My jig evolution

[fish_4_all]

IMO the unique value of the crochet tie is as a best possible caterpillar-grub imitation. Lots of proven effective minnow patterns that are probably way less time consuming. Not knocking, your talent and creativity are extraordinary!

First, thank you. It took me a long time to get this pattern where I like most of what I tie. The time involved even shocked me but I timed it a couple times over the last week and it takes longer than I ever thought. I will have to look for some simpler minnow patterns for when I get ready to tie some of them. I have some of that mylar tubing so I can make some simple ones.

I am a glutton for punishment though so I will have to try at least a couple minnow patterns with the crochet patterns. The silver and copper ones look really good to me so I have to at least experiment with them.

[sticksteer]

Amazing! What material do you use on those ?

[fish_4_all]

The ones pictured are all Larva Lace and cross stitch floss. I have used other flosses/lace in the past too but nothing seems to work as well with smaller jigs/flies.

Larger jigs, I also use craft lace/rexlace. Makes for some interesting patterns but I don't tie with it on sizes smaller than 1/0. Too stiff to work on anything smaller and make it look right.

[gabulldog]

when i do split tails i use sadle hackle has great points and there kinda curved
get 2 and cut same and tie one on each side curve out away from shank its a great look and when you stop it they come back apart and kinda tranperant like a fish tail
ill post a pic later today

[fish_4_all]

I appreciate the picture when you get one, I am having a hard time seeing it in my head. I have an idea but always good to see it for me.

What I have done with hackle in the past is to take 2, cut them same length, lay them in a 'v' pattern over the shank and the bend of the hook for a tail look. Probably not the best way but is the way I did it from seeing other patterns made.

[Buckeye Mike]

I like'em, what is the smallest size that you have in the pics ? have you ever done a baby crawdad with this style of tying ?
Thanks for sharing this.

[AtticaFish]

I've asked him as well. I tie my own flies and a good looking craw pattern is hard to come by. These would make a good one!! Just not sure how you would come up with the pinchers. Maybe tie in a dried pork strip or two with a claw shape.

Let's see - Buckeye Mike - I bet you are the same as me and love fishing for stream smallies in the Buckeye State! Am I right?

[fish_4_all]

I have made a baby craw using leather for the claws. Takes me forever but I can do it. Tail, pincers, legs, head the works. Let me look again to see if I have one still and can find it. Have found another box of stuff so I have some sorting to do. Man I hate moving.

The smallest one is size 8 1/64 ounce.

[fish_4_all]

I could not find one with claws and a tail but this shows what I can do with some leather. Could also make the thorax by wrapping lace around but the leather was by far the best look.

The only time I have ever made these was for a guy who wanted them for bass fishing. He caught 2 smallies and 5 LM on them. They didn't work really well but they didn't look the best either. I imagine the leather scent didn't help that any. I haven't tried since because they are a pain in the arse to tie up. Took me about an hour each.

I will try tying a couple of them using feathers, fur and lace instead of leather to see how they turn out. Will also see if I can find my leather and tie a couple up with that too.

[gabulldog]

heres that pic