Hey guys, I rarely post here, but check in every once in a awhile. I've known Ned for about 10 years, and got a chance to learn about the rig way back when it was "secret." Hopefully I can add a few tidbits that I've learned over the years.
dtrs5kprs is absolutely correct on the hook size. To me, the length of the shank is critical with as short of a bait as we are using. I've tried a number of different jigheads, but overall my favorite is the Gopher with the #2 red Mustad ultrapoint. With Gopher's centrifugal mold, I just prefer the flattened shape of the head that I don't think can be duplicated with a conventional mold. For the hook, I could care less about the color, but it is plated and doesn't rust as easily as the bronze hook. Downside though, is it is a more brittle hook. I've broke a few, but usually I had gotten plenty of use out of it already and gone through a few snags.
For a ready-made brushguard jig, I started using the Hayabusa Brush Easy head last year. They are expensive, but the hook size is right and high-quality. Brush guard worked well around all the timber at Truman.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Hayabusa_Brush_Easy_Head/descpage-BEHH.html