How To Make Your Own Finesse Jig! (And Save A Lot Of Money)

Matt is always modifying jigs, but today he's taking it a step further! He's found a football head and skirt combination that are inexpensive, easy to assemble, and they'll save you a lot of money if you put them together yourself! Finesse jigs and micro jigs are taking over bass fishing for good reason, give it a try!

Matt and Tim are always testing new gear, tweaking existing baits, and dialing in their techniques. It should come as no surprise that Matt has been building some jigs along the way! With the boom in the finesse and micro jig categories, prices are constantly moving up. Given how many jigs he loses during a day of fishing, it was time to find a solution. Matt set out to find a cost effective solution, and in doing so, stumbled on a skirt and jighead combination that isn't just cheaper, it catches more fish!

Below you'll find links to the components Matt uses to build this jig, some of his favorite finesse and micro jig trailers, as well as the rod and reel combos the guys use to fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

JIG COMPONENTS...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Cut Replacement Skirt: https://bit.ly/4i3SYpo

Colors: The Go To, Supermatt Brown, Alabama Craw

•VMC Finesse Football Jighead: https://bit.ly/3CZ1cQK

Preferred Size: 1/4 – 3/8 oz

PREFERRED JIG TRAILERS...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Grass Craw

•Zman TRD Crawz: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Orange

•Yamamoto Covert Craw: https://bit.ly/4dgmxBK

Colors: Green Pump Purple Copper, Green Pump Amber Lam

MID PRICED MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Seaguar InvizX (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BAIT FINESSE MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Curado 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Seviin GF Series (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line- Sunline Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

UNDERWATER FOOTAGE OF FINESSE JIGS + BEST JIG TRAILERS!

Come underwater and watch how different baits respond to movement underwater! We throw a ton of compact micro jigs so today we're comparing the best jigs and jig trailers that we've found. Come below the surface into crystal clear water and see if you can find a favorite jig and trailer to help you catch more fish this year!

Downsizing your presentations to get more bites has been the theme for anglers across the country the last few years. As a result, micro jigs continue to gain popularity. Finding the right jig is tough, and understanding when to use different trailers is a whole other issue. Check out how unique each of these jig and trailer combos really are. We hope that a few minutes of underwater footage will help you choose the best choices for your fisheries, as you get a clear look at profile, realism, and movement in a real world setting.

Below you'll find links to the jigs and trailers. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each, as well as some of our favorite rods (at different price points) for fishing micro jigs. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE JIGS AND TRAILERS...

•Keitech Tungsten Football: https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

•XZone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue

•Keitech Tungsten Football: https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

•ZMan TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Color: Green Pumpkin

•MissileBaits Ike's Micro Football Jig: https://bit.ly/3osY6wA

Color: Dill Pickle

•MissileBaits Micro D Bomb: https://bit.ly/4diuUwv

Color: Magic Craw Swirl

•Beast Coast OW Sniper Jig: https://bit.ly/4gFj0yq

Color: Elite Craw

•ZMan Finesse TRD: https://bit.ly/3RaJGMH

Color: Green Pumpkin

•Nishine Finesse Cover Jig: https://bit.ly/3EE8w1O

Color: Watermelon Candy

•Great Lakes Finesse Snack Craw: https://bit.ly/4b8aeHo

Color: Green Pumpkin

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig: https://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Color: Definite Watermelon

•ZMan TRD Crawz: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Color: Green Pumpkin

•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Color: Baby Bass

•ZMan Finesse Football Nedz: https://bit.ly/3zYoUZ6

Size: 1/4 oz

ULTRA HIGH END MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Poison Ultima 6'10" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3OfNBGe

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Seaguar PEX8 Braid (24 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

ALL AROUND MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BUDGET FRIENDLY MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Seviin GF Series (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line- Sunline Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Winter Jig Modifications: The Tricks That Catch All The Fish!

Take your jig fishing to the next level with these simple hacks! Jigs are a staple technique in bass fishing and these simple tricks will help you catch a lot more fish! From skirt modifications, to trailer tricks, to weed guard changes, these are the tricks that Matt and Tim use to catch fish in the worst conditions around the country!

