Float and jiggin’ for steelhead is my favorite way to catch them. A lot of people like to feel the bite; I prefer to see that float go down when you know there’s only one thing that could have made it disappear.
I’m going to do two different styles of jigs, the first is going to be basic and easy, the second will be a little more technical.
I hardly ever use marabou, I prefer rabbit and schlappen. While marabou and even yarn jigs probably account for 1000's of steelhead caught every year I prefer to jazz my jigs up a bit. I don’t think that the fish can tell a difference but I fish what I am confident with. I also use kevlar thread, it can’t be beat.
Things you will need:
-vice
-thread bobbin
-thread
-scissors
-hackle pliers
-assorted chenille and furs, feathers (whatever you choose)
-jig heads
Step 1:
Start by placing the jig head in the vice and wrap your thread from the head of the jig down the shaft and back up to the head. this gives the body of the jig something to hold onto so it doesn’t spin around the shaft of the hook.
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Step 2:
This is optional; you can add some krystal flash to the tail by simply laying it on the shank of the hook and wrapping around it with the thread. I do this on almost all my jigs. I don’t know if it makes a difference but it sure adds a little pizzazz!
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Step 3:
Now we are going to take some
CROSSCUT rabbit fir and tie it in for the tail. (I do like zonker strips for tying in collars but prefer crosscut of tails) Just tie in a small piece of the skin onto the shank of the hook where you want your tail to end.
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Step 4:
Now we are going to wrap the rabbit up the shank of the hook towards the head. This is called palmering. You can just do a little bit or a lot, its personal preference. I prefer big bushy tails personally.
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Step 5:
When you are satisfied with your tail wrap your thread around the rabbit a couple times and snip the rabbit skin. (Be careful not to get the thread too!)
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Step 6:
Tie the thread back onto the fur just a little to get it to lie back on the hook.
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Step 7:
Now, its time for the chenille. Start by laying it on the shank of the hook and wrapping the thread around it until you get to the tail of the jig.
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Step 8:
"Palmer" the chenille towards the head of the jig.
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Step 9:
Continue palmering until you reach the head of the jig
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Step 10:
Snip off the chenille wrap the thread around a couple times and finish it with a couple half hitches. You’re done!
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