my first two jigs

[shuorc]

Got hooked on using jigs and now it's time to try making them, here's my first two, will try in Lake Harris in the morning.--shu

[TreednNC]

Cant see why they wont work. One suggestion with the bottom one is that you MIGHT get some of the smaller fish grabbing the jig behind the hook with a tail that long. Some dont mind because they dont care to catch the smaller fish, some find it an annoyance and shorten it up so they bout have to bite the hook. Great looking for the first two!

[OKSTATEjiggy]

Good for your first two. They'll catch some fish. As a personal preference, I always try to maintain uniformity and proportion in my jigs: a tail that is proportional to body length, etc. Kind of like what TreednNC said. Another thing I do is try to hide thread wraps, then apply head cement whenever thread is showing, or nail polish, epoxy, etc. That will make em last longer. On the bottom jig you probably could have even applied the body material back to the tail, then built it up toward the front with multiple wraps, unless that little flash of red is what you were aiming for. But like I said, that's ALL my personal preference. You might check out that Dedfish.com youtube video for "tying a simple jig" that has been previously posted on here. Really useful stuff. But yeah, those two are a good start.

[parttimer]

very nice! Let me know if they work for you.Wish I could be there when you try them out.Good fishing!

[shipahoy41]

Top one: I prefer my tail marabou to be at differing lengths. It has a better visual look as it pulsates, thus attracting more crappie. IMHO I like my tail marabou to go past the furthest bend in the hook only about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. This eliminates short strikes. Cover the thread with chenille. (Instructions below)

Bottom One. IMHO Not very good at all. Threads are showing and the chenille body is way to tiny. Would have been better without the chenille if you wanted to show a red neck collar. Your marabou tail is too long.

Now, for an encouraging word for you. Yours are better than my first ones were. I'm sure you will enjoy tying jigs. Here is a very brief outline of BASIC JIG tying steps I use. Be neat and remember..."Less is more."


Wrap the starter thread on the hook shank. Add a drop of super glue. Tie in a two tone marabou tail. Add a drop of super glue.Tie in Krystal flash. Double over and add a half hitch knot.

Begin to tie in the chenille (and black stripe) or varigated chenille at the end of the tail feathers. (I only prefer my chenille body to be about 1/3 of the entire hook length. Usually about four turns.) Strip off some of the fibers so the inner thread is exposed and wrap that with the tying thread. Then bring the tying thread to the front. Wrap the chenille tightly about four turns to the front. Secure with a half hitch knot. Wrap the stripes to the front of the jig hook. Secure with two half hitch knots. Cut the extra off close to the jig body. Add a drop of super glue. Hang the fly to dry.

Fly tying cartoon video for Beginners
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkUQshzp-3I

Jig Tying Tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjbyVxA8Qn4

[shuorc]

Thanks guys for the tips. Went this morn. and didn't have a bite. The body of the top one is too full and didn't look good in the water. The bottom one i wanted a chenille body and a tail so will try again. was fun doing and will keep trying.
Thanks shipahoy41 for the videos will watch this afternoon.--shu

[shuorc]

Watched the videos and am beginning to realize i've started a 'way of life' there's so much to do and learn, that and fishing too. What's a retired person to do??(when do you get a nap)--shu

[shipahoy41]

Watched the videos and am beginning to realize i've started a 'way of life' there's so much to do and learn, that and fishing too. What's a retired person to do??(when do you get a nap)--shu

There are more videos in the fly tying thread archives and just search You tube. Good luck to you.