LITTLE KNOWN Secret How To Fish A Hair Jig [57 Hair Jig Fishing Tips On When and Where]

How To Fish A Hair Jig | Hair Jig Fishing Tips

The idea of fishing a hair jig is appealing to lots of anglers people. It can be one of the best “under the radar” lures out there. But is it right for you? But truthfully, should you throw a hair jig?… And… even if you decided to, how do you fish a hair jig? You’re not alone. After seeing local pros and guides fish the hair jig I decided on a quest to gather the necessary tips and tricks to be successful knowing when, where and how to fish a hair jig. Now I’m happy to use it in the correct situation – and it’s deadly. This is what I know.

The hair jig is one of the oldest types of jigs, used by many generations of anglers to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass. Unfortunately, thousands of anglers have tried using the hair jig and put it down after a few casts, because how you fish a hair jig is a closely guarded secret.

Here is what you should know about hair jigs and how to fish them for bass for better results.

What is a Hair Jig and Why Would a Fish Bite It?

The typical hair jig features a ball-shaped lead head with a small hook surrounded by hair. The body was traditionally made with hair from a deer’s tail (bucktail), but you can find hair jigs with a variety of natural and synthetic materials.

A hair jig may resemble baitfish or crawling crawfish, depending on the presentation and retrieval techniques. The basic design of a hair jig creates a subtle presentation.

The hair or fur on the jig has less movement, but flows naturally in the water. The subtle, natural presentation is often useful for attracting strikes from bass in deep, cold water or when the fish are being picky.

The natural movement of the hair also requires less effort on your part when trying to create a realistic presentation. The hair jig is more forgiving for novices that are working on their retrieval techniques.

How To Fish A Hair Jig - Basic Retrieval Tips

The basic retrieval technique for a hair jig involves casting to your desired location and allowing the jig to sink. Some anglers go as deep as 40 feet with a hair jig.

Technique 1: The Burn & Point

This technique I have to give a shout out to Johnny at the Fish The Moment YouTube Channel for showing me this technique because it’s deadly!

Cast out our jig, allowing it to sink straight down on a slightly slack line.

Your rod should have a slight bend as the hair jig sinks. The bend should straighten out a little when the jig hits the bottom.

After the jig reaches the depth that you want to target, slowly point the tip of your rod upward to about the 2 o’clock or 3 o’clock position.

Don’t jerk the rod. Slowly pointing the rod upward before reeling in the line a few times helps create a gentle sweeping motion, which appears more natural.

Quickly wind the handle of the reel five to six times. As you reel in the slack, the hair jig will rise six to ten feet in the water.

You can, then here’s the important part, point the rod straight toward your jig to add slack to the line. The slack line allows the hair jig to sink to the bottom again.

Repeat the process of reeling in your ling as quickly as you can, and allow the jig to fall. Continue working your hair jig across the bottom until you get it back to your boat.

The jig resembles a dying baitfish as it falls and a fleeing baitfish as it rises. You can also experiment with different retrieval speeds and add pauses to your retrieval to let the hairs flare.

Technique 2: The Pop & Die

Cast out our jig, again allowing it to sink straight down on a slightly slack line.

Reel in the slack.

After the jig reaches the depth that you want to target, point the tip of your rod toward the lure upward and quickly jerk/pop it up to the 1 o’clock or 2 o’clock position.

Quickly wind the handle of the reel and reel in the slack.

Then point the rod straight toward your jig to add slack to the line allowing the hair jig to sink to the bottom again.

Repeat the process of snapping your rod up, reeling in some line, and allowing the jig to fall. Continue working your hair jig across the bottom until you get it back to your boat.

The jig resembles a dying baitfish as it falls and a fleeing baitfish as it rises. You can also experiment with different retrieval speeds and add pauses to your retrieval to let the hairs flare.

Technique 3: Twitch & Swim

Cast out our jig, again allowing it to sink straight down on a slightly slack line.

After the jig reaches the depth that you want to target, slowly point the tip of your rod toward the jig up.

Start to slowly reel a few slow turns of the handle and constantly twitch the tip of the rod as you’re reeling it in.

