Bucktails

If you’ve read a few of my articles you may have noticed I often reference the use of bucktail jigs for sight-fishing. Lately I’ve given this some thought and realize this is likely an unpopular lure choice here in Texas, given the rich history of iconic soft plastic lure brands such as Hogie’s, Norton, and KWigglers. Trust me when I say I’m not knocking any of those lures and I’d be willing to place a large bet that I’ve caught more fish in my career on a Hogie Major Minnow than anything else. Let me also say that I believe soft plastics are a more effective choice for blind-casting than bucktails. However, I’m in the business of sight-fishing, so that is really neither here nor there.

My first use of bucktail jigs actually took place during an offshore trip during my early 20s for species like red snapper, ling and kingfish. It quickly became evident that buying and losing Spro bucktail jigs at $7 a pop wasn’t very sustainable. One day I came across some 2-ounce bare jig heads at the local tackle shop for around $2 apiece. The hooks were probably bigger than necessary but they were stainless and heavy gauge – perfect. I bought a pile of them and brought them home to get them tied up.

I quickly discovered that the small starter vise from my youth wasn’t up to the task. In fact, the jaws imploded upon clamping down on the third or fourth 7/0 hook. Necessity always being the mother of many great inventions, I figured the best vise for this large a hook would actually be a Vise-Grip Plier welded to my existing fly vise pedestal. I was right, and it continues to serve me well to this very day. I caught many offshore species in those days jigging handtied bucktails and even sight-fished a few ling with them. But I still hadn’t considered smaller bucktails for inshore use.

It wasn’t till five or six years ago I remember scrolling through social media and seeing a photo posted by a Florida skiff guide of some super sexy bucktails he had tied up in preparation for a flats trip. I was intrigued by the classic styling of the jigs and was inspired to give them a try in my local waters. The hardest part was finding the proper jig heads to tie them on as they’re not commonly used for inshore fishing around these parts. Once I sourced some jig heads on the internet and got a few tied up, I hit the water.

Needless to say, the local marsh reds didn’t have any problem sucking down my offerings and I quickly realized I had added another tool to my arsenal. One cool thing I found out that trip is that they really hold up well compared to soft plastics, which typically require changing out after being chewed up by a few fish. That became a big benefit for me as a guide as it saves me from having to get down off the poling platform and dig out a bag of soft plastics from the hatch each time a fish tears up a lure.

While you can certainly buy some jigs at your local tackle shop I recommend tying your own. Not only is it more rewarding, but you can craft the jig exactly in whatever size, shape, or color you think will work best in your local waters. Tying jigs is also a great stepping stone to fly-tying, if that’s something you are curious to learn in the future. The process of starting thread wraps, tying in materials, trimming, and tying a finishing knot are all the same in fly-tying. You don’t need much to get started, either.

A simple beginner fly-tying kit will have all the necessary tools to get you going. Aside from that, you’ll need some quality thread like Danville flat waxed 210, which is my personal go-to. If you’re venturing into offshore size jigs, I’ve actually found rod wrapping thread will save a lot of time and thread, because of its thickness. For body materials it’s hard to beat real bucktail. That’s right, the hair on the traditional jig is actually hair from a deer’s tail – hence the name. You can always find a good supply at your local fly shop but I’ve also utilized tails from deer I’ve harvested, which I think is extra cool.

However, as effective as it is you’re not limited to bucktail. I’ve found rabbit strip jigs can also be very effective. These are more like what I would call a “Buggs type” jig and they have lots of underwater action, even when you’re not twitching the rod. Synthetic fibers can be used as well and I’ve found the extra length available with them to be helpful for tying large offshore jigs.

To buy blank jig heads to tie up a batch of your own, the best source I’ve found is cbcustomjigs.com. The exact model shown can vary but I like the banana-shape in 1/4 oz. This may seem heavy at first but you have to think you don’t have the added weight of a soft plastic, so even though your using a 1/4-oz head the total weight of the jig after you tie the hair on is still very light.

To cast these jigs, I really like a 7’ rod in casting or spinning with medium-light power and moderate-fast action. It really helps to have a bit slower action than you might prefer for soft plastics. It’s hard to explain until you throw them but these jigs are very compact with all the weight at the front. The nice thing is, once you find a good rod/reel/line combo, they can be cast with deadly accuracy.

For clients, I typically use a 7’ spinning rod paired with a 2500 reel and 10 pound test Fins Windtamer braid. I’ve recently found a casting reel that is a delight to use with these bucktails and that is the Bates O.G. model. I was skeptical at first about this reel and thought the round body was just gimmicky, but let me tell you what, this thing can cast light baits like nobody’s business. And, it is a true 100 size, so even though it’s round it still palms very well. Currently I have it spooled with some Fins XS 30lb braid but I’m considering going to 20 for even more distance.

These jigs may be old fashioned but there is a reason many career sight-fishing guides in the Florida Keys still use them every day – they simply catch fish. There’s also something very special about taking something you crafted with your own hands and catching a mess of fish – sight-fishing at that!

So, even if you have no intention of ever becoming a fly angler, go check out your local fly shop and tell them you want to start tying your own bucktail jigs. They’ll know exactly what you’ll need to get started. Happy Jigging!