Trimming a Jig

[Redtail]

I've read several different opinions about trimming a jig.

One says to cut the weed guard at or near the hook point.

Another says to leave the weed guard long because trimming it makes it too firm and harder for the fish to compress it..

Another says to spread the weed guard out.

What do you guys do?

Thanks in Advance.

[Al Wolbach]

I always trim the weed guard near the hook point. I do not believe it effects the weed guard as far as stiffness.

Some days I can work a jig thru anything without hanging up and some days I can't work it thru open water without hanging up. On the days that I hang up repeatedly I spread the weed guard and it does seem to help with hang ups.

If fishing open water I usually will thin out the weed guard by removing a few strands ( cutting strands off at the head )..............Al

[G3-Basser]

I'm no pro, but here's what I do.  In general, I'll trim the weedguard fibers so that they are just a bit past the hook point and I always mash them down and spread them out prior, and during, use.  I only thin the fibers if I'm not fishing in wood.  My problem with hookups using braided line has always been my overkill hookset.  I combat this by setting my drag so it will slip a bit on the hookset.  So far so good.

Regards,

J

[Bankbeater]

I trim the guard down so that it sticks up a little past the hook point. I also trim the skirt so that it is even with no pieces sticking out longer than the rest. If you are using a plastic chunk, you might try taking a sharp knife and cutting the ends of the chunk in half, so that it has more action.

[Shad_Master]

One of the older guys in my club that fishes almost exclusively with jigs told me to trim the weed guad at an angle so that the longer pieces are touching the hook point and the shorter ones are touching the cover.  Less hang ups and more hook ups.

[zachvii]

I usually cut the weed guards off if I do have to resort to jigs with guards.  I fish very rocky water for smallies and more often than not it is going to hang up on the weight part of the jig anyways.  I dont want anything between the hook and the fish mouth.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I dont mess with trimming or spreading.  I tie on the jig and start fishing.  

[Jimzee]

I dont mess with trimming or spreading. I tie on the jig and start fishing.

Me Too!!!

[senile1]

One of the older guys in my club that fishes almost exclusively with jigs told me to trim the weed guad at an angle so that the longer pieces are touching the hook point and the shorter ones are touching the cover.  Less hang ups and more hook ups.

This is the way I trim mine.