Learn How To Hand Tie Bass Fishing Jigs Like A Pro

If you’re looking to catch bass like a pro, one of the most important skills you can develop is hand tying your own fishing jigs. Not only is it a cost-effective way to stock your tackle box, but it also allows you to customize your jigs to the specific conditions you’ll be fishing in.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to hand tie bass fishing jigs like a pro, including the essential tools you’ll need, step-by-step instructions for tying your own jigs, the best materials to use, tips for choosing the right colors, and how to modify your jigs for different conditions.

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create your own custom bass fishing jigs that will increase your chances of catching more fish on your next outing. So, let’s dive in and learn how to tie jigs like the pros do!

Essential Tools Needed To Hand Tie Your Own Bass Fishing Jigs

Hobby Knife: A hobby knife or scissors are the most important tools when it comes to tying your own fishing jigs. A sharp and precise cutting tool is needed to trim excess materials from your jigs.

Jig Tying Vise: A vise will hold the hook steady while you tie on the materials. This will keep the hook in place, making it easier for you to work with and preventing it from moving around and ruining your work.

Thread Bobbin: A thread bobbin is used to hold your thread as you tie your jigs. It will allow you to have a steady supply of thread at your fingertips, so you can tie your jigs without any interruptions.

Materials: Lastly, you will need the right materials such as feathers, hair, and silicone skirts to tie your jigs. These materials can be purchased online or at your local tackle shop. Make sure to choose quality materials that will create durable and effective jigs.

Vice or Clamp

1. Vise: The vise is a necessary tool for tying bass fishing jigs. It holds the hook securely in place and allows for easier manipulation of the tying materials. A good vise should have adjustable jaws, be easy to use, and be able to securely hold hooks of various sizes.

2. Clamp: If you don’t have a vise, a clamp can be used instead. A clamp holds the hook by clamping onto the shank, leaving the hook point exposed. While a clamp is not as versatile as a vise, it is still a useful tool for tying jigs.

3. C-Clamp Base: A c-clamp base is used to secure the vise or clamp to a table or workbench. It provides a stable and secure platform for tying jigs, allowing you to tie with more precision and accuracy.

Whether you choose a vise or a clamp, having a stable and secure base to work from is essential for successful jig tying. A vise is generally the better choice due to its versatility and ease of use, but a clamp can be a suitable alternative if you’re on a budget or just getting started with jig tying.

Scissors or Clippers

When it comes to cutting your fishing line, having a good pair of scissors or clippers is essential. Look for models with a sharp blade and comfortable grip. You don’t want to struggle to cut through the line, especially when you’re on the water.

Scissors are a good option for those who are looking for precision cutting. They allow you to get a clean, accurate cut every time. However, scissors can be difficult to use when you’re wearing gloves, so keep that in mind if you plan on fishing in colder weather.

Clippers are a more versatile option. They’re quick and easy to use, and they work well even if you’re wearing gloves. Clippers are also a good option if you’re on a budget, as they’re often less expensive than scissors.

No matter which option you choose, make sure you keep your scissors or clippers sharp. Dull blades can damage your line and make it harder to tie knots.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Hand Tie Your Bass Fishing Jigs

Gather Materials: Start by assembling all the necessary materials, including hooks, thread, feathers, beads, and other embellishments.

Tie the Knot: Start by attaching the thread to the hook with a knot, and then wrap the thread around the hook to create a base for your jig.

Add Embellishments: Once you have the base, you can start adding embellishments like feathers and beads to create a unique and effective jig.

Finish the Jig: Once you have added all the desired embellishments, finish the jig by tying off the thread with a knot and cutting off any excess thread.

Test Your Jig: Before hitting the water, it’s important to test your jig to make sure it has the right action and weight. Adjust as needed until you achieve the desired results.

Choose The Right Thread

Step 1: Choose the right type of thread for your jig. The two main types of thread used for bass fishing jigs are nylon and polyester. Nylon thread is more flexible and is good for tying the head of the jig, while polyester thread is stiffer and better for tying the skirt.

Step 2: Consider the weight of the thread. Heavier thread is more durable and better for larger jigs, while lighter thread is good for smaller jigs and finesse fishing.

Step 3: Choose the color of the thread to match the color of your jig. If you can’t find an exact match, choose a thread color that is close to the main color of your jig.

Step 4: Make sure the thread is strong enough to withstand the weight of the fish you are targeting. A general rule of thumb is to use thread that is at least as strong as the line you are using.

Choosing the right thread is crucial to the success of your hand-tied bass fishing jig. By following these steps, you can ensure that your jig will hold up against big fish and look great in the water.

The Best Materials To Use For Hand Tied Bass Fishing Jigs

Bucktail: Bucktail is the most popular and versatile material for tying bass fishing jigs. It comes in a variety of colors and is very durable. The natural movement of bucktail in the water mimics the movement of baitfish, making it a great choice for bass fishing.

Rubber: Rubber skirts are another popular material for bass fishing jigs. They are available in many colors and can be customized to create a unique baitfish pattern. Rubber skirts are also very durable and can withstand the abuse of rocky bottoms and heavy cover.

Feathers: Feathers are a great addition to bass fishing jigs because they add lifelike movement to the lure. Marabou feathers are commonly used and come in a variety of colors. Adding a feather tail to a bucktail jig can be very effective for enticing finicky bass.

Silicone: Silicone skirts are another popular material for bass fishing jigs. They are very durable and can be made to look like a variety of different baitfish patterns. Silicone skirts are also very easy to work with and can be customized to create a unique lure.

