Looking For Some New Jigs

[fadetoblack21]

So it's time for me to start loading up the tackle box and getting ready for spring. I'm looking to buy some more quality jigs to replace the ones I lost last year. I have been fishing with strike king jigs and war eagle jigs for a while now and generally like them. The skirts on the strike king's seem to move around alot so I'm looking to move away from those jigs.

Last year I bought about a dozen Northstar Pro Series jigs. Love the colors and quality of the jigs. My problem was that I had a lot of missed hookups on some pretty solid hits. Lost alot of fish reeling them in. Even after trimming the weedguard I would have this problem.

So I guess my question is, does anyone else have this problem with these jigs? Is it a problem with my hookset? Would I see significant improvement by moving over to the Northstar Premier jigs? I'm pretty confident with my war eagle jigs and will continue to buy the few colors I like in them but I want a good quality brand for the rest of my jigs.

[Red]

http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/

Can't go wrong with these. This is all I will be throwing this year. Caught my PB on one just a few weeks ago.

[fadetoblack21]

http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/

Can't go wrong with these. This is all I will be throwing this year. Caught my PB on one just a few weeks ago.

Any type you recomend from there? I see he offers quite a few different types.

BTW, that's quite a nice looking bass you have there!

[eyedabassman]

So it's time for me to start loading up the tackle box and getting ready for spring. I'm looking to buy some more quality jigs to replace the ones I lost last year. I have been fishing with strike king jigs and war eagle jigs for a while now and generally like them. The skirts on the strike king's seem to move around alot so I'm looking to move away from those jigs.

Last year I bought about a dozen Northstar Pro Series jigs. Love the colors and quality of the jigs. My problem was that I had a lot of missed hookups on some pretty solid hits. Lost alot of fish reeling them in. Even after trimming the weedguard I would have this problem.

So I guess my question is, does anyone else have this problem with these jigs? Is it a problem with my hookset? Would I see significant improvement by moving over to the Northstar Premier jigs? I'm pretty confident with my war eagle jigs and will continue to buy the few colors I like in them but I want a good quality brand for the rest of my jigs.

I fish the Northstar jigs alot, and I have never had the problem that you are talking about. I have missed a fish or two but I take the blame ( asleep at the reel ). I would try to bend the hook up a bit if anything. Or maybe it is you,( not trying to be a punk ). Chris does use a good hook.

[msolorio]

check out californiareservoirlures.com. johnny c makes some awesome jigs in some awesome colors with grea components and will even make custom jigs for you with whatever hook you want. seibertoutdoors has some rad jigs, im plannin on ordering a bunch soon. another option is you can make your own that way you get everything you want and more.

[dwtaylor]

I would make sure that your line is tight when setting the hook and fighting the fish. Sometimes when a fish hits a bait hard, it puts slack in the line and when you set, you only remove the slack. I had a big problem with landing fish this summer because of this. I would also lose fish while fighting them because of a little slack in the line. Try to learn to reel set jigs, it will help you land those fish.

[grimlin]

X2 @ http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/ jigs. I absolutely LOVE mike's jigs. I caught my PB a few years ago on his jig.

Northstar has excellent communication,get a hold of him and let him know that you are having problems.He may have some answers for you. He takes pride in his work and always puts his customers first.

[NCLifetimer]

So it's time for me to start loading up the tackle box and getting ready for spring. I'm looking to buy some more quality jigs to replace the ones I lost last year. I have been fishing with strike king jigs and war eagle jigs for a while now and generally like them. The skirts on the strike king's seem to move around alot so I'm looking to move away from those jigs.

Last year I bought about a dozen Northstar Pro Series jigs. Love the colors and quality of the jigs. My problem was that I had a lot of missed hookups on some pretty solid hits. Lost alot of fish reeling them in. Even after trimming the weedguard I would have this problem.

So I guess my question is, does anyone else have this problem with these jigs? Is it a problem with my hookset? Would I see significant improvement by moving over to the Northstar Premier jigs? I'm pretty confident with my war eagle jigs and will continue to buy the few colors I like in them but I want a good quality brand for the rest of my jigs.

In my opinion you answered your own question. I personally believe that if you have confidence in lure A then you will fish it better and be more successful then with lure B, C, D, or any other lure. Ofcourse this is assuming both are quality products at the core. You could probably start fishing other jigs and gain confidence in them, but why? If war eagles work well now for you, keep chucking them. If it aint broke...

Your problem with northstar jigs and hookups seems odd, not sure what is causing that.

[fadetoblack21]

In my opinion you answered your own question. I personally believe that if you have confidence in lure A then you will fish it better and be more successful then with lure B, C, D, or any other lure. Ofcourse this is assuming both are quality products at the core. You could probably start fishing other jigs and gain confidence in them, but why? If war eagles work well now for you, keep chucking them. If it aint broke...

Your problem with northstar jigs and hookups seems odd, not sure what is causing that.

