Why I Still Fish Hand-Tied Living Rubber Jigs (And Why I Make My Own)
The first bass I ever caught was on a hand-tied living rubber jig made by a local guy here in Northeast Pennsylvania.
That jig stuck with me. Not just because it caught fish—but because it felt different. It had a look, a feel, and a presence in the water that you just don’t get from mass-produced baits.
That’s what got me started pouring and tying jigs.
Where It Started
Back then, the jig I was using was simple:
- Bronze hook
- No real keeper
- Wire-tied skirt
It worked—but I always felt like it could be better.
So I set out to build a jig that fixed those problems while keeping everything that made it special.
The Jig I Tie Today
For the last 20 years, I’ve been refining my version of that original jig into something I trust in any condition.
Here’s what goes into it:
- Owner 5313 premium hook – strong, sharp, and reliable
- Hand-tied living rubber skirt – unmatched movement in the water
- Light wire weed guard – just enough protection without killing hookups
- Extra long keeper – holds trailers tight, even soft plastics
- Custom paint options – built how you want it
Every jig is tied by hand—no shortcuts.
Why Living Rubber Still Matters
Most jigs today use banded silicone skirts. They work—but they’re built for speed and mass production.
Living rubber is different.
- Moves naturally in the water
- Breathes and pulses on the fall and on the bottom
- Creates a more lifelike profile
It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about confidence in what you’re throwing.
The Difference Is in the Details
What really separates these jigs is how everything works together.
The extra long keeper locks your trailer in place—especially soft plastics that tend to slide down on other jigs.
No bunching. No constant adjustments.
Just tie it on and fish.
The lighter weed guard also makes a big difference. It keeps you clean around cover without sacrificing hookups.
Built for How You Fish
One of the biggest advantages of hand-tied jigs is flexibility.
I can build them however you want:
- Different head styles
- Custom colors
- Skirt combinations
- Trailer pairings
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all bait—it’s built for real fishing conditions. If you want a jig made that is not pictured on the website just reach out (phone or email) and I will see if I can create it for you.
Why I Still Fish Them Today
After 20 years of fishing and guiding, I still keep a hand-tied living rubber jig tied on.
Not because it’s different—but because it works.
It’s a bait I trust when conditions are tough, when I need a bigger bite, or when I just want something with a little more presence in the water.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing wrong with mass-produced jigs—but they’re not the same.
If you’ve never fished a true hand-tied living rubber jig, it’s something worth trying.
It’s how I got started—and it’s still one of the most reliable tools I have.