Hair jigs have slid under the radar as a super-effective lure option for smallmouth bass, but the cat is finally out of the bag. Canadian bass pro Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson grew up fishing smallmouth with finesse marabou hair jigs and shares a wealth of information about where and how to fish them using lightweight spinning setups.
TACKLE USED
• HAIR JIG – (Gussy hand-tied)
• FINESSE HAIR JIGS – https://wired2.fish/3z9a81s
• OTHER HAIR JIG OPTIONS
OutKast Tackle Feider Fly Marabou Jig: https://wired2.fish/3x2Ip19
VMC Dominator Marabou Jig: https://wired2.fish/3MwFP82
• TRAILER – Berkley PowerBait MaxScent “The General”: https://wired2.fish/3xqd1df
• ROD – G. Loomis NRX+ Spinning Rod 7’6″ Med LT 901S SJR”: https://wired2.fish/3MFzcAF
• REEL – Shimano Twin Power FD 2500 Spinning Reel: https://wired2.fish/3zkYYa2
• LINE – PowerPro Spectra Braided Line, 8-pound: https://wired2.fish/3H5n6zp
• LINE – Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon, 6-pound: https://wired2.fish/3xmSs1g
• TACKLE STORAGE – Plano Guide Series Worm Wrap: https://wired2.fish/3xqA9rV
• SUNGLASSES – Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro Sunglasses: https://wired2.fish/37nKMln
As Gussy notes, hair jigs have long been reserved as throwback lures for smallies chasing boat-side hooked fish but are now mainstay lures throughout the Great Lakes states and Canada. Hair jigs shine when bass are cruising shallow flats, in clear water, or in general, are spooky, whatever the reason. Their effectiveness stems from a natural and stealthy appearance in the water.
Long casts and a sensitive rod setup improve success. Gussy adds a chunk of stickball for added weight (improves casting distance), scent, and body bulk, while a light line and a longer rod help launch baits further. And when it comes to rod action, a slower rod loads progressively for forgiving hook sets and keeping big fish buttoned.
Gussy notes that color can be a factor. While black is his all-around go-to, he’ll use brown around bug hatches and even play with non-natural bright colors to move and trigger curious smallmouth.
FISH FINDERS & BOAT SETUP
• LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging: https://wired2.fish/HumminbirdMEGALive
• FISH FINDER – Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP GPS G4N: https://wired2.fish/HELIX12-MEGA-SI-G4N
• TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex, 52”, 36v (112 lbs): https://wired2.fish/MinnKotaUltrex
• SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Minn Kota Talon, 10′: https://wired2.fish/MinnKota-Talon-TW
• BOAT – Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass: http://wired2.fish/LundProVBassSeries
• MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: http://wired2.fish/MercuryProXS
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Why the yellow line?
How do you fish it for winter river smallmouth
Those are not hIr jigs. They are marabou
We’re you using the 901 or 902? Description says 901, but you called it the 902 in the video.
I winced every time he closed the bail by cranking his handle. Good way to ruin the bail return spring and twist up your line. Hard to take the advice of someone who makes those kind of basic mistakes. I like the tip for plumping up the marabou with a scent of max scent worm.
I use a ML 7'4" Dobyns Champion Extreme with a Daiwa Whisker SS1300 and 8lb braid with 8lb flourocarbon leader…..I can throw a hair jig a long ways because of the spool design. One of my favorite ways to fish smallmouths here in Michigan.
Hair jigs will get you back in the game when fishing gets tough. Good video.🎣👍🏾
If u where to take that jig and put it on a drop-shot u will hook up on the SM 10× more.
One of my favorite anglers, but please flip that bail by hand instead of handle.
Are you guys doing a give away on Instagram for $1000 bucks? I'm pretty sure someone is using your guys name
i have a 901s in the original NRX with a Stella FJ and it can really send! so much fun here in WI.
Nice job spitting the tag of the line into the water. SMH.
Awesome fishing great jigs
I've always wondered why these are called "hair jigs" when marabou is feathers. Whatever you call them, they are dynamite, for sure!!!
I’ll take first comment being best angler with a profile picture lol
Very nice video. Well done. As a Susquehanna river and Potomac river smallmouth fisherman I agree with Gussy hair jigs are great. 👍😎
Gussys the best
I’ll take that first comment being one of the best anglers