Then pause your retrieve, allowing it to fall to the bottom.

Keep the jig close to the bottom as you are reeling it in.

Try to bump the jig into any bottom structure like a big rock or a stump if you can. Once you do pop the jig up a foot or two, doing this may cause a reaction strike if a bass is following your lure.

This technique is designed to make your lure look like a bottom dwelling fish or crawfish.

Technique 4: Pendulum

Cast out our jig, once it hits the water lock down the spool allowing it to sink on straight line. This will create a pendulum effect.

This technique works great over vertical structures such as bluff walls, bridges, and over submerged standing timber.

You can adjust the depth of the pendulum swing by lengthening or shortening your cast.

The jig resembles a swimming baitfish as it falls.

You can also experiment with different fall rates by increasing or decreasing the weight of the hair jig.

Best Locations and Structures to Fish a Hair Jig for Bass and Why

Some of the best locations and structures to fish a hair jig include:

Humps

Drop-Offs

Channel Swings

Points

Bluffs

Humps

Humps are an ideal spot to fish for bass with a hair jig, as you can often find the bass suspended above the bottom of the lake or river. A hump is an area of elevated land below the surface of the water.

The top of the hump is shallow and more likely to contain vegetation and small baitfish. The bass suspend in the deeper water around the bottom of the hump.

Drop-Offs

Sharp drops and ledges are perfect for fishing a hair jig for bass, especially when a creek channel runs along the ledge. You may find the bass near the top of the ledge searching for food or suspending off the drop-off.

Steep drop-offs are where you are more likely to find schools of bass. As with a hump, you can fish the hair jig at the lowest point near this structure to target bass suspending at least a few feet above the bottom.

Channel Swings

A channel swing is an area where a channel changes direction. The swing typically runs along a bank before turning back away.

A channel swing creates a large flat area where you can often find bass throughout most of the year. However, during the spawn, the bass are likely to be found in shallower areas.

You should also check the channel swings following a cold front in the spring or fall. The sudden arrival of colder temperatures sends the bass toward the deeper water found in the channel swings.

Points

Points are areas of land that extend from the shore before gradually or rapidly falling into the water. You can find slopes on either side of the point that descend into deeper water.

As with the previous types of fishing structures, points offer transitions between shallow and deeper water. The baitfish search for food in the shallower areas, while the bass hang out in the deeper areas until they need food.

Bluffs

Bluffs are steep walls of rock or earth extending out of the water, instead of a gentle slope near the bank. A bluff continues down into the water, creating a multitude of overhangs and cutouts where you may find bass hiding.

The bass may hide in the shallow areas near bluffs and rocky shorelines in the fall and early spring when looking for food. Fishing near bluffs means you’ll likely be fishing in shallower water.

Avoid using a heavy hair jig, as you want to keep your jig from sinking too fast. You can also add a soft plastic trailer to increase its buoyancy and mimic the movement of a crawfish or shad traveling through the shallow, rocky area near the bluffs.

What Are the Different Types of Hair Jigs?

Hair jigs come in a variety of sizes, designs, colors, and types of hair. The sizes of the hair jigs typically range from 1/16-ounce to ½-ounce.

If you’re fishing for smallmouths, you may want a 1/16-ounce to 1/8-ounce hair jig. For largemouth bass, use a larger jig, such as a 3/8-ounce or ½-ounce jig.

Another consideration is whether to use weedless or non-weedless hair jigs. A weedless hair jig includes a weed guard, which typically consists of a small bundle of thick fibers or wires extending from the jig head toward the point of the hook.

The weed guard helps deflect weeds and debris away from the hook as your hair jig passes through areas with cover. You may also want to use a weedless hair jig in water with limited visibility, as you’re less likely to get stuck on a rock or piece of debris.

An exposed hook may work better when fishing for bass suspended in open water. The exposed hook sticks out more, increasing the likelihood of hookups from fast-charging bass.

You can also choose from a wide range of materials for the body of the hair jig. The different types of hair include:

Bucktail

Bucktail is the traditional choice for hair jigs. As the name suggests, the hair comes from the tail of a deer.

