OTHER SYNTHETICS – There are dozens of types of synthetic fibers used for tying jigs and flies . In the bass-fishing world , most anglers believe that synthetics aren ’ t as effective as natural fibers , and that they tear and tangle too much . True or not , there ’ s definitely a general lack of confidence in synthetics , so they ’ re mostly used to add color or increase the length and profile of a hair jig . Flashabou is one of the most popular and is used to add reflective properties to a jig .
Much of the jig skirt shown at left is a synthetic bucktail replacement fiber .
Hog Farmer Baits Hair Jig
OTHER TYPES OF NATURAL FIBERS – Ask the right old-timer , and you might hear stories about polar bear hair ( it ’ s illegal to sell ), skunk and squirrel tail , Icelandic goat wool , and other exotic fibers being used to tie hair jigs . Anglers in search of an edge up on the competition have tried just about everything .
Icelandic goat wool was reportedly part of the original Preacher Jig , and FLW Tour pro Jeff Gustafson says a few folks in his region of Ontario are still using it to tie small jigs . Talon uses a secret type of natural hair in its jigs to increase length . The company says it grows longer than bucktail and tangles less than synthetics .
There are others , too , and the rarity of some fibers and the time it takes to tie up the jigs are partly to blame for most major tackle companies discontinuing hair jigs from mass production . That ’ s why small companies and independent tiers are the ones churning out the best jigs nowadays .
Talon Pete ’ s Preacher Hair Jig
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