Tying the micro jig

[strangercreek]

I have been tying micro jigs and wanted to get some opinions. Last trip down to Taney I was using a /124 oz when the water came up and not getting many bites. I trimmed the maribou at the bottom to just below the hook (straight across) and it seemed to help. Is there any general length guideline to go by when tying these things?

[Phil Lilley]

How are you cutting the marabou?

[gonefishin]

I have noticed that sometimes they prefer the lazy action created when the tail is shortened. Depends on the mood of the fish I think.

[Phil Lilley]

I've found that a straight cut jig is no where as affective as a pinched cut. If you hold tight the part you don't want to cut and pull the ends off with the other hand, it leaves a rough edge.

[strangercreek]

I haven't tried that. When you pull the ends are you actually breaking the maribou or just pulling out altogether?

[Wayne SW/MO]

I agree with Phil, pulling it apart at the length you want is the way to go.

[Don]

Phil is absolutely correct. I've been told by proficient fly tiers, never cut marabou, always tear.

Don

[Phil Lilley]

Pinch hard and tear the fibers.

[troutchaser]

Yup. I just pinch it at the length I want and then tear the marabou off. The individual strands just pop off where you're pinching it. It keeps the tips naturally ragged, which improves the action of the marabou.

By the way, what size and color are you tying?

[strangercreek]

The only size I have been tying is 1/124 oz, black, olive, white, ginger, and coral (I use the coral mainly in warm water around home for bluegill, crappie, rockbass, etc)