What do you want from a jighead - CBAngler.com - Chesapeake Bay Angler

Francis · #1 12-03-2009, 12:28 PM

Let me take a picture and show you what I have. I am not making them with the super wide gap hooks but am making them larger than normal gap hooks for the 10" BKD's.

Personally, I don't like the extra wide gap hooks. But I can make them that way. Do you like the wide gaps because you think they hook fish better for for big rubbers like the 10"BKD's?

B-Faithful · #2 12-03-2009, 12:40 PM

Head shapes dont matter as much as a nice quality hook to me! I have bought jig heads where the hook has straightened on a fight with an average size fish. It is not that the fish or fight was so tough, it was just a cheap hook used

Francis · #3 12-03-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-Faithful

Head shapes dont matter as much as a nice quality hook to me! I have bought jig heads where the hook has straightened on a fight with an average size fish. It is not that the fish or fight was so tough, it was just a cheap hook used

I agree with you Greg. A lot of it does have to do with the hook. We are using saltwater resistant Eagle Claw Hooks right now. They are strong, but are also quite reasonable in price. A lot of the super premium hooks are way too expensive for my tastes. It's something that you are probably going to lose on the bottom after a few hours anyway.

I could certainly make them with the super good hooks but it's not like we're catching tarpon. Just for comparisons sake, the Eagle Claws I am using cost between 1 and 4 cents a piece. The super top notch hooks costs as much as 30 cents a piece. I don't see where some companies get off charging that much!

Slayer · #4 12-03-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francis

Let me take a picture and show you what I have. I am not making them with the super wide gap hooks but am making them larger than normal gap hooks for the 10" BKD's.

Personally, I don't like the extra wide gap hooks. But I can make them that way. Do you like the wide gaps because you think they hook fish better for for big rubbers like the 10"BKD's?

I switched to the wide gaps for my 10" bkd's last Spring while targeting the larger rockfish at the usual haunts. I seem to get more hookups using them. I can only theorize why but I think that since the hook is so big, it's more likely to bang into the fishes mouth as he's inhaling it and I feel that tap vibrate up my line. Whether or not that's the case, I don't know but have been sold on them ever since.

My main problem is finding them where I live. I used to be able to get them at boaters world. I can get them online but the price is ridiculous.

Let me know if you decide to make some 2ozs (1 1/2 ozs are workable). No biggie either way.

reeltor · #5 12-03-2009, 01:35 PM

I look for a jig head size that will match the plastic without tearing it and it must have a good solid, sharp hook and large eyes. Weights from 1/2 to 2.5 oz and colors to match the plastic and provide a stark contrast. I like contrast in my jig heads/plastics. Shad style and type H heads. Any thoughts on a longer shank hook for larger plastics?

Francis · #6 12-03-2009, 01:48 PM

Something that I am doing to keep the work load and price down is keeping the jighead natural color, adding eyes, but then clear coating it. It's actually a pretty jighead and it saves a lot on labor and cost. If you fish with me for any time, you know I never paint my jig heads that I use personally. I think it's a waste.

Kimbro will vouch for me, that I have fished plenty of times side by side with someone using really good looking jigheads and I am smoking them using an unpainted banged up piece of crap. Of course, the opposite is true as well.

I hope to make the 2oz sizes and 2.5oz sizes in both extremely short shank hooks for 5" plastic and big shank hooks for 10" BKD's. In some cases I have to do some things to the mold but it's working well. I do have some style H heads that are big with large hooks.

I sent a couple of you guys B-mails.

Shawn Kimbro · #7 12-06-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francis

Kimbro will vouch for me, that I have fished plenty of times side by side with someone using really good looking jigheads and I am smoking them using an unpainted banged up piece of crap. Of course, the opposite is true as well.
.

Yeah, cause it's usually me you're smoking! On the other hand, you're one hell of a fisherman and since I think sensitivity to the bite is 90% of the battle (at some locations), you could catch them with a head made out of a rusty Natty Boh can.

On the other hand, I think I need every tiny advantage I can get, especially if I'm lucky enough to get out with you and Darrell, which is why I'm a fan of contrasting colors, big eyes, frequent hook sharpening, etc. I dunno if it matters to the fish or not, but it does in my mind which is probably more important.

Bottom line, a good assortment is probably the best route. I've seen first-hand more times than I can count when one color lure will outfish another 10 to 1.

Damn... I need to be fishing instead of working!

JoshKaptur · #8 12-08-2009, 04:39 PM

I did not read all the responses so I apologize if I'm repeating something. I want:

1) a strong hook
2) a short shanked, wide gap hook.

I love the action of a 10" BKD more than a 6" BKD. I think the increased action is due to more plastic being behind the hook. This may lead to short strikes, but that's no worry for me... I think short strikes are usually smaller fish.

In my opinion the 2oz BKD jighead is perfect for a 10" BKD. If the same shank length to BKD length ration could be created in a 6" BKD, and still have a wide gap strong hook, it would be my jighead of choice.

Francis · #9 12-08-2009, 07:56 PM

Josh,
Here's what I got so far. Below are the same 1.5 ounce jighead with two different hooks. One is a 4/0 saltwater series Eagle Claw. The second is a 7/0. You can see how the bigger one fits the 10" BKD well, while the small hook fits the 5" BA.

I sent you a B-mail also.

goinsfishin · #10 12-03-2009, 02:15 PM

I will no longer buy Storm Shads due to the recent repackaging and price increase.....
So for the last 2 months I have been using 1 1/2 oz BKD jigheads with a 10/0 hook and putting 6" shads on them after trimming the head on the shad........the catch rate is the same.....and if the tail wears off or gets bitten off just replace the shad body.

I'd be interested in 1 1/2 oz arrowhead jigs with a large hook and large eyes......will buy in bulk.....PM me when you get a price idea...