Your answer brought up something I was wondering myself, confidence. I have not had this problem with the other jigs I fish so I don't think it's a hook set problem. The biggest reason I'm looking for another jig to throw is the war eagle jigs are pretty limited in color selection. I will continue to throw them because as you said, if it aint broke. . . But I also I think I will give http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/ a look and possibly pick up a few.

[Fishes in trees]

I've had issues with Strike King jig skirts (and several other brands for that matter). I took some wire and clinched them down tight, and then removed the rubber skirt band with a scalpel. I like the way the War Eagle skirts come wired tight.

As far as missing fish when jig fishing, I think everyone goes through phases where they just miss fish. No good reason, they just miss them. I chalk it up to operator error.

[flipin4bass]

Any type you recomend from there? I see he offers quite a few different types.

BTW, that's quite a nice looking bass you have there!

I'm using a lot of homemade jigs these days, but I do have some of his Big O football jigs. I've landed some wallhangers using them and I like the construction. He also carries a lot of color combinations.

[tkite16]

I Really like omega jigs

[River Rat316]

Your answer brought up something I was wondering myself, confidence. I have not had this problem with the other jigs I fish so I don't think it's a hook set problem. The biggest reason I'm looking for another jig to throw is the war eagle jigs are pretty limited in color selection.

There could be lots of things going on there. But lets be honest my jigs are not any different form the War Eagles you are used to throwing, they utilize the same hooks, the same basic head design (depending on which head you are using) and the same skirt material. The difference is on the small details, hand tied, better paint, better overall quality.

Did you have a problem with one specific jig, or the whole lot? If its one specific jig its possible the hook point is bent, tweaked, or whatever. You also mentioned trimming the weedguard, which imho is a big no no, it makes the weedguard stiffer and inturn affects your hookset, imho if you are going to do anything to the weedguard fan it out, otherwise leave it alone. There also may be a difference in hooks, if you have the Alien head jigs with a trimmed weedguard, that set up is going to require one heck of a hookset, thick 3x hook, stiff weedguard because it is trimmed. I don't know which ware eagles you have but most I have seen have the considerably lighter duty flat eye mustad hook with thinner wire, which will make hooksets easier but are also a weak point in landing of the fish.

[Red]

Any type you recomend from there? I see he offers quite a few different types.

BTW, that's quite a nice looking bass you have there!

I like the Big O brush jigs and the Big O footballs.

[bwell]

I'll take those northstar jigs off your hands if you dont want them! I have had nothing but good luck after switching to northstar, quality of this jig is great for the price. Miss hooksets happen, try splitting the weedgaurd in a V.

[roadwarrior]

Smaller jig: NorthStar Hairy Jig, Rage Tail Baby Craw Trailer

Bigger jig: GMAN Big O, Falcon skirt matched with a Rage Tail Craw (Falcon)

[Vinny Chase]

Just out or curiousity, what type of rod and line are you using?

Like others have said, I have never had an issue with landing fish when using NorthStar, in fact my ratio increased when I started using them. He uses IMHO the best hook in the market with the owner deep throat.

[Hornytoad 10]

My favorite jig by far is the D&L Tackle baby advantage jig, the baby advantage jig weighs 5/16oz. however they do make a regular advantage jig also. their jigs hook fish easily and usually keep them hooked, D&L has a great selection of colors, sizes and styles of jigs. check em out!

[Siebert Outdoors]

Vinny brings up a valid point. It could be some in the set up. Most jigs work best with a 7' MH or heavier rod 12lb+ line. Bigger the jig bigger the equipment needed.

My favorite jig I build right now is the Big O Brush series. Its a big heavy duty jig that fishes like a light wire jig. The hook penetration on this thing is outstanding.

If you have any questions feel free to pm me or email me.

[fadetoblack21]

There could be lots of things going on there. But lets be honest my jigs are not any different form the War Eagles you are used to throwing, they utilize the same hooks, the same basic head design (depending on which head you are using) and the same skirt material. The difference is on the small details, hand tied, better paint, better overall quality.

Did you have a problem with one specific jig, or the whole lot? If its one specific jig its possible the hook point is bent, tweaked, or whatever. You also mentioned trimming the weedguard, which imho is a big no no, it makes the weedguard stiffer and inturn affects your hookset, imho if you are going to do anything to the weedguard fan it out, otherwise leave it alone. There also may be a difference in hooks, if you have the Alien head jigs with a trimmed weedguard, that set up is going to require one heck of a hookset, thick 3x hook, stiff weedguard because it is trimmed. I don't know which ware eagles you have but most I have seen have the considerably lighter duty flat eye mustad hook with thinner wire, which will make hooksets easier but are also a weak point in landing of the fish.

It was the whole lot. I still use them, and plan on using them this spring as well. I'll have to see if I have any problems with the one's that I haven't trimmed the weedguard on. I really love the jigs so I would like for them to work for me. Hopefully it is just a confidence thing because there are some amazing colors that I can't seem to find anywhere else.

