What do you want from a jighead

[reeltor]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[mburrows]

Very nice. Let us know when they are available.

[Francis]

They are available. Mark just became my first CB angler customer 10 minutes ago!

[goinsfishin]

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...

[Francis]

Will do. What I will probably do with people who want to buy in bulk with something a little special is make up ONE, and then take pictures/send it to you as a "proof" and then if it's what you're looking for, make a ton for you guys.

I will be able to do special sizes and colors that way.

[drewzim]

The first thing I look at is the hook. I want a good quality SHARP hook with a decent gape to give the point clearance from the bait. Lead is lead, 3/4 oz. is 3/4 oz. Some shapes may sink a little faster or dig in then other but I really don't know if its enough to make a difference. I typically buy the BKD heads from Alltackle since or if I HAVE TO from Anglers in a pinch. They are the best I have found so far. But like you said they can get pricey. I'm with you Francis on the paint job, think it catches more sales then fish. Could be wrong. I have some heads that Paul gave me that Mike Burgess made. Haven't used any yet but the hooks seem on the smallish side.