Hooks on Jitter bugs

[scaledriver]

I have some old Jitter bugs and was going to put some new hooks on them.  The original hooks seem to be a long shank #6.  I was thinking or using #4 owner stingers.  Think this will be alright or stick with the same type of hook that came on them originally?

[bilgerat]

Whatever hook you go with, don't unscrew the hangers to get the old ones off. Cut the hooks off and install the new ones with split rings.

Owners are a good hook. Match the original size or go up one. Make sure they can't hook themselves together.

[moby bass]

Even on new Jitterbugs you need to replace the hooks.  For such a famous lure, the quality of the out of the box hook is nothing short of poor.

[scaledriver]

Ugg I have already took the hook hangers off.  Does takin them off casue probs with the lil screws comin loose?  I agree on the stock hooks and actually by goin up 1 size from a 6 (stock) to the 4s it matched the original shank legnth.

[Crestliner2008]

If you've taken the hangers off, then before you replace them, dip the threads in a little Loctite "ScrewLock". That'll make sure you don't have a problem.

As said previously, replace the originals and hang them with split rings. Best way to determine the appropriate size is to try one close to what the original is and see how they act. Then replace with a size larger and see how that affects the action. If it does, then back off one size and you'll be in the correct ball park.

Also, the bottom of each orb of the lip....bend it slightly forward. That will increase the erratic action.

[Tin]

2 o-rings per hook 

[scaledriver]

Great stuff since I have plenty of loc tite etc for workin on my RC cars. 

[RobE]

I take the hooks off of my Jitterbugs. I mean 'OFF' and no replacements. This lure is so good I just like to mess with the fish sometimes.

Okay, I'll 'fess up. I do have two with hooks. 

[Micro]

My Jitterbugs don't need hooks.  Because I can't get anything to hit a Jitterbug. 

[scaledriver]

My Jitterbugs don't need hooks. Because I can't get anything to hit a Jitterbug.

hehe the jitterbug was one of the first lures my dad gve me as a kid to use at night it worked pretty good.  probably not the best but at the time it worked for me I have kept a few around every since

[Sherlock 60]

I love using my black Jitterbug as the sun goes down.

[SkilletSizeBass.]

I really like running the jitterbug up close and along the bank at dusk and into the dark. Its a classic 

[Tucson]

I love using jitterbugs in the evening.  Been doing that for 30 years.  Still haven't caught a fish on one but hope springs eternal.

[grimlin]

My Jitterbugs don't need hooks. Because I can't get anything to hit a Jitterbug.

Me either..... ;D

[midnighthrasher]

My Jitterbugs don't need hooks. Because I can't get anything to hit a Jitterbug.

Me either..... ;D

you guys should come up here. we'll go hit up the lake with only a jitterbig on the line and a jitterbug in your pocket as a bckup and i guarantee you have a smile on your faces all night long. The jointed black jitterbugs in 5/8 are my best sundown/ night time producers for me.

[Sherlock 60]

I often use a black Jitterbug on a shallow flat near my pier as I am wrapping it up for the day and the skeeters are beginning to bite (me, of course). And I almost always catch one.

If you think you are fishing it too slow...then slow down.

[bass or bass ?]

My Jitterbugs don't need hooks. Because I can't get anything to hit a Jitterbug.

Wow, I'm shocked. I can ALWAYS count on a Jitterbug to catch bass.

I replaced my hooks with red Owner's on split rings.

[Wild Bill [NY]]

I am truly amazed at the number of guys that have posted that they do not get hits on a Jitterbug.

Are you guys leaving them in your tacklebox, because they DO NOT CATCH anything there except for dust.

I have been fishing them since 1960, and I SWEAR by them at night, especialy the 5/8 size in  BLACK [but not only that color]. I also use the MUSKY-sized ones, as well, when trophy hunting at night.

I actually tie them on for fishing novices when I take them out on my ranger in the evenings, and have given many of them the fish of their lifetime by doing so.

It is one of the easiest bass fishing lures to use, in my opinion.

Yup, swap out the factory hooks for a much better catch rate !!

[Sherlock 60]

I also use the MUSKY-sized ones, as well, when trophy hunting at night.

Do you do anything differently for the Muskie-sized Jitterbug? I picked one up recently and will use it this season.

[Wild Bill [NY]]

Yes, for the Muskie-sized Jitterbug I use a heavier rod, heavy line, and trick out the hooks, switching them to heavy-wire Owners.

They have rewarded me with good sized LMs, SMs, and Northern Pike , so far.

Primarily, I use them at dusk or darker, and prefer them in the color Black.

[shootermcbob]

I too regularly catch them on a jitterbug. I have a 5/8 ounce jointed black jitterbug that is gnarly, and I have caught all my best fish on this lure. I use it early in the morning while it is still dark. I almost always catch 2-3 fish on it.

[b.Lee]

+1 on jitterbugs, Always been one of my favorite topwater lure

[bassin is addicting]

X2 on always worth 2-3 fish.

i joined a club as a non-boater 3 years ago.  the first tourney i had one tied on.  my boater kinda laughed and said he didn't know anyone used them anymore..

i caught 3 keepers within the first hour.

the next tourney i noticed he had one tied on before we all headed out from the dock..  ;D

i carry 2 but have never changed the hooks...sounds like i should.  although i've never had hook up problems..

[bass or bass ?]

I use the musky size Jitterbugs for stripers too. They will slay them during a surface boil.