use a trimmed jig most times except during the Spring/Spawn when fish are mainly looking for something big to bite.
I like a small loop knot or some type of fast snap on the end of my line, slightly bend my hook out for better hook ups and apply a scent and you have done about all you can do to increase your odds, except for color selection and size of tube. If you use painted heads never fish a head that has a big paint chip knocked off it as it also looks un-natural and they just won't hit it as well. Good luck and nice post JW.