The Best Jig Skirts
Anyone who fishes for bass or other large fish knows that jig fishing is one of the most satisfying forms of fishing there is. Jigs are super effective at encouraging the fish to bite, making for a much more rewarding fishing experience because you actually catch something!
Jigs are great because they can be used in almost any body of water and are effective all year round. Jig fishing takes a while to get the hang of, but anyone can learn how to jig fish no matter how long you’ve been fishing for. Once you’ve tried it, you will be hooked (pun intended!!).
So, what even is a jig? A jig is basically a hook with a metal head molded to it. They are usually fitted with a skirt to help attract the fish and have a weed-guard in front of the hook to stop it catching.
There are a variety of jig’s you can use and different jigs suit different types of fishing. They can vary in the shape and size of the head as well as the weight, all of which affect how they act in the water.
The best types of jigs are;
Arkie jig – these are the most popular, all-purpose jigs.
Football jig – unsurprisingly these jigs have a head shaped like a football which makes them wobble as they sink.
Swim jig – these are thinner and are designed to look like baitfish rather than crawfish.
Finesse Jig – these are designed for ‘finesse fishing’ and have a short skirt as well as being smaller than other jigs.
Punch jig – these are designed for getting through thick vegetation and require a punching rod due to their heavier weight.
Casting Jig – these are an ideal jig for fishing off the bottom.
Flipping Jig – these are meant to keep from the weeds hanging up in them and many sport a rattle too. Meant for flipping around a structure.
Finding the right skirt
An essential aspect of jig fishing is finding the right skirt for your jig. Jig skirts are designed to imitate the appearance of a crawfish, which are the natural prey of bass and other large fish. Some experienced fishermen choose to make their own jigs and skirts, but most people buy them ready-made.
Jig skirts are available in a vast array of colors made from various materials. However, most are made from either silicone or rubber. So, which should you choose and which brands are best?
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Silicon or Rubber?
Jig skirts were traditionally made out of rubber. Rubber is often considered to be more buoyant than silicon and bounces more in the water. However, rubber deteriorates very fast so you will get through more skirts if you go for rubber.
Silicon skirts come in a wide variety of colors and designs and are now the preferred choice of most bass fishermen. They last longer and are therefore considered better value for money.
Which brand Jig?
The brand you use will depend on various factors; cost, look and quality. Here’s a selection.
Expensive
Otomin Inchiku Slow Jigging Lures
These jigs are expensive (they start from $13.98 for the whole lure) but you get what you pay for. The colors are realistic and they move well in the water. The octopus skirt is high-quality silicone and is designed to be bite resistant. It is highly likely that you will catch a fish with this jig!
Quirky
CPV Store – Ultimate Crappie Tube Jig Skirts
Who doesn’t love neon? If you’re looking for jig skirts that are straight from the ’80s then look no further than these funky neon jig skirts from CPV Store. They may not be to everyone’s taste they come in a variety of colors and are of reasonable quality.
They do, however, come with a prop 65 warning which is a list of products issued by the state of California advising customers that products carrying this warning may contain chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Old School
All Terrain Tackle Pro Tie Jig Skirts
If you’re looking for a jig that has old-school looks with all the perks of modern jigs then this is the one for you. These jigs are hand-tied and consist of a Kevlar thread wrapped around a silicone core. As it is silicone rather than rubber it will last longer.
Rubber jigs from the 70’s and 80’s were hugely popular and it is this ‘old school’ look that is recreated here. So, they act like living rubber but are hard-wearing and durable. With a price tag starting at $3.99 they won’t break the bank either.
Vibrating
Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig
Ok, so it’s the jig itself that vibrates here rather than just the skirtbut vibrating jigs are still worth a mention. Many Bass fishermen are firm believers in vibrating jigs and swear they catch more fish by using one.
The Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig is a great looking jig in colors that are attractive to fish even without the vibration. However, the skirt itself is thin and while it moves well in the water it is overpriced in comparison to other jigs out there.
Value for money
Get Hooked Magic Baits Jig Skirts
Florida-based tackle specialists ‘Get Hooked Magic Baits” have been in the bait business for over 50 years so there is no doubt that they know what they are doing when it comes to anything fishing-related. They pride themselves on using the best quality plastic possible as well as custom making all their products from their own molds.
Their jig skirts come in a lovely array of colours with names like ‘sunfish’, ‘purple passion’ and ‘pumpkin’.
Considering the quality you are getting when you buy one their jig skirts, at $3.49 for a pack of two, there is no doubt that they are excellent value for money.
Get Hooked can also provide you with anything else you need to ensure that your fishing trips result in a successful catch.
There is no doubt that there is a huge variety of jigs and jig skirts out there. If you’re looking for good quality and value for money then Get Hooked Magic Baits are probably your best bet!
