Jig Weedguards

[papajoe222]

I wouldn't say I'm a die-hard jig fisherman, but it's definately one of the baits I rely heavily on.  Over the years I've found that tinkering with the weedguard has helped me.  I use two different styles of jigs with the Arkie getting the nod for the majority of the work. I'll adjust or trim the guard depending on the type or lack of cover. For laydowns or stumps, I'll trim the guard on an angle, shorter near the head and longer nearest the hook. I'll do the same for most weeds, but flare the strands out so they both flex easier and deflect the weeds to the side of that wide jighead.  For pea gravel, shell beds and most open water presentations, I'll bend the strands down just past the hook's barb with all but a few strands on a jig that I haven't trimmed.  Lastly, for a swimming presentation, I'll remove strands or, should I say trim the number of strands (I do this to the skirt also for this).

Anyone else tinker with the stock weedguards on their favorite jigs, or do you all just fish 'em straight out of the pkg.?

[Got1Fishing]

I like flaring my weedgaurd out to the sides some--making it a little easier to set the hook--other than that not really... I know some people put super glue on the bottom the weedgaurd and other trim it. 

[cddan]

I like flaring my weedgaurd out to the sides some--making it a little easier to set the hook--other than that not really... I know some people put super glue on the bottom the weedgaurd and other trim it. 

Im not sure I understand the super glue thing. What do you do with the super glue? 

[smalljaw67]

I like to fan my weedguards out as well, it is one of the reasons I prefer fiber guards over wire and I trim on an angle so that the top of the trim is even with the barb when pushed down.

[ClackerBuzz]

i smear one drop of superglue all over the guard. it will strengthen the weakest weed guard.  once it drys crack it apart to achieve ur desired strength. i like to crack the upper half completely free and leave the lower half or bottom 1/3rd of the guard glued.  i have tons of jigs from many different manufactures and they now all have the same weed guard consistency/strength.  i didn't like having to change out jigs just b/c i encountered different cover. i also didn't like having to constantly monitor/adjust my hook set depending on the jig (too many complicated variables during the day let alone in the dark/night fishing). and i didn't like having to pay and arm and a leg for 'timber jigs'.  they are all now strong timber bashing machines and i can apply the exact hook set to all.

(open water and/or structure fishing is exempt here b/c i don't need the weed guard let alone a very strong one).

[cddan]

Thank you for the explanation. I like it.

[AQUA VELVA]

Read a few years ago that some of the jig fishers like to open up the hook gap a little.

[WRB]

The sole purpose of a weed guard is to prevent the jig hook point from snagging, it also prevents snagging the basses mouth tissue. The best weed guard is no weed guard whenever you can get by without it.

I use a Hiychhiker spring to attach a short length of finesse worm to protect the hook point, no weed guard.

Tom

[cadman]

The sole purpose of a weed guard is to prevent the jig hook point from snagging, it also prevents snagging the basses mouth tissue. The best weed guard is no weed guard whenever you can get by without it.

I use a Hiychhiker spring to attach a short length of finesse worm to protect the hook point, no weed guard.

Tom

WRB, I totally agree with you. Since I don't fish a lot of timber, all of my jigs have a 15 strand fiber weedguard or less. I do not like stiff weedguards no matter where I fish. I do also believe that stiff weedguards prevent good hooksets. My philosophy is, the little bit of weedguard I have on my jigs is there to deflect weeds that's it. JMO.