Picking a Jig Trailer

[Brett's_daddy]

How do you pick a jig trailer? I've heard some trailers have lesser "action" than others and just wondered if anybody could group together a few of the most popular trailers (i.e.- rage Tail Menace, Zoom Z-Craw, Paca Chunk etc.) into the more action and less action (or more if you so wish) categories and what types of conditions dictate which one to go with?

[WRB]

Soft plastics come in way too many choices so let's break them down into 6 groups.

Single and double tail grubs.

Double Claw craws, large and small claws.

Beavers.

Creatures.

Chunks, plastic version of a park frog.

minnow swimmers.

Chunks have little to no action.

Beavers are similar to chunks except have added flappers for action.

Single and double tail grubs have thin tails that swim as the jig moves through the water.

Double claw craws have the appearance of crawdads with the claws providing action as the jig moves through the water, biggest category.

Creatures, like beavers with more added flappers and legs, usually larger sizes.

Swimmers, look like baitfish and swim when moved through the water.

Picking a jig trailer you need to consider what type of prey you want the trailer to look like to the bass.  Single tail grubs and swimmers look like baitfish, use baitfish colors.

Craws look like crawdads however the claws also move like bluegills, crawdads don't swim using thier claws. Small claw craws move and look like crawdads, use crawdad colors.

Larger claw craws move like baitfish with faster flapping movement, use both crawdad and baitfish colors.

Creatures look like lizards or unknown critters, use whatever the bass will strike

Beavers are more like baitfish than crawdads, use baitfish colors.

Hope this helps!

Tom

[papajoe222]

I go for less action in the early spring and move to something with more action and a smaller size closer to the spawn. After that it's big, bulky and a lot of action. The only time I'll opt for a big trailer with less action is when punching and then it's a big tube the majority of the time.  This works for me.  Switch up through the season and see what works for you.

[bigturtle]

I use a beaver, a craw with no action, craw with lots of action, worms and flukes.

[Fish the Mitt]

I use Paca Chunks when I'm pitching, punching, or flipping. I'm not in need of a lot of action with this technique. Now simjigs and bladed jigs, I opt for a lot more action because I'm actually swimming my presentation and the action adds enticement. @WRB has an excellent response where he breaks down things in a very simple manner.

 

Something else to keep in mind is water clarity. The dirtier the water, the bigger and darker I go. The clearer the water, I opt for a more natural color and size.

[Brett's_daddy]

What about Xcite Baits Chunk and Zoom Z-Craws...are these any good as trailers? I'm just trying to target some specific brands/models to get for different situations I may encounter.

[Brett's_daddy]

I've heard some people say that Berkley Chigger Craws and Yum Christie Craws are a good options too...any verdict on these?

[Cgrinder]

I've tried the Xcite chunks. They seem to have similar action to a Paca chunk. Flappy but not too flappy.