I have recently started building football jigs. I have been experimenting with different hooks(styles,sizes,and wire diameter), weedguards and most importantly skirt materials. I am just curious what you look for in your jigs? I'm looking to build something different instead of just reinventing the wheel.

A bass with mine in his mouth...

What type of bait-keeper? One of the most important components on a FBJ, in my opinion, is the type and position of the bait/trailer-keeper.

A stout, sharp hook -- doesn't bend easily but still sticks well. Well attached skirt, it should last through a bunch of bites. Solid paint job that doesn't chip the first time it hits a rock.

Just been using standard barb style but been tossing around the screwlock idea. But if anyone is like me and superglues their trailers is that really a factor?

You mean the "standard" barb style molded of lead on the hookshank? I'd prefer a keeper of titanium wire. Better ability to adjust trailer position and much better trailer retention than the standard. No glue required.

Strong hook!

Its all about the hook to me. I also like a good bait keeper. Paint job is no biggie to me cause I beat the hell out of my baits anyway.

I considered the hook a foregone conclusion. Don't profess to know the best, but I'd like it available to me, regardless.

As for skirts, watcha got? Most serious jig fishermen could care less about skirts. It's all about (in this order) Hook, hook and hook. Bait keeper. Head shape. Head material and, last but not least, skirts.

Whatcha got?

these questions were addressed to the OP. Not the other participants on this thread.

Imitation of the rigtht protein meal for a bass, crawfish.

I do agree the jig is built around the hook. But with that being said I do hold the skirt to be as valuable component as any. I spend more time on the skirts than any other steps in the process combined. I use a combo of silicone skirting mostly for color, then add layers of both round and flat rubber to make the whole thing come to life. Am I going about wrong? Does the skirt really hold no purpose but to catch fishermen? IDK. That's why I ask TFF.

I think the skirt is a big part of a functional jig. Color and texture play a part and so does a good, soft trailer. Round head in the 1 oz jigs work better than the football head imho

The trend with most jigs regardless of style is to put on the largest, heaviest hook possible. It may look cool, but we're talking bass, not grouper. Lighter wire and smaller size will increase your hook ups. The quality of hooks is way beyond what it was in the past. A smaller option still retains the level of strength needed to land the fish. I fish jig worms with hooks in the #2 to #6 range. A #6 is really, really little. I don't worry about it breaking or straightening, but I don't horse them in with it either. Think of drop shot hooks. We don't complain about them failing yet they are small and extremely effective. The largest hooks may not always be the best hooks.

hook,trailer keeper,skirt that wont dry rot or pull off.