Jigs: Trailers
The trailer sets the jig's fall speed, bulk and action. Pick it with the jig, not after.
| Jig | Trailer | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Flipping / casting | Craw with flapping claws, chunk | Claws slow the fall; chunk in cold water |
| Football | Double-tail grub, craw | Tails kick as it wobbles on rock |
| Swim | Paddle-tail swimbait, double-tail grub | Swims level, adds a tail beat |
| Finesse | Small craw, short chunk | Small profile |
| Punch | Compact craw, beaver | Stays compact so it falls through the mat |
| Bladed jig | Paddle tail, craw, soft jerkbait | Paddle = more thump; soft jerkbait = runs higher, wider hunt |
| Hair jig | None | The hair is the action |
| Want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Slower fall | Bulkier trailer with flapping appendages |
| Faster fall (reaction bites, deep water) | Slim trailer or a chunk |
| Cold water under 10 °C (50 °F) | Chunk, or a hair jig |
Thread the trailer straight and to the end of the hook shank: a crooked trailer spins the jig and twists the line.
Jigs
Bladed jigs, hair jigs, and how to pick a jig's head shape, weight and trailer. The skirted jig types (casting, flipping, football, swim, finesse, punch) are under hooks, in Jig hooks and jig heads.