Jig Trailers?

I have a fly question and hope I don't catch too much flack, I know this is the jig tying forum. Half the question goes along with the jig...

Does anyone use small flies behind jigs? Last summer I noticed a few times fish following up to shore but never biting. Ran into a fly guy using a weighted fly and very small streamer about 2' behind. Asked about it and he said the trailer will catch those followers.

I would assume this would work same way with a jig. Any thought's on trailer patterns, should I match the jig and just go smaller? Or should I just watch the fly forum and use the same thing they do, just back behind a jig?

Debated with self on posting this in the main board, but I figure this is the best place to ask this question since we all make our own and have possibly tried it out.

If they're following but not biting, I'd try a different color or downsize and slow down your presentation. I've used #6 Clousers 8-10" above my jig, like you would a minnow or another jig, but never trailing off of the jig.

I have never done it myself, but heard about others doing it. They claim it works. Also read an article several years back about doing this. As for color, try the same colors you always use and keep swithing till you find the one they really go after. Like smoothlures said. You won't need a trailer if you find the right color, size, and speed. They will hit it hard when you get all three aspects right. (I very seldom acomplish this)

I have seen it done, not sure if it works or not

Have tried it, and it kinda works, but the unweighted fly at the end wants to tangle sometimes. And have seen fly guys use 3 flies tied in, 1 behind the other, and just slay crappie. Flies were nothing but a little hair, thread body, about a size 6 or 8 crappie hook,and white in color.

As mainly a fly fisherman, my favorite way of fly fishing is dropping a fly about 2-3 feet below a popping bug in a popper-dropper combo. While trying to figure out a way to do this while sac-a-lait (crappie to people who don't live in S. LA) fishing I found this article on Sportsmans Warehouse website about a multiple jig panfish rig.Discount Hunting Gear, Government Surplus, Ammo, Shooting Supplies, Camping Gear, Outdoor Gear at The Sportsman's Guide This fall I have tried tying several flies above my jig using a double surgeon's loop with the jig at the bottom. Didn't catch any sac-a-lait on the flies but did catch some bream. I agree that it would be difficult cast without fouling the fly if the fly is below the jig, but you might try putting one or more flies above the jig.

One idea that might help you original question about catching followers. You might try putting a small jig 1/64- 1/100 oz behind the jig. Haven't tried that so not sure if it would tangle but might be one idea to try.

One caveat: always check your state regs about using multiple hooks. Different states have different regulations.

Kevin

Looks like it would catch a fisherman but I'd also stay with a really light weight jig behind a jig. Don't know if it's legal here in Vermont but I'll have to check.

Fatman

Well I did tie some little flies to use when trolling with a larger jig and not long line trolling. More like the wind is blowing and trolling 6' or a little deeper and tying these above the 1/8 oz. jig. Here is a pic of some of them, but know I have not tried them a lot. Also think they my work under a cork. They are all bead head flies and I didn't take a pic of may of them.
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