Which is more productive, conventional or plastic jigs?

[deathb4disco]

Don't get me started on the WB. I tie a western pattern that is a killer on browns. I had thought about doing up some of them as a jig to see what would happen. The only thing I have seen out produce the WB is maggots.

The basic marabou-and-chenille jig is just a WB without the hackle, but I don't doubt adding the hackle would be OK. I have an old jig tying book by Gee and Silas, and they claimed a wooly worm tied on a jig head was their #1 bluegill bait. There is something magical about the WB/WW.

Despite that, you'd probably make more money selling plastics. They seem to be the "hot thing", particularly with the bass guys. In-Fisherman has been promoting them a lot for walleyes. I use plastics, too, but I'll never leave home without hair and feathers.

[deathb4disco]

I tie a western pattern that is a killer on browns. I had thought about doing up some of them as a jig to see what would happen.

Years ago, Field and Stream had an article about a guy who did that very thing. He was murdering the trout with it.

["G"]

This question reminds me of the Ford vs. Chevy arguments and then the old which catches more crappie....live minnows or jigs. There is no cut and dry answer.....some things just work better for some folks....lot of variables, how you move or work the jig, current, water clarity, time of year, water temp, sunlight or not, and the list goes on and on. Just fish with what you like and what works best for you or what you have confidence in. Its always good to try new things as well. Now.....go fishing and catch a limit.

[snake River]

This question reminds me of the Ford vs. Chevy arguments and then the old which catches more crappie....live minnows or jigs. There is no cut and dry answer.....some things just work better for some folks....lot of variables, how you move or work the jig, current, water clarity, time of year, water temp, sunlight or not, and the list goes on and on. Just fish with what you like and what works best for you or what you have confidence in. Its always good to try new things as well. Now.....go fishing and catch a limit.

I'll agree with you G3 100% there is neither pro or con on either plastics or feathered jig. I believe it has a lot to do with the fisherman for many years I've used marabou and other hair type jigs and have caught tons of fish but not every day was so same. Some days I just couldn't get into whatever I was doing the day before to get those fish to bite. It's simple this 123 you may have to put one extra twitching your jig or let it fall just short way to get them to strike in this is the same case with using plastic baits if there was two guys standing side beside using the same date one guy is catching more than the other in his body is wondering what a he is doing wrong. It's simple. He has some type of fishing method did he is putting to good practice and it is working for him. This is the case with any artificial bait on the market. It's all in how you use it. I can tell you why Rusty baits are more popular than hand tied jigs. It's because of the variety you have so many different shapes and sizes. And of course, color I believe this has a lot to do with catching the fisherman's I weather than it does fish sometimes yes I do make both plastic baits in jigs for sale. I do not pay too much attention on what a guy would want for a certain color combination. Some combinations will work better than others. I for one stick to basics. Whatever the fish are feeding on this is what I kind of lean to on color . So the question is up again. Which is better plastic or feather neither I will state this to you guys. It's a little bit puzzling sometimes BM a person that sells jigs I have made many hand tied jigs and hold them for sale here. The cells were not good, not good at all the most of the public here is leaning towards plastic I believe it has taken over the market and that's where it's leaning my self why use both plastic Ken feather but for the most of the public out there is plastic but I will make this comment. There is nothing better than the world than a hand tied jig. I rank them number one over anything it's because I know what they can do. I have caught every specie of fish there is in the Northwest yes on jigs that includes steelhead and salmon and all the freshwater game fish that we have here. Net includes all panfish all on feather jigs or hand tied.

[Fatman]

I don't pour plastics (got enough hobbies), now I've got alot of custom plastics I've bought but I'll always have feather and hair jigs. I let the fish tell me what they want.

[sayre315]

Like many people have said, use what YOU think will produce and what YOU have confidence in. fishing might not be one of the sports like baseball that is 90% in your head but it is to an extent. if you dont think a certain lure/bait is going to work than you wont want to put as much effort in using it. if you're using a jig that you know will produce, a jig that you have caught many fish on than you will be more likely to fish it better and with more passion. Its all about comfort.

[njones]

WHOA, Whoa . . . .whoa G3 . . . FORDS all the way, no argument :p.


Even thou I make most of my money off chevy's:D . . . . . (only cus I work at a chevy dealership)

[sayre315]

haha i dont think the Whole Ford Chevy thing should've been started on here, because everybody know Chevys are the best and ford lovers just think Fords are good and dependable. Fix Or Repair Daily.

[quivira kid]

As far as productivity, it's all a matter of opinion. My preference is hand-tied more often than not, especially if you're "on em". Fish like bluegills and white bass will beat up plastics in a hurry. With hand-tieds, if well-tied, they will last for many fish without having to put on a new jig. When I'm on a school of fish, the LAST thing I want to worry about is if my jig is falling apart!

[fish_4_all]

If you are confident in what you use and are good at using it you can catch fish on bare hooks! Know what you use, perfect the way you use it, build your confidence and you will catch a lot more fish. But always have that go to bag with you that has a little of everything else just in case the fish just care how confident you are that day.

If you are talking about selling, plastics make money and are easier. Eventualy jigs and other patterns will come back when the plastics have been seen by every fish in the water and they quit hitting it. The cycle never stops.