Need my jig advice

[fish_4_all]

Some of you have seen and they seem to be fish worthy but I need some ideas. I have been using Larva Lace to make them and it is hard to really get any contrast to the colors, it is just too clear.

I have worked in the past with multiple different materials. Cross stitch floss, chenille, vernille and many others. The metallic cross stitch floss makes an awesome looking flashy, possible minnow pattern. Vernille works better than lace to have a real contrast in the crochet, so does the floss. The lace material really makes a realistic worm, grub and leech pattern. Metallic floss is actually pretty abrasive but it could actually make a better minnow pattern because of the scales on the fish. Might imitate the natural feel of a minnow to a fish better than a softer material. Could even combine the floss to make a layered look with metallic floss on the bottom and a darker floss on top or visa versa.

The biggest question is this:
Would a harder material cause the fish to let it go faster than than a soft pliable material? Is it gonna be more important to find the right combinations to mimic the food they eat than the texture of the jig?

I am gonna tie up some of them to show what I mean. Any thoughts would be appreciated while I am making up a bunch of different ones in different materials.

Would a marabou tail or other material for a tail make a difference in making them more appealing to panfish?



As you can see, it is hard to see the different colors in the patterns in the crochet areas.



As you can see here, even the brighter colors do not show any real contrast even from dark to bright colors.

[Fatman]

I know what you mean, I've tried a product called jelly rope that you can buy at JoAnne's Fabrics. It stretche's and you have to work with a little less pressure than you do with LarvaLace but it comes in really cool colors.

You can get purple, orange, red, yellow brown etc. Costs alot less too.

Fatman

[AtticaFish]

I can see a color change and believe most fish will too. Don't really belive the texture will matter much as long as you set the hook when ya feel or see a bite!

They look pretty buggy and I do believe a maribou tail would help for crappie about any time but maybe very cold water temps & through the ice. Bluegills in general seem to me to feed on the more buggy stuf; red worms, wax worms, grubs and insects with the occasional minnie.

If goin' for gills, I use a small nymph, even dry flies with a split-shot a foot or two above the fly, some times two flies spread apart. Simple grub patterns do work with only dubbing and thread. If you tie one of those things small enough....... Just about anything will eat it!

[fish_4_all]

I like the looks of the flies I see tied with jelly rope. Basically the same thing just looks solid and thicker. I have some stuff called Magic Loops that I got from the local hardware store. Nice looking too. I don't have a Joans here anymore nor any other craft sotre except a little outlet Wal-Mart which has squat for crafts.

Is it Jelly rope or Jelly cord? Solid or hallow?

Always looking for new materials. How much of the jelly loop is in a pack and how much? I might have to have you get me some and send it to me. I have also seen loopie Cord online but never had it in my hands either. Man I love that fact that so many things can be bought at a craft price that work for what we need!

I really like the idea of catching them on a fly rod with small versions of my jigs. Will have try that if I can get to the local lakes this summer in my pontoon boat. Might even have to tie a couple in grub colors if I can find them.