Jig Trailers?

[An Outdoor Guy]

So I'm starting to get into Jigs after using chatter baits  and was wondering what kind of trailers do you guys like to throw? Craws? straight tail worms? Paddle tail worms? I know the possibilities are endless but was just wondering what works best for you guys? what do you guys like? Does water clarity play a factor in your trailer choice? Does water clarity play a factor in when you would throw a jig?? I'm kind of new to jigs so any and all information is going to be helpful

[burrows]

I like using a rage craw I bite a little off of it and use it as a trailer. I like summer craw color or green pumpkin black flake the more action you want in warm water the more  suddle action in cold water as mentioned below.These are some of my jig colors I throw and I throw these in both stained water and clear. 

[BassThumb]

Frankly, I think a person can get away with a simple approach, for the most part. At the risk of oversimplifying things, here's a good starting point.

Paddle tail trailers for warmer water and active fish, and subtle trailers for cooler water and less active fish.

Black/blue for darker water and darker days, and green pumpkin for clearer water and lighter days. 

Pictured are the Strike King Rage Tail Craw and the Zoom Super Chunk. Tried-and-true winners.

[flyingmonkie]

Can't disagree with what's already been said.  I'm almost always going with a craw trailer (Rage Craw, Rage Menace, Paca Chunk, etc.).  Will vary the action based on water temp (more action with warmer water).

[Bluebasser86]

Rage Craws and Menace

YUM Christie Craw and Craw Papi

Havoc The Deuce 

Zman BatwingZ

Uncle Josh pork frog

["hamma"]

Uncle josh pork rinds size 11, and 101's

yamamoto's craws (lifelike looking ones)

zooms salty chunk jr, and i believe super chunk? (the ones with really squigly appendages)

 the 101's are for smaller jigs and colder waters

the 11's are my usual  spring/fall clearer warm water applications

yamamotos for really clear summer waters

zooms are for summer waters: salty chunk jr, for stained water and super chunk for muddy/ algae bloomed waters

[An Outdoor Guy]

so basically jigs are pretty much just for craws and craw like imitation. well of course and paddle tails for swim jigs and chatter baits.

would any of you guys ever fish a senko as a jig trailer? maybe like a 2" senko? or do you think that would be dumb because it has no action?

[papajoe222]

For flipping/pitching and jigs worked on the bottom, as stated before; Paddle tail trailers for warmer water and active fish, and subtle trailers for cooler water and less active fish. I'll add bigger trailers for warmer water and smaller for colder water.

Don't forget swimbaits and if you've been fishing chatter baits,I'm sure you don't forget adding a paddle tail trailer like a Havoc Beat Shad

[burrows]

2 hours ago, An Outdoor Guy said:

so basically jigs are pretty much just for craws and craw like imitation. well of course and paddle tails for swim jigs and chatter baits.

would any of you guys ever fish a senko as a jig trailer? maybe like a 2" senko? or do you think that would be dumb because it has no action?

You can use a senko as a trailer I've  never done it, but there is Mikey balls on you tube who likes to wacky rig a senko on a skirted flipping jig and it seems to produce good in the lake he fishes?The only way to find out is to try it?

[WRB]

Today your talking soft plastic trailers, pork trailers are long gone,

If you are a entry level jig fisherman start with a 4" Berklet a Chigger craw on a 1/2oz Siebert Arkie jig jig. 

Tom

 

[Rick Howard]

I use a craw chunk or a grub tail.  Flipping and pitching or working the bait along the bottom I use the craw chunk.  Swimming it or popping it up and down off the bottom I use the grub tail.  

[An Outdoor Guy]

18 hours ago, WRB said:

Today your talking soft plastic trailers, pork trailers are long gone,

If you are a entry level jig fisherman start with a 4" Berklet a Chigger craw on a 1/2oz Siebert Arkie jig jig. 

Tom

 

what is a pork trailer? Like a piece of bacon? sorry for the dumb question...

[WRB]

Pork trailer is made from Pork rind and in my humble opinion the most effective jig trails.

Uncle Josh was the last supplier and they still have limited supply in basic black and brown #11 frog and #101 frog.

Pork rind requires you to keep it wet during fishing so it doesn't dry out and become a piece of hard leather and the primary reason it's not favored by bass angles these days....too messy.

Tom

[JPascavage52]

18 minutes ago, An Outdoor Guy said:

what is a pork trailer? Like a piece of bacon? sorry for the dumb question...

Hence the term jig and pig. However, pork trailers can be a major PIA as they are fragile, slide down the hook easily, and if you leave them out, they will dry out, and you'll need a hacksaw to get them off your hook. Plus the dyes in them can wreak havoc. The only time I would recommend pork is in the dead of winter. 

Now, the key trailers I use are Zoom Fat Albert Grubs, Gary Yamamoto Hula Grubs, Chigger Craws, Rage Craws, and Zoom Chunks. Also, Gary Yamamoto Flappin Hawgs recently, they have a slow fall, and can act like a bit of a parachute to a jig if thats what the fish are looking for. I like using them on jigs when working bluffs, as fish will hold close, and will often hit it on the fall. 

Trailer selection should depend on what you are trying to imitate. If you are dragging/ slow stroking a football jig, you would generally be imitating a crawfish, or something crawling along the bottom, and craw style trailers would be best. If you are seeing a lot of bluegill shallow, and would like to flip and pitch, or swim a jig through some grass, a watermelon or pumpkin color jig with a chartreuse or watermelon grub may be the ticket. 

[burrows]

1 hour ago, An Outdoor Guy said:

what is a pork trailer? Like a piece of bacon? sorry for the dumb question...

Lol that's funny 

Good question tho, it's a trailer made from pork skin I think I don't use them,  the old timers are more well informed on fishing them I do they are popular in winter