Approximating a Hawg Catcher

It's tough for me to do, particularly when I design with a lighter-weight head and shorter hook shank than the original. I want to create a jig of my own, not simply copy another one. Let me show you what I'm typing about.



The top jig is my 1/4-ounce version of a swimming jig for big bass. It's made of red and white craft fur and incorporates white saddle hackles for tail feathers. Its purpose is to catch big largemouth bass in situations where shad are schooling and the bass are feeding on them. The bottom jig is a Mann's Preacher Jig that I'd estimate to weigh 3/4 of an ounce and has a 3/0 hook. This is a very bulky deer hair jig. Its tail feathers appear, to me, to be comprised of thin, white saddle hackles or coque. It serves as my model.

I believe that I'm getting better at tying these. The Mocha Shake Jig (previous article) is one other version. My red and white jig is tied with 0.005-in. diameter monofilament (clear), which differs from the Mocha's 40-wt. trilobal polyester (embroidery thread).

I must field test one of these very soon.