Compared to other materials, bucktail creates the least amount of action. It lays flat when wet, which allows the hair jig to fall at a faster rate than when using other types of hair.

The rapid rate of descent can help you get more reaction strikes when bass are aggressive, such as during spawning season.

Rabbit Fur

Rabbit fur flares and undulates in the water, adding a little more action to your presentation compared to most types of hair for hair jigs.

Due to the responsiveness of the material, it may not work as well in cold water. Anglers often bring out rabbit fur hair jigs when temperatures reach the upper 50s.

Fox

Fox hair is one of the most balanced types of hair for hair jigs, as it doesn’t fall too fast or slow. It also creates less movement compared to rabbit fur, but more movement compared to bucktail.

Compared to marabou and bucktail, fox fur doesn’t flatten as quickly. The fur retains its body instead of getting matted in the water.

Marabou

Marabou hair is lightweight and often used with a lighter hair jig, such as a 1/16-ounce or 1/8-ounce jig. However, it is also less buoyant, so it won’t change the fall rate much.

Marabou hair is also one of the most sensitive materials. The lightweight hairs flow easily in the water and create a natural movement that can attract the bass.

Squirrel Tail

Squirrel tail is comparable to fox fur. It offers a compromise between the stiffer bucktail and the soft marabou.

However, the squirrel tail is more often used for catching bluegill. Premade squirrel tail jigs aren’t always available in larger sizes for catching bass.

Synthetic

Hair jigs made with synthetic materials are available in a wide range of designs to suit almost any situation. Companies can make synthetic hair jigs with faster or slower fall rates, thicker fibers, and other features to give each jig unique properties.

How Long Should the Hair Be on a Hair Jig?

The ideal length of the hair is about twice the length of the hook. A hair jig with a 2/0 hook or 3/0 hook may include hair that measures three to four inches in length.

If the hair is too short, it may not create an enticing enough presentation for the bass. Shorter hair doesn’t look as natural compared to longer hair.

A hair jig with hair measuring three to four inches also more closely resembles large shad. A hair jig with a smaller hook may include a slightly shorter skirt, which can still work well for catching smallmouth bass.

While three to four inches is the average length for a hair jig, you can find options with lengths up to six inches.

Best Hair Jig Colors and Why

You can buy hair jigs in all types of colors, from muted blacks and browns to bright neon colors. However, many anglers stick with subtle colors, as the hair jig is often used to create a subtle presentation.

Common colors for hair jigs include:

Black
Black/purple

Brown
White

Anglers often use dark colors in deep, cold water or during clear nights. A black/purple combination or solid black body can create a solid silhouette in the water, which helps your hair jig stand out.

White and other light colors are often used on bright days and in clear water, as they can closely mirror the look of baitfish. The sides and belly of many baitfish, including shad, are often nearly white or silvery-white.

Recommended Hair Jig

Haggerty Lures White Shorty Joe Hair Jig - 4" Long Teardrop Bucktail Deceiver

But, is the Haggerty Lures Hair Tail Jig any good?

You may be wondering why not buy a regular hair jig that’s cheap? Well, you could but you wouldn’t get the quality and craftsmanship get in a product like this.

The Haggerty Hair Tail Jig is loaded with upgraded components for just a dollar and change more.

The hook is better so you can set the hook easier into the fish. The collar is better so you never have to worry about the hair pulling out… causing you to lose fish

Lastly, the skirt hair material is better – being made from 100% real bucktail hair, it pulses and swims better, making it look more natural to the bass.

This hair jig flat out catches you fish!

Click Here to read all the REAL reviews from actual customers!

Tech Specs:

Length - 4.5” with skirt untrimmed
Lure Weights Offered (in ounces) - 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1-oz

Hook Size - 5/0
Hook Brand - Upgraded, Eagle Claw
Jig Head - Tear drop

Skirt Material - Bucktail
Skirt Collar - premium thread and cemented
Line Tie - Vertical

Pieces per package - 1
Durability and Quality - Great

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Soft Plastic Trailer or Trailer Hook? Which is Better?

