Hair Jig Smallmouth with St. Croix Rods

Finesse fishing for smallmouths has ignited angler interest. More anglers are turning to long spinning rod and high-capacity reel set-ups for achieving long casts with light line presentations for early spring smallmouths.

The fluff of a marabou jig is dense, slowing its drop. These puff balls are unbeatable when fish are wary, finesse is required, and conditions are calm. 3/16, 1/8, 1/16, and 3/32-ounce hair jigs that achieve hang time and behave as a slow-falling glide bait will stay in the strike zone longest. The technique relies on long, light-powered rods and 5 lb. braided line with a monofilament leader. The line I fish with is Cortland Masterbraid (5-pound).

I employ a few hair jig rods from St. Croix. This model in video is the MJS76MLXF Mojo Bass. It’s a top choice for strength, lightness, and reliability. Best of all, retails for only $160.

With the correct rod setups and the proper tackle exemplified in this short clip, allow the hair do all the work and slow glide for you.

Many of the best quality hair jigs are hand-crafted by avid fly fishermen, anglers, and independent manufacturers. The best marabou jigs I’ve used to date are hand tied by Gregg Kizewski, of 3G Smallmouth Solutions in St. Germain, WI.

Kizewski’s hair jigs are overdressed with pulsating marabou, benefiting the slow glide and hang time. If the jig doesn’t meet personal preferences, snip and remove excess hair to downsize the jig, and increase the fall rate.

Products

• St. Croix Mojo Bass Hair Jig (MJS76MLXF)
• Cortland Masterbraid (5-pound)
• 3G Smallmouth Solutions Hair Jigs (1/8 ounce black)