We've dialed in these jig mods through years of experimentation with jigs, all around the country. The chartreuse trick for murky water, using the exposed hook to catch wary fish, shortening trailers to create a bite sized package; all of these were born from real fishing experiences. If you want to catch more fish, these are the no–nonsense ways to accomplish your goal!

Below you'll find links to all the jigs, jig trailers, and color options Matt discussed in the video. We've also included his favorite rod and reel combos for fishing jigs effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

JIG MOD #1...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Favorite Colors: The Go To, Hematoma

•Netbait 4" Paca Slim: https://bit.ly/2M5cuGF

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Black Shadow Flare

JIG MOD #2...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Favorite Colors: Supermatt Brown, Alabama Craw, The Go To

•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Cinnamon Black Purple

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Chartreuse Black Flake, Firetiger

JIG Mod #4...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Favorite Colors: Supermatt Brown, Alabama Craw, The Go To

•MissileBaits Micro Football (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3osY6wA

Favorite Colors: Dill pickle, PB&J

•Great Lake Finesse Matte Finesse Jig (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/3Yj41mp

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Brown, Green Pumpkin Black

JIG MOD #5 JIGS...

•Dirty Jigs Compact Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Colors: The Go To, Hematoma

•Keitech Tungsten Football (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown Purple, Dark Pumpkin

•MissileBaits Micro Football (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3osY6wA

Favorite Colors: Dill pickle, PB&J

•Great Lake Finesse Matte Finesse Jig (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/3Yj41mp

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Brown, Green Pumpkin Black

FINESSE JIG TRAILERS...

•ZMan TRD Crawz: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

•Damiki 3" Air Craw: https://bit.ly/3AvRsZJ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Green Pumpkin Magic

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Grass Craw, Green Pumpkin Black

•Reins 3" G Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/3ZWP3o6

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

HULA GRUBS...

•Yamamoto 5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/2d7SpgG

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Cinnamon Black Purple

•Gamakatsu Football Jig: https://bit.ly/2CTXHHt

Size: 3/8 oz

•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper, Green Pumpkin Black

•Great Lakes Finesse Stealth Football: https://bit.ly/4eQjXTb

Size: 3/8 oz

MATT'S FOOTBALL JIG COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

Model: 7' Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Shimano SLX (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Sunline FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Bass Fishing When Its COLD! Key Baits And Locations To Catch Fish!

Come along for a very cold day on the water! Matt uses a combination of power and finesse techniques to catch bass all day long! He hits the water with a plan, puts key baits to work, and catches a pile of really nice bass. Listen as he talks through fish location, bait selection, and how he adapts to changing conditions throughout the day.

Matt starts the day speed cranking for bass that have moved up to feed, then immediately switches to a football jig and a strolling bait for midday fish. He targets likely locations by studying mapping, and uses the best bait for each location, based on depth. This method of fishing is very simple, and extremely effective!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt used through the day. He's included his baits, trailers, colors, etc. He's also included all of the high end combos he used to help detect subtle bites in the cold. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE CRANKBAIT...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: Green Pumpkin Craw

THE JIGS...

•Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (5/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Alabama Craw

•Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

•Beast Coast Fishing OW Football (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/4gFj0yq

Color: MB Pumpkin

•Reins 3" Double Tail Grub: https://bit.ly/3ZWP3o6

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Color: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper Flake

•Great Lakes Finesse Stealth Football: https://bit.ly/4eQjXTb

Size: 3/8 oz, 2/0 Hook

THE MINNOW...

•Rapala Crush City Mooch Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Yn4NR6

Color: Electric Shad

•VMC Redline Tungsten Ball Head: https://bit.ly/3ZIjeyd

Size: 1/4 oz

CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC

HEAVY FINESSE FOOTBALL COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

Model: 7' Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

HULA GRUB COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Poison Ultima 6'10" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3OfNBGe

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Seaguar PEX8 Braid (24 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

MICRO JIG COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "X Bites": https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: 7'2" Heavy Extra Fast

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

STROLLING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Poison Adrena 6'10" Med+ Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/4c0fQmq

Reel– Shimano Stella FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

Line– Sunline Almight Braid (16 lb): https://bit.ly/4flJrsg

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz