Hair Jigs

[looking45]

My brother ties the 1/8 and 1/4 oz hair jigs we use mainly in the winter for spotted bass. He uses the hair from the tails of tree squirrels. If you know anyone who hunts tree squirrels ask them to save the tail for you. My brother heavily salts the cut end and stores them in a big zip loc bag. 

[JHoss]

On 2/22/2025 at 1:05 PM, looking45 said:

My brother ties the 1/8 and 1/4 oz hair jigs we use mainly in the winter for spotted bass. He uses the hair from the tails of tree squirrels. If you know anyone who hunts tree squirrels ask them to save the tail for you. My brother heavily salts the cut end and stores them in a big zip loc bag. 

We live on a few acres with a lot of oaks, so squirrel hair is plentiful as long as the 22's still sighted in. But I'm surprised that hair is long enough for bass jigs? 

[ike8120]

Great information , I am new to this also, can anyone recommend any tutorials on tying the hair jig. I know there are many on YT, but looking for one with the beginner in mind.

Thanks

[looking45]

2 hours ago, JHoss said:

We live on a few acres with a lot of oaks, so squirrel hair is plentiful as long as the 22's still sighted in. But I'm surprised that hair is long enough for bass jigs? 

The entire tail isn’t usable.  You can get 3-4 jugs from each tail. We have a few friends who save the tails for us. Check your local regulations so you don’t get fined for shooting one out of season. 

[OkobojiEagle]

3 hours ago, ike8120 said:

Great information , I am new to this also, can anyone recommend any tutorials on tying the hair jig. I know there are many on YT, but looking for one with the beginner in mind.

Thanks

watch some youtube vids from smalljaw.  A couple of simple patterns is sufficient to catch smallmouth and walleye.

 

oe

[Fallser]

I tie both hair and marabou jigs.  1/4 oz for my spinning gear, and 1/20th oz for my fly rod.

 

[TnRiver46]

On 2/27/2025 at 11:45 AM, Fallser said:

I tie both hair and marabou jigs.  1/4 oz for my spinning gear, and 1/20th oz for my fly rod.

 

It’s  not fair that you have all those and I don’t 

[Alex from GA]

During deer season I used to go to processors and ask for tails.  They used to give me a handful for free but I gave them a few bucks.  Split them, remove the bone and wash thoroughly and flush the ticks down the drain.  Salt them and use for bucktails.  

[dopey]

I've been tying bucktails since I was in Junior High!! LOL  but I've tied hair jigs as low as 1/32nd with many different types of hair.   They flat out work well!!

[Bassbum1016]

Depends on how your fishing them

if I want to swim them, it’s almost always marabou and a 1/32 or 1/16 oz

 

bottom dragging it’s buck or craft hair in 1/8 and 1/4

 

i prefer both in black 

keeps it simple yet highly effective 

[Mbirdsley]

I just picked this bad boy up for $20 shipped on eBay. It’s been rode pretty hard but, still makes a good collar less jig.  I did take a stone to the machined surfaces to knock down any burrs.  But, I plan on tying some hair/ maribou jigs.  I’ve made them before but, it’s been almost 10 years. 
 

once school is out this summer my 7 year old daughter will have to come with me during the week on my fishing outings ( mom will be at work) .  Which, means we may have to take blue gill fishing a little more serious on occasion.  I’m hoping I can teach her how to make her own jigs which, will keep her entertained tying them. Than we can use them fishing. 
 

I’d rather her cast a jig and a bober rather than a treble hook for my own safty haha.