Is Thinner Better?

[Megastink]

Does anyone prefer a thinner jig skirt? Maybe 44 strands total? Just asking; always looking for inspiration!

[smalljaw67]

I do use a thinner skirt on swim jigs and spinnerbaits for the most part. On finesse jigs I sometimes use as little as 20-22 strands but it depends on the jig size and type.

[Kirk Bonanny]

   I make finesse jigs down to 1/16th of an ounce, and all of my skirts will have between 18 to 24 strands on these, and I also cut them so they only extend past the hook of the jig by no more than 1/8". I only use these in black, brown & green pumpkin with a small piece of pork as an added attraction and to slow the rate of fall. I hammer both largemouth & smallmouth bass on these by throwing them around docks & pilings on a crystal clear lake that I fish. The smaller amount of strands keeps the profile of the bait on the small side which I've found to be important on highly pressured bass.

   I also thin out all of my buzzbaits and some of my spinnerbaits. It may be a confidence issue, but I feel very confident following up the docks the crankbait guys skim through in short order...and I've made a few of them mad by winching out some nice bass in the spot they just left.

  I also fish full skirted jigs, especially in dingy water. The Susquehanna River is one of my favorite places to fish, and unless it is early spring or late fall/winter the visibility there is a couple of feet at best, so the larger profile lure sends out more "waves" to let the bass know  something is in the area.

  Kirk

[RandySBreth]

Yep - I also use a much thinner skirt on finesse jigs and compact spinnerbaits.