My best low light/visibility pattern for bass and crappie

[Shoemoo]

This pattern has been very successful for me on smallmouth and crappie in murky water and on moonless nights. The body is Estaz Metallique and the tail is black Arctic fox. Marabou and rabbit have also worked well for me. The black color and longer fibers give the jig a chunky profile and silhouette that's easy for the fish to see, and the metallic fibers reflect any available light. Probably a bit too flashy for clearer water, but it really does the trick under reduced visibility conditions. With the wedge-shaped walleye head, fat body and tapered tail I'm sure the fish think it's an unwary minnow or baby perch.

I've had the best luck with casting it out under a bobber and letting the jig sit for a few seconds and twitching it gently. If that doesn't get a response, I start reeling slowly but steadily. When I get back to the shore, I stop reeling and twitch it again like a minnow that has just realized it's in trouble in case a fish has been following. You wouldn't believe how many times the smallies hammer it almost at the tip of the rod.

 

[smalljaw]

Now that is bad a$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I now need to get estaz as I see this pattern is going to be one I need to try, awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Shoemoo]

Definitely a pattern worth trying. Was out night fishing about three weeks ago and caught six smallies over 18" and lots of dinks. Lost a couple that felt bigger. One jumped four feet in the air and the other sizzled 20 yards off the spool before spitting the hook. I was using size 4s. Now that I have the mold, I plan on pouring some with larger hooks.

Estaz comes in several styles, so make sure you get the Metallique version. It's expensive for a chenille, runs about $4 for 2.5 yards. Also comes in other great bass colors like olive, kelly green and root beer brown.

 

[Jig Man]

Oh yea, I like that one...

 

[StumpHunter]

Very nice tye. Black is one of my favorite jigs to use in low light. Awesome tied jig :ThumbsUp

 

[eyecrosser]

That is one sweet jig. Love it.

 

[smalljaw]

What size is the head? I have the walleye head mold but no eyes but even without it should still be good and I wrote down the type of Estaz so when I order I can pick some up.

 

[AtticaFish]

That is a beauty of a jig

Black and flashy is one of my top producing jigs for the river when it is muddy. Need to try it more in my local lakes.

 

[Pepop]

Bet that'll work!

 

[Shoemoo]

What size is the head? I have the walleye head mold but no eyes but even without it should still be good and I wrote down the type of Estaz so when I order I can pick some up.

That's the 1/8th size head with no collar. I've also used the smaller sizes. Haven't tried the 1/4th, but I don't see why it wouldn't work on it also.

Here's a tip for tying with the chenille. It's really easy to miss trapping the core filament when you tie it off. If you don't get it, the chenille will pull out and start to slip down the shank after a couple of fish. Before you do the final wrap with the chenille, wrap over it a few times with the thread and hit the thread with head cement. Then do your final wrap and tie off. It's bushy enough that you don't need to worry about the thread showing.

 

[Pup]

One-eighth of an ounce is a good size for my area. Very good-looking jig.

 

[LedHed]

Awesome fish slaying pattern!!!!!!! Fantastic tye.