How to Tie a Bucktail Lure
Bucktail, or deer tail hairs, have been used for many years in the construction of lures. Long before the invention of rubber or silicone skirts, bucktail hairs have provided the action for untold numbers of lures. As many anglers will attest, a jig is a valuable lure that deserves a spot in any tackle box. Bucktail jigs are a traditional lure that proves effective on a wide range of freshwater and saltwater game fish.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Fly-tying vise
- Jig head hook
- Fly-tying thread
- Deer tail hairs
- Scissors
- Head cement
Instructions
-
-
1
Place a jig head hook in the jaws of a fly-tying vise. Position the hook so the shank is on top and the point of the hook is on the bottom. Choose a hook size and jig head weight to match the species of fish for which you will be fishing. Use a size 2/0 hook, for example, with a 1/4-ounce weight for bass.
-
2
Wrap fly-tying thread around the collar located at the base of the jig head. Cover the collar completely with two layers of thread to form a base for attaching the bucktail hairs.
-
-
3
Pinch a clump of bucktail with your thumb and index finger. Cut the hairs free with sharp scissors.
-
4
Trim the cut end of the hairs flush with the scissors. Place the hairs on the top of the hook shank with the trimmed end flush with the base of the jig head.
-
5
Secure the hairs with several turns of thread around the collar. Cut a second clump of hairs, trim the ends and tie them on to the bottom of the hook shank with fly thread.
-
6
Wrap the fly thread around the hairs and collar of the jig head hook several times to secure the hairs in place. Tie the thread off and cut it free from the spool. Apply a thin coat of head cement to the threads for protection.
-
1
