Weedless jig head

[waxnslabs]

Anybody ever used these and if so how did they do as far as hooking up with fish? Wondering if it causes less penetration.

[Bronson]

Haven't used it but I do use the jigs with a Y guard. On both of these I would bend the guard down where it was laying flat over the hook. I don't like the guard sticking straight out because I think a crappie will knock it out of the mouth from time to time.

[skiptomylu]

I am no help with this as I never use any weedless jig heads. I use braid line in hopes of not only feeling more, but also being able to bend the hook and get it back a few times anyway. I figure I would rather catch the crappie and go in expecting to loose a few to the wood here on TB and really how much does that reall cost?

So I have no interest in tying or having extra trouble tying jigs that have a weed guard. Funny thing is they have always called them weedless and they are not. Maybe they should call them something like wood-less, LOL?

Skip

[eriksat1]

If the fish are in the brush and you are losing jig after jig, then the weed guards are ok, you will not hook up with as many fish though. Personally I don't like to use them.

[jusanothajoe]

use them all the time, don't seem to miss many fish, I miss fish on an open hook also. you sure won't miss any more than you do while your tying on jigs. if your jig aint in the water your missin fish.

[CrappiePappy]

95% of the time I'm Crappie fishing ... I'm casting a jig. 95% of that time ... I'm using a weedless jighead (Y guard - brush style - single fiber style). 99% of the time that I'm using a weedless jighead, and "see" the bite (see line movement), I stick the hook into the upper palate of the fish when I set the hook. 99.9% of that time ... I land the fish.

So ... as far as "me" answering your questions --- they hook up just fine & penetrate just fine.

Bronson has a point ... as the picture seems to indicate that the guard is a little off angle (should be a bit closer to the hook point).

Now, I'm using 4lb test mono ... on UL to IM8 rods ... and I don't use a wimpy hookset !! I, also, throw my jigs into blowdowns, brushpiles, standing trees, under docks, against bridge pillings, over rock piles, and anywhere else I think a Crappie might be hiding ... and usually get the jig back (approx 98% of the time). I could not/would not be able to do that with a open hook jig (been there, done that).

... cp

[Nightprowler]

Here is one I know a thing or two about. I've been making several different style weedless jigs for some time now and let me tell you "Yes, they work and are the only way to go when fishing certain styles". If you fish in heavy cover, then a weedless jig will improve your catch rate! Be sure to trim the guard if it extends to far past the hook point. Are you going to miss some fish with a guard?.... UBETCHA. Are you going to miss fish without a guard?... UBETCHA. Are you going to get snagged with a weedless jig?... UBETCHA, but it will be a lot less than without a guard. Some like to use heavy line and just tug and pull until their jig comes free (spooking the fish at the same time). I would rather the fish not know I'm there and allow me to keep on catching them. If you can be on the water any day or time you want, then maybe retying jigs is fine. As for me, my time on the water is limited and I want to ensure that I have every tool available to improve my success. I have seen a great improvement in my catch rate since adding weedless jigs to my bag of tricks and I am confident you will as well if you are fishing this style.
If your style of fishing is long line trolling open water or shooting boat slips, a weedless jig makes no sense. I hope this helps.
NightProwler

Here's a few weedless brush guard style




and a few Y-guard weedless




and a few stick guard