Hair & Feathers

Hair: Hair is one of the most common materials used for tying bass fishing jigs. Bucktail, squirrel tail, and deer hair are popular options, and they come in a variety of colors to match your specific fishing needs. When using hair, it’s important to cut it evenly and remove any underfur before attaching it to the jig.

Feathers: Feathers are another popular choice for adding flair and movement to your jigs. Marabou and hackle feathers are commonly used and come in a variety of colors. When attaching feathers to your jig, be sure to use a whip finish knot to secure them in place.

Flash: Flash is a synthetic material that adds a shiny, reflective quality to your jigs. It’s often used in combination with hair and feathers to create a more realistic and eye-catching lure. Flash comes in a variety of colors and can be tied in using a variety of techniques.

Thread: The thread you use to tie your jigs is also an important material. It should be strong enough to hold everything together, but thin enough to not add bulk to your jig. Some popular thread options include monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon.

Tips For Choosing The Right Colors For Your Hand Tied Bass Fishing Jigs

Consider the water and weather conditions. The color of your jig should match the environment. In clear water, use natural and light colors. In muddy water, use bright and dark colors. On cloudy days, use bright colors. On sunny days, use darker colors.

Use contrasting colors. Choose colors that contrast with the environment. This makes your jig more visible to the fish. For example, if the water is green, use a jig that is red or yellow.

Experiment with different colors. Don’t be afraid to try new colors. Some days, certain colors may work better than others. Keep a variety of colors in your tackle box and switch them out until you find the right one.

Water Clarity Matters

Understand the water clarity: Different water clarities require different colors, so it’s essential to understand the water clarity in the area you will be fishing.

Match the hatch: Observing the natural colors of baitfish and other prey species in the water can help you choose the right color for your jig.

Consider the lighting conditions: The amount of light available in the water can also affect the color of your jig. In low light, choose brighter colors, and in bright light, go for more subdued colors.

How To Modify Your Hand Tied Bass Fishing Jigs For Different Conditions

If you want to catch more fish, it’s important to be able to modify your hand tied bass fishing jigs for different conditions. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Adjust the weight: If you’re fishing in deep water, you’ll want a heavier jig to help it sink quickly. If you’re fishing in shallower water, a lighter jig will work better.

Change the trailer: The trailer is the soft plastic bait that you attach to the jig. If the fish aren’t biting, try switching to a different color or shape of trailer to entice them.

Vary the retrieve: Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve is best, while other times a quick, jerky retrieve will trigger more strikes. Experiment with different speeds and techniques to see what works best.

Adjusting Jig Weight

Modifying the weight of your hand-tied bass fishing jigs can make all the difference when it comes to fishing in different conditions. To make your jig heavier, you can add lead wire to the shank of the hook, while to make it lighter, you can remove the lead wire.

Another option is to switch to a lighter or heavier hook altogether. A heavier hook will naturally make the jig sink faster, while a lighter hook will make it rise more slowly. You can also experiment with different hook shapes to see how they affect the jig’s movement in the water.

Keep in mind that the weight of the jig will affect how it behaves in the water, so adjusting it to the conditions you’re fishing in can help you entice more bites and catch more fish.

Swapping Skirts

Choose the right skirt material: There are different types of skirt materials available such as silicone, living rubber, and round rubber. Each has its own unique action in the water, so you’ll want to experiment with different materials to see what works best for you.

Match the color to the conditions: Just like with the jig itself, you’ll want to choose the right color skirt based on the water clarity and other conditions. Use darker colors in murky water and lighter colors in clear water.

Experiment with different skirt styles: There are various skirt styles available, including full skirts, half skirts, and even no skirts. Each has its own unique action and appeal to fish, so try out different styles to see what works best for the fish you’re targeting.

Adding Trailers

Trailers are additional pieces that can be added to the hook of a jig to enhance its performance. They can add more action, vibration, or scent to the bait, making it more attractive to bass. Soft plastic trailers are a popular choice among anglers because they come in many shapes and sizes and can be rigged in various ways. Some common trailer options include creature baits, worms, and crawfish imitations.

When choosing a trailer, consider the size and color of the jig as well as the conditions of the fishing spot. A larger trailer can help the bait stand out in murky water, while a smaller one may be more suitable for clear water. Similarly, selecting a trailer that matches the color of the jig can make the bait look more natural and increase its chances of attracting a bite.

Another factor to consider when using trailers is the type of retrieve you plan to use. A slower retrieve may benefit from a bulkier trailer that creates more disturbance in the water, while a faster retrieve may be better suited for a smaller, more streamlined trailer that can keep up with the pace.

The Advantages Of Hand Tying Your Own Bass Fishing Jigs

Customization: One of the greatest advantages of hand tying your own bass fishing jigs is the ability to customize them to your specific needs. You can experiment with different weights, colors, and skirt materials to create the perfect jig for your fishing conditions.

Cost-effective: Another advantage of hand tying your own jigs is that it can be cost-effective. While the initial investment in materials and equipment may seem high, in the long run, you can save money by not having to purchase pre-made jigs and by being able to reuse and recycle materials.

Creative expression: Hand tying your own jigs also allows for a creative outlet. You can experiment with different designs and color combinations to create unique jigs that showcase your own personal style and creativity.

• Variety: When hand tying your own bass fishing jigs, you have the freedom to choose from a wide variety of materials, colors, and sizes. This allows you to create a jig that is perfectly suited for your specific fishing conditions.

• Personalization: With hand tying, you can personalize your jigs by adding your own unique touches. You can experiment with different color combinations, patterns, and even add your own custom designs.

• Flexibility: Hand tying your own jigs also gives you the flexibility to adjust the weight and size of the jig to suit your needs. This means you can create a jig that is perfectly suited for the depth and water conditions you are fishing in.

Frequently Asked Questions