Erie in the spring

[Hair JIg]

I would like to know if any one could tell me what size hairjigs you fish in the spring on erie. Also what head design. I here that purple is a good color to start with. I am wanting to tie some this winter and want to start out right. Thanks

[Steve B]

Size and weight depend on wind and waves. Use the smallest you can get away with at that given point. If there is just a ripple on the water, go with 1/4 oz. Likewise, if it's 1-3 footers, you'll need 5/8 or 3/4 oz jigs. Bumping it, or keeping contact with the bottom is paramount. A stinger hook is also highly recommended. You'll catch 9/10 fish on the stinger. Tipping the jig with a minnow is also recommended right after ice-out, but by the first and second week of April, don't waste your time and money on minnows. They will readily attack a minnowless jig.

Purple is always a good bet, but last year I had many 100+ fish days on on a jig with a yellow head with a tad of red on it, and orange hair. My favorite is the flat head jigs (sold at Happy Hooker Bait and tackle).

[Hair JIg]

Steve - what do you mean by a flat head jig. How about a football head. Do you lose many jigs in a day of fishing. What about using two jigs on one line. Thanks

[GO DOG]

The flat head jigs sold around here are flat side to side, kinda like looking at a coin. I used Hutch's jigs and used purple and blue main colors. I caught 90% of mine(jigging in spring) on the stinger hook so don't forget to add/ get them.

[Steve B]

Here are the ones that are most popular, and sold by the local bait shops. Others will work, but these seem to have something special about them.

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/jigs-lures/125210.aspx


I spent many days jigging the reef areas, and only lost one jig last year. You just want to bump the bottom, not drag it.

[bob oh]

Flash and killer jigs from Taylor Tackle are very popular.

rod bender bob