Have a pretty simple question...own some moes and reaxtion dead head jigs. Obviously, these jig heads are only used for deadsticking...correct me if I am wrong. I tie a trilene knot on whenever deadsticking because they seem to hold their position on the back of the eyelet better, making it hang more horizontal. But even with this, they hang a bit tail down. And then, every time you get a nibble and set the hook, the knot moves to the top. Fish, or no fish, you have to bring it up or it's hanging tail down.

How hard would it be to move the eyelett back more on the jig head, so that it hangs horizontal when the knot is on the top of the eyelett ?

This is what I use.

RSR

They hang level with a 5 inch fluke tail on it?

A 90 degree hook is very important for a DeadStick Jig Head. Most DoIt Molds take a 60 degree hook. 90 degree hook will stay quieter that a 60 degree hook. We made our own molds, so a 90 degree hook was easy. DoIt Mold guys can make modifications, but most do not. DoIt has a TearDrop mold that takes a 90 degree hook, try that one.

Guess I'm missing your knot question?? Your knot should stay on the top of the hook eye. We made a very good DeadStick Jig Head, but they also swim a sassy shad too! I'm done at the shop and will work on selling my business before my neck surgery mid January. The hook is the most important part of any jig head. We used a VMC Barbarian Hook in our DeadHead Jig! Very expensive, but very sticky! We paid 65% more for that hook for a reason.

Thx for the replies and email...just have always been told you want bait as horizontal as possible, and seem to have better luck horizontal. Maybe that's not the case

Good luck w the surgery....guess you can fish more now.

Cactusflyer, a few minutes with a dremel tool sanding tip can turn most jig heads into "balanced just right" for deadsticking. You can even balance them for the different size flukes or other soft baits you use.

You are correct. Level or quiet. Let the fluke do the work. 90 degree better than 60 degree

Thx....will break out the Dremel

The angle of the hook eye doesn't mean ANYTHING when the hook is buried in the lead. You still end up with a ring of steel sticking out of the lead.

Due to variations in the plastics used it would be hard to mass produce a jig head that hangs 90 degrees for every user.

It's not that hard to modify a Do-It mold.

I've used 60 degree hooks and I've used 90 degree hooks. There's no difference. For a couple of years there was one lure maker that used a Eagle Claw 730 hook for his deadstick heads. Now he claims that the VMC Barbarian is a better hook because of the angle of the eye.

It has nothing to do with the angle of the eye. The Barbarian is just a better hook all around.

The most commonly used Do-It mold used for dead stick heads the Style H, will normally accept either 60 or 90 degree hooks.

I wasn't planning on doing any casting today but I went out and cast three deadstick heads. Two with 90 degree hooks and one with a 60 degree hook. I tied them all on to line with the same knot. They are all 5/0 hooks.

Here's the pictures.



Eagle Claw 635 BP



Eagle Claw 730 BP



VMC Barbarian

Here are the three hooks sitting in the mold before casting.



EC 730



EC 635



VMC Barbarian


As you can see the angle of the hook eye has NOTHING to do with the balance of the jig. There's no fish in the water swimming around with a protractor measuring the angle of your dangle either.

It appears the 730 is running tail high. Can we get a pic with a 5 inch fluke under water? Them underwater fish just might carry a protractor.

The weight of the plastic bait would also affect the angle of the jig. I don't know if it makes a difference to the fish or not. Maybe they prefer chasing one swimming up, sitting level while suspended, or falling head first while dying at different times. Things that make you go

Them sure are some good looking molds you have there Streetwannabe! Must be some of the ones you "kept" when you work for a lure company. And we all know your an expert on lure making now!

Wow, looks like someone is going for the jackwagon post of the year trophy?

I agree Kerry, there is a lot of tension on this forum nowadays... And people wonder why all the good guys no longer post
I do however, find some comic relief in the the pissin matches

Catctusflyr good post and good on you for being observant. Anyone can catch fish on good days but subtle observations like that are what separate others from the pack on the tough days. Many times that's the reason one guy on the boat outfishes the rest while fishing the "same lure" the "same way". Watch fish in a tank and see how they are positioned while suspended.