For gear I am using a 7' MH rod with 15lb floro. I always thought I was setting the hook pretty hard so I dont think that's the problem. I have only used the Northstar jigs for one season so I will continue to use them. Who knows, maybe I will have better luck this year with them.

I think I will try out Siebert Outdoors and maybe some of the Northstar Premier jigs, and also try the Northstar jigs I do have without trimming the weedguard.

[shimmy]

I am just amazed at the total respect northstar and siebert outdoors have for each other. In a thread where it can definitely get edgy, it is great to see how they never put the other jig down or even hint at potential flaws. Just awesome. Just out of respect for fishing, this site, and the wonderful selections of jigs available on the net, if i didn't make my own jigs i would out of principle stay 100% loyal to both northstar and siebert outdoors. These are the guys who should be getting more business for giving more than just an amazing product, their integrity.

Flat out awesome.

[eyedabassman]

I am just amazed at the total respect northstar and siebert outdoors have for each other. In a thread where it can definitely get edgy, it is great to see how they never put the other jig down or even hint at potential flaws. Just awesome. Just out of respect for fishing, this site, and the wonderful selections of jigs available on the net, if i didn't make my own jigs i would out of principle stay 100% loyal to both northstar and siebert outdoors. These are the guys who should be getting more business for giving more than just an amazing product, their integrity.

Flat out awesome.

Both are a class act for sure!

[River Rat316]

It was the whole lot. I still use them, and plan on using them this spring as well. I'll have to see if I have any problems with the one's that I haven't trimmed the weedguard on. I really love the jigs so I would like for them to work for me. Hopefully it is just a confidence thing because there are some amazing colors that I can't seem to find anywhere else.

For gear I am using a 7' MH rod with 15lb floro. I always thought I was setting the hook pretty hard so I dont think that's the problem. I have only used the Northstar jigs for one season so I will continue to use them. Who knows, maybe I will have better luck this year with them.

I think I will try out Siebert Outdoors and maybe some of the Northstar Premier jigs, and also try the Northstar jigs I do have without trimming the weedguard.

I don't know much about the War Eagle jigs you were using, just what I see from TW there flipping jig looks to be a basic Arky style with a flat eye medium wire hook. The Pro series Alien head is a bigger thicker hook and will require more force to set. Like G-Man said the Owners that I use in the Premier series and he uses in his Big-O jigs are still a heavy wire but the advantage of the cutting point over regular conical point is it takes less force to penetrate, imagine a suregeons knife as opposed to a big blunt needle. I still think most of the problem was due to the fact that you switched to a heavier hook style and also trimmed the weedguard and it just takes more force than you are used to too get the hook to drive through. I am not in any way saying you have a weak hookset, just that these require more force than what you are used to. I would make the switch to either cutting point series of jigs, or get a heavier longer rod with 17lb floro. I personally use a 7'11" mh flipping stick, 20lb Yozuri hybrid (not the soft) and have a bone jarring hookset when using any type of flipping jigs, it may be more HD than what is needed but it is the way I have always done it.

[River Rat316]

I am just amazed at the total respect northstar and siebert outdoors have for each other. In a thread where it can definitely get edgy, it is great to see how they never put the other jig down or even hint at potential flaws. Just awesome. Just out of respect for fishing, this site, and the wonderful selections of jigs available on the net, if i didn't make my own jigs i would out of principle stay 100% loyal to both northstar and siebert outdoors. These are the guys who should be getting more business for giving more than just an amazing product, their integrity.

Flat out awesome.

The way I see it is I have very few competitors on the market, I don't see any of the mass produced jigs on the market as competition, my true competitors are guys like Seibert Outdoors, and all the other small builders that are doing GOOD custom stuff and putting their heart and soul into their work. Business doesn't have to be cut throat, most of what I do I owe to my competitors, I wouldn't be hand tieing, going through all the different paint steps, using the highest quality components and so on if it wasn't for companies like Seibert and all the other hand builders out there. We all push each other to take the next step into building a quality product. I am sure g-man wouldn't have bought into the Owner hooks if I hadn't been doing them with success , I am also sure I wouldn't have a mop jig if his wasn't so successfull. One thing I always try to remember is in the end we are all fisherman, so no matter what we all share a love of this sport, and everyone benefits from the friendly competition of smaller companies.

[flipin4bass]

I've got more jigs than what I know what to with, but if I had to make an order I'd probably go with G-Man. Not that he makes a better jig, I've never used Northstar, but I like how his pull down menus allow the mixing and matching of head colors and skirt colors. That probably doesn't matter to the fish, these options attract the angler more than anything, but it is a neat option just the same. I did pull out one of my Big O football jigs that I used last summer and the paint holds up much better than the mass produced jigs I'ver used in the past. That's one quality I like when it comes to smaller, tackle-specialized operations. You get more attention to detail and pride in workmanship.