Tying Hair Jigs

[Topwaterspook]

When tying hair jigs, does anyone prefer squirrel tail over bucktail? I would think the squirrel would have much better movement in cold waters than bucktails. Another hair I've seen tied is calf tail. I'm just looking for some opinions. Thanks , folks.

[smalljaw67]

It depends on the jig size,squirrel and kip tail (calf tail) are too short for jigs that you would use say a 1/0 hook and even a size #1 hook they are a little short. Bucktail is a great material and I use it for most of my jigs as well as rabbit and then combinations of the two. The picture is an example of bucktail on the top jig and rabbit on the bottm jig, the top jig is a 3/32oz with a size #1 hook, if I was using kiptail or squirrel I wouldn't get the coverage plus kip tail doesn't have as much ction as the other two and rabbit and craft hair has the most action.

 

 

[Bass Junkie]

Squirrel tail can be nice on a jig, but it is much slicker than bucktail, so precautions need to be taken when tying to avoid having the hair slip out later in the jigs life. Calf or kip tail is used mainly for tying the posts on Parachute style dry flies for trout, and it does not have much action, as has been stated.

[Munkin]

Bear is what works the best around here for cold water smallies. I just picked up a bunch from a local fishing flea market but haven't had a chance to tie any.

 

Allen