Bucktail Jigs

Bucktail jigs have been dubbed the most versatile lures to use in saltwater. While plastic bodied jigs have become popular with many fishermen, I still catch lots of fish on bucktail jigs or leadheads. They are also easy to make yourself.

If you are into molding your own, you can buy molding supplies (melter, molds, hooks, etc) from Do-it Molds, http://www.do-itmolds.com/. This company offers top quality stuff at good prices. If you don't want to bother with the melting and molding aspect, you can buy molded jigs from http://www.njtackle.com/.

Once you have the molded jig, you want to paint the heads. I use powdered paint sold by Do-it. The leadhead is heated and then dipped into the powder. What comes out is a shiny and durable finish which can be further cured by reheating in an oven. The fun part is adding bucktail. I like to tie in thirds. I tie in the top first, then do the front and back. Build the thread to an even consistency and knot it off with a whip finish. The hairs of the bucktail should extend about an inch past the hook, although that can vary. The thread is then coated with head cement for durability.

Some of my favorite bucktails that I make are the hotlips in the large sizes (over 1 oz.), flathead in smaller sizes (under 1 oz.) and the spearhead jig. These jigs, when plastic curly tails are added to the small jigs and pork rind is added to the bigger jigs, catch hundreds of striped bass a year for me here in RI. Yes, bucktail jigs are still hot these days!

Are You Prepared

Yes, winter stripers are available in the Providence River during the months of January, February and March. But, are you ready for the winter cold and the demands of winter fishing on a 25 degree night?.

Here is a checklist of necessary equipment.

Clothing- Keeping your hands and feet warm are priorities. I like to use quality hunting gloves that offer lots of dexterity as well as warmth. I use waterproof Rocky hunting boots that are rated for 130 degrees below zero (yikes). Pack boots also work well. Cabelas is a good source for boots and gloves. Quilted ski pants, winter hat, sweatshirt and a warm coat are also a must.

Fishing gear- Keep it light. Spinning reels spooled with 10 lb. test mono and seven foot rods are ideal. For lures, fluke-like bodies threaded onto jigheads are ideal. I like Zoom flukes in 4 and 5 inch lengths in an albino color. Mount these onto jigheads. Quarter ounce is ideal, but sometimes 3/8 and 1/2 oz. models may be needed for long casts. Fan tailed lures such as Storm shads also work.

Other gear- A landing net is a must to land a keeper bass in many locations in the Providence River since you are often high above the water. I always carry a Popnet (type of bridge net) with a long rope that can be lowered. These nets can be purchased at online stores such as http://www.tackletogo.com/. Some type of headlight is also handy.

For more detailed information, check out my latest article, "Gearing up for Holdover Stripers" in The Fisherman magazine in the Jan. 8, 2009 edition.