WHAT IS IT?
Thorne Brothers Marabou Jigs — Finesse, HD and Eco
WHAT SETS IT APART?
Thorne Bros. offers three variations of their marabou hair jig with different head designs, weights, hooks and hair styles. This allows anglers to pick the hair jig that best fits the conditions and mood of the fish. The HD features a mushroom style jighead and a heavier duty hook. The finesse features a round style jighead and light-wire hook and the Eco features a similar head style to the finesse head but at a lower price point. The round style head of the Finesse and Eco jigs offer a different action both on the fall and during the retrieve.
HOW DO I USE IT?
Marabou hair jigs are a staple for smallmouth fishing. Different weights and skirt options allow the bait to be fished with different retrieves and at different depths. Marabou jigs can mimic different forages for bass with the most common being leaches, craws and minnows. Depending on the conditions and depth you are fishing, a steady retrieve is a good baseline for fishing a hair jig.
HOW MUCH?
$9.99 each for HD and Finesse, $7.99 for Eco
MORE INFORMATION:
ANGLER’S INSIGHT:
My smallmouth fishing experience is minute compared to some anglers I know, but what I do know is it’s hard to beat a smallmouth locking up a hair jig on light spinning tackle and taking you for a ride. Thorne Bros. takes the hair jig game to the next level offering three variations, each with different weights and colors. Typically, manufacturers offer one design with different weights and colors — you get what you get. Thorne Bros. variations let the angler pick out the hair jig they need.
The HD and Finesse both have two strands of feather sticking out beyond the marabou while the Eco does not. This feather helps give a larger profile and adds action to the bait. All three jigs have bait keepers along the shank of the hook for adding any sort of trailer. Often times, adding a small section of a Senko will bulk up the bait and make it easier to cast.
Though my time throwing a hair jig has been short, it’s been filled with action. One of the biggest keys to success is having a hair jig with a good hook. A good hook is crucial with this technique as smallmouth tend to jump and make turns all around the boat. If the hook is too weak or isn’t sharp, you’ll have your heart broken early. All three of the Thorne Bros. hair jig models have good quality, sharp hooks. Simply match the jig to the conditions you are faced with and be ready for the addicting bites you get on a hair jig.
