Converting a Freestyle Jig to a Hair Jig

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Author: Guy Doc Jensen
Date: 7/7/2021


When Do-it Corporation produced the Freestyle mold, it gave us a great addition to our arsenal of presentations to our targeted fish. This jig has an entirely different fall than other jigs. As have seen, a rebirth of the hair jig has become a staple for Walleye fishing. I want to share with you how to convert a Freestyle jig to a jig that you can apply bucktail or marabou to add yet another presentation.


Pictured above are the recommended tool. From left to right: Killer Caddis Beads, size Large, Bead Tweezer(will make your life much easier), hair pusher, Loon UV Clear Fly Finish, and a UV light source.


Step 1
Now comes the fun part, getting the bead over the barb without dropping it on the floor. Use any hair pusher to gently slide the bead past the barb.


Step 2
Cut the bait holder so that you can slide the bead into position. I usually cut it about half the distance to the jig head. You do not want it to close, or the hair will flare like an umbrella, and you will not have enough room to secure all the hair layers as you add colors.


Step 3
Secure the bead with thread wraps. Any thread will work. I like to use 140 denier because it is strong enough to pull tight on the hair without breaking and flair it, but not thick enough to build bulk at the collar. It is important to build a thread dam behind the bead and use figure 8 wraps to hold in place.


Step 4
Now you are ready to create your masterpiece. In the photo above it is very apparent why we need the bead to create flare of the hair. When tying hair jigs “less is more” regarding the 
amount of hair on the Jig. Sparse hair will flare much nicer when snapping or retrieving the jig. I usually start at the bottom and work to the top. If you have not worked with bucktail or marabou, I refer you to
my video on tying hair jigs which I made for Do-it in the past.


Step 5
Finally, you want to protect the thread from toothy predators. I use the UV cured resin for two reasons: It is fast and easy, and it looks great. Other options are head cement, or your Wife’s Hard As Nails. The problem with the last to options is they must be placed on a drying wheel. This takes time to cure, and there is a chance the lacquer will run onto the hair. Have fun!




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