Marabou Jig Question

[Njardar]

I'd like to tie some Marabou Jigs for an up coming trip and I'd like some advice on which hooks to purchase? I understand fly hook sizes, but when I looked at jig head hooks they were sized by weight instead of hook size. So I'm looking for recommendations on a brand of hook and weight/size suitable for Montauk and the Current River.

Thanks in advance!

- Charlie

[Thom]

I'd like to tie some Marabou Jigs for an up coming trip and I'd like some advice on which hooks to purchase? I understand fly hook sizes, but when I looked at jig head hooks they were sized by weight instead of hook size. So I'm looking for recommendations on a brand of hook and weight/size suitable for Montauk and the Current River.

Thanks in advance!

- Charlie

It depends somewhat on how you are fishing. Fly rod I usually tie 1/100, 1/80, and 1/64 and fish according to how fast the water current is flowning. Usually the closer to the bottom the better. then shorten up if the fish are in the column or midging. If the flow is heavy or if you are fishing spinning gerar then go 1/32 to 1/8 depending again on the water flow. Vary colors of the heads and the use black and yellow mixtures especially at whistle time.

Then have several other colors on hand and don't hesitate to tie on several different colors throughout the day. Check with the local shops and buy a few of their recommended flies for a pattern of what is working.

Tight lines

Thom

[Dutch]

I'd use size 4 or 8 hooks on 1/16 and under jig heads if it were me.

[Njardar]

It depends somewhat on how you are fishing. Fly rod I usually tie 1/100, 1/80, and 1/64 and fish according to how fast the water current is flowning. Usually the closer to the bottom the better. then shorten up if the fish are in the column or midging. If the flow is heavy or if you are fishing spinning gerar then go 1/32 to 1/8 depending again on the water flow. Vary colors of the heads and the use black and yellow mixtures especially at whistle time.

Then have several other colors on hand and don't hesitate to tie on several different colors throughout the day. Check with the local shops and buy a few of their recommended flies for a pattern of what is working.

Tight lines

Thom

Actually I plan to use both. My buddy likes to use ultralite and I like fly fishing. So if I understand correctly, if I go by weight only I will get the correct sized hook? I think I'm still confused... but my wife might say that is common.

[Thom]

Actually I plan to use both. My buddy likes to use ultralite and I like fly fishing. So if I understand correctly, if I go by weight only I will get the correct sized hook? I think I'm still confused... but my wife might say that is common.

Unless you are going to mold your owns hooks with lead or fish unweighted jigs your options are limited on jig hook sizes. The weighted hooks found in the fly fishing area are usually on size 12 or 14 hooks which are fine for both fly rod and ultra light spin rods. I would als suggest that you go over to the crappie jig section and they have nice selections of weighted hooks with larger hooks which are also prepainted. I think they start around 1/64 th.

I use the smaller 1/100 1/80 1/64 from the trout fly fishing and color the lead with powder paint.

I also carry a small vice and tie some each night as I see what works. BTW you might check with Reeds cabins at Montauk to see what colors and sizes are working. They hav a nice fly shop there and are good to give advice. They are online at reedscabin.com or something like that.

[luv2fish]

Another option that works well for me is to use a size 10 long shank hook and wrap it with lead wire. About 18 turns. Then tie the maribou color of your choice in a streamer pattern. Blk and yellow and sculpin are my go to colors. I always use red thread. You can add split shot if needed to get to the bottom. Fish with or without an indicator.

[DaddyO]

I use the smaller 1/100 1/80 1/64 from the trout fly fishing and color the lead with powder paint.

Thom,

What powder paint are you using? I've been using fingernail polish in black or white for my 1/80th jig heads but I think powder coating may be better. I've never used it and would, very much, appreciate your advise.

Thanks!

[Thom]

DaddyO

I am using protek powder paint from Bass Pro but it is available at most tackle shops. It is a powder and comes in many colors. I have two shades of Roe orange, yellow, green, black and white. It is amazing and looks like professional colored jigs. Follow the directions on the jar and don't get the lead too hot or it will melt off. Just use a heat source lighter, torch, heat gun,candle or match to heat the lead for five or so seconds and then dip the lead part into the powder holding it with the lead down and the eye of the hook not submerged if possible. I just drag it across the top of the powder ...Sometimes I will just flash the heat source over the powder again to make it shiny. It takes a little practice but once you get on to it works great and is harder than enamel etc. I find it best to do batches at a time since it dries almost immediately it requires no hanger or such.

I usually take ten or so 1/80 jig heads and make several orange ones for egg flies or several green ones for john deeres etc.

Be sure to shake the powder with the container lid on each time befor using since it has a tendency to pack and settle down. The flufier the powder the better the end product.

It is a little pricy for starting at 6 bucks a jar but I have some that I have had for a couple of years and can hardly tell I have used any out of the jar. I never have had any go bad. Liquid paint alway seems to dry up quickly and never lasts long at all due to the laquer base of the paint.

Hope this helps .... takes time to catch on but it will come to you how hot to get the lead and how to dip etc.

Thom

[stlfisher]

Last time I was at Bass pro I picked up some jig heads in 1/124 size and found the hook size was also marked on the package. I can't remember the size off hand, but it was clearly marked on the package and there was good assortmant of sizes and weights. I found them in aisle facing the back wall of the fly tying section at the Bass pro in St. Louis. I have good luck with them both floating them under an indicator as well as stripping/jigging them back like a maribou jig. They come with chrome head's and have a horizontal type presentation. The weren't to expensive if my memory serves me right.

[DaddyO]

Thom,

That is, exactly, the info that I was looking for. I'm gonna go get some at my local Bass Pro and give it a go.

Thanks!