kiptail vs synthetic

[homercrappie]

Hey guys...been tying about 6 months and really enjoy it. I use kiptail but have been thinking about trying synthetic hair. What is similar to kiptail but synthetic? Any advantages or disadvantages? I want the action of kiptail but something thats easier to use and will go farther.

[skiptomylu]

Not sure there is anything synthetic that would make a good Kip Tail replacement. I know that stuff is a bear to tie with, but are you using a jig head with a collar? Also need a head that has a collar without a barb, but a slight flaring out at the end of the collar sure makes it easier. There is a good bit of synthetic hair that ties well and works, but usually longer that Kip by a lot. One of my favorite was show to me by a guide here on Toledo Bend and he uses craft fur, but he uses it full length. The color he turned me on to was Black Frost and that stuff really is good. Just tie it as a thread neck jig with a Black head. I was surprised at how well it works. Kip sure has it's place for me and that is before Spring really warms up a lot, like the water is still around or a little under 50 degrees.

There are lots of different kind of hair that does really good, like Squirrel, Fox and many more including Buck Tails and others. Be sure to ask for their Kip Tails that have the longest hair on them, it makes a big difference!

[liftbite56]

I love ultra select craft hair! 3 different lengths on each 3x5" swatches

[homercrappie]

Thanks Skip for the info. I use the no collar with sickle hooks. When buying from store , I pick thru and find longest hair. Can you request it when ordering online?

[skiptomylu]

Thanks Skip for the info. I use the no collar with sickle hooks. When buying from store , I pick thru and find longest hair. Can you request it when ordering online?

I usually call on the phone especially so I can tell them what I want if it's something like Kip where I know some has really short hair and some has nice long hair. Check with Paul on this site as Grousefly or just email him at [email protected]

Tell him your looking for the jig heads that have a collar with a flair on the end and no barb. I have some like that made by him. I buy most of my jig heads from Paul and he's not the fastest and not the cheapest, but I feel he send me nice trimmed heads that I don't have as much hand filing on. I hand file every head that has any imperfections like a seam that sticks out so with his I have so much less of that and I like his lead better than some. Try tying on a collar with Kip and it's going to be a lot easier!!!!

[Fatman]

I like kip but only the good stuff. redear uses a lot of it and gets good ones from Chuck and Debs but also gets some good ones from Barlows. If the kip is really driving you nuts you could also use calf body hair and it ties really nice. I also use alot of craft fur - Darice stuff is okay but I like the old Targus stuff the best but it's hard to find but Hairline extra select is nice stuff. I used to use Punisher craft hair but it seems like it has more bulk to it now.chuckanddeb.com Fishing tackle

[kickingback]

I tie some "Baitfish Emulator Flash" as synthetic tail for some of my jigs. https://www.google.com/search?q=Bait...w=1228&bih=842