Soft plastic trailers give your jig more action, which may help if the bass are not reacting to the subtle movement of a hair jig without a trailer. Adding a soft plastic trailer also slows the fall rate of your jig, which is useful for getting slow-moving bass in the winter.

Soft plastic trailers include soft plastic swimbaits, chunks, soft plastic craw baits, and grubs. If you decide to add a soft plastic trailer, use something that offers minimal action, as too much action interferes with the natural movement of the hairs on the jig.

Chunk trailers don’t produce as much movement compared to other soft plastic trailers. They are a good choice for a more subtle presentation in cold water.

A small soft plastic swimbait may help attract more attention when retrieving a hair jig through the water column. The movement of the swimbait can closely mimic the movement of a baitfish swimming through the water.

A trailer hook is another option for modifying your hair jig. A trailer hook is a second hook added below the main hook.

The second hook increases your chances of hooking a bass when it bites too low on your bait to reach the main hook. Unlike a soft plastic trailer, a trailer hook doesn’t add more action to your presentation, but it may help you successfully hook more fish.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to use a trailer or a trailer hook. Many anglers prefer to use hair jigs as-is unless they need to modify their rig for a specific environment or season.

What Size Soft Plastic Trailer for Hair Jig Is Best?

The size of the soft plastic trailer impacts the fall rate of your jig and the size and movement of your presentation. A larger soft plastic trailer will make your jig sink slower while a smaller trailer doesn’t impact the fall rate as much.

If you’re targeting deep water, go with a smaller soft plastic trailer, such as a 2.5-inch to 3-inch chunk trailer. A larger 3.5-inch to 4-inch soft-plastic swimbait may work better when the bass are actively feeding and you want your jig to stand out.

What Type of Casting Rod, Reel, and Line Setup Is Best for Fishing Hair Jig for Bass?

The preferred casting rod for a hair jig is about 7-feet in length with medium-heavy power and medium or fast action. For the average person, a 7-foot rod offers the right balance between better casting distance and leverage when reeling in the bass.

A rod with medium action bends closer to the midpoint of the rod. The added flexibility helps keep you from yanking the jig away before you can set the hook.

When it comes to the power of the fishing rod for a hair jig, many anglers choose medium or medium-heavy power. A medium-heavy fishing rod is typically rated for an 8-pound to 14-pound line and a minimum lure weight of 1/2 an ounce.

To make it easy on yourself use the same kind of rod you throw your jigs. A 7’2” to 7’8” medium-heavy casting rod with a fast tip works perfectly for this style of fishing.

Depending on the size of the hair jigs, often they’re used with light line in the 6-pound to 20-pound range, which makes a medium-heavy rod a good choice for most situations.

Some anglers recommend using a 12-pound or 14-pound fluorocarbon fishing line. Compared to a heavier line, a 12-pound or 14-pound line should create more natural movement as your hair jig sinks.

A fluorocarbon fishing line is used more often than a monofilament line or braided line with a hair jig. Fluorocarbon is harder for fish to detect, especially in clear water.

You should also consider using a casting reel with a fast gear ratio. A fast gear ratio allows you to quickly take up the slack on the line when you attract a bite from a large bass.

7:1:1 is a common gear ratio when fishing for bass with a hair rig. If you tend to pull your fishing rig away prematurely after getting a strike, opt for a slightly slower gear ratio, such as a 6:4:1 or 6:1:1 ratio.

How to Set the Hook When Fishing a Hair Jig for Bass?

Wait for the opportune time to set the hook to avoid pulling the hair jig away before you get a solid bite. You may feel a slight tug on the line when a bass strikes.

Instead of a slight tug on the line, you may feel small taps. The taps often come from smaller bass and fish that can’t get their mouth fully around the hook.

You can also detect a strike by looking at your rod. When a bass strikes, the end of the rod should bow downward slightly.

When you feel the tug or notice the rod bend, pause for just a moment and start reeling in your line as you pull your rod up. Avoid aggressively setting the hook by pointing your rod upward instantly, as you may yank the hair jig away.