90% Of Anglers Don't Know How To Fish A Hair Jig! Learn To Master It With These Retrieves!

[@JEB_FISHING]

💥💯💥 I used to follow other channels but this is now the only one first reason he normally replies to you if you have a question secondly he explains thoroughly and is willing to help others. U the man matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much for the support! I try to reply to everybody but im sure i miss one here and there.

[@JEB_FISHING]

@@MattStefanFishing keep the video coming and I'll be here fallow

[@andywilliamson7846]

Good retrieves video, Matt. As you said, the 90 degree jighead is usually the way to go to keep the jig horizontal, and anglers should constantly check to make sure their line tie remains at the top of the hook eye. However, when using hair jigs around submergent vegetation, it is important to use a 60 degree or less angled hook with the eye protruding from the very front of a more conical shaped jighead, with a weedguard. These hair jigs may be a bit harder to find on the market, but they are out there.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Great tip!

[@skittles7001]

Finally! I love using hair jigs for a variety of fish. Tie my own and mold my own jigheads. Walleye, bass, pike, catfish, and everything in between. Granted that you're focused on Bass and that's why we are all here. I'm just happy to see the main lure in my arsenal being demonstrated. Thank You

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on!

[@juleswinnfield826]

You used the word Pelagic.... very cool to hear a freshwater/bass fisherman use that. As always, good info, nice drone use to show rod position, sweep, cadence..... etc. Thanks for the vid.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha! just my limnolgy background coming out of me i guess! I liked the drone as well to help with this!

[@midwestfischerman]

@@MattStefanFishing Now let's have a video breakdown of different strategies for oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and eutrophic lakes. I wanted to geek out too!🤣😂

[@matthewotis3594]

Yeah, because pelagic refers to the open sea. Makes all kinds of sense.

[@johnrayner5599]

Matt , awesome video explaning these retrieves, one note, you were about 20 yards from one of my favorite spots on Table Rock, I caught a 6.4 smallie on that spot, good choice and good find!

[@MattStefanFishing]

OH BOY! There were a bunch of fish on that spot...i was kinda surprised i didnt catch one filming the video.

[@brianathern9154]

Glad this came up on my feed. Just started tying my own trailer hooks and then jigs for friends. I decided to make some bait fish and crawfish colors. I've never fished hair jigs but it's intrigued me. Great how to for this beginner

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad I could help!

[@mjk86100]

Great video. I've spent so many hours of my life fishing the bridge behind you with jigging spoons and worms. Table Rock is a beautiful lake, I hope you enjoyed it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I had a great time!

[@itllkeal]

I will use wire cutters to cut some lead off and add some fingernail polish on mine sometimes if they fall too fast. Thanks for the tips

[@kennethhromcik8144]

Keeping the bait sparse is a great tip. I discovered this with a Clouser Minnow. As always, thanks for the videos. Tight lines and Godspeed.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff!

[@Milehighsnake98]

Good video. Love that the drone caught the fish at 9:15 chasing down the hair jig as you were reeling it back just before explaining the 3rd retrieve.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@Nubenhoofer]

I thought it was a fish at first too, but when you slow it down it appears to just be the water from the jig shooting off in a swooped line.

[@rodneychandler82]

Got me a couple Cumberland Hair so this Vid is going to come in very handy . We got a local guy here who makes Afrijig's and couple buddies absolutely smashing them on it

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sound good

[@chrisduffy2737]

Here one Chesapeake Bay my buddies have gone to casting swim baits Berkley Pogy, Tsunami Swim Shad, and Storm Swim Shad targeting striped bass using the retrieves you demonstrated. Thirty years ago we used hair jigs (we called 'em "bucktails").

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep they switched from bucktails to hairjigs for some reason...

[@willperryman4559]

I’ve got the Cumberland Pro hair jigs and the True Bass ShuttleCock designed by David Allen, and I don’t get the opportunity to use them often, but I am definitely looking forward to improving my techniques and learning more about my hooksets. Congratulations on your Top 10 finish and your potential for AOY🎉😎👍💯 I love your versatility Matt and I have a 7’10” EDGE Rod for big hair jigs and it can be used for bigger swimbaits. I am shorter(5’9”) and I also have a 7’6” MH fast I might try, mainly for longer casts. I’m using a Shimano Bantam in a 7.4.1 and I don’t have any 8 speed reels, but I think it’s definitely time for that. As always, I love your demonstration videos 👍✊🍀🎣🍀💯

[@MattStefanFishing]

THanks for the support!

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I think the hair jig is the most underrated bait in bass fishing. It’s been a saltwater staple forever and in my opinion it better than a swim jig if fishing sparse grass or open water. I honestly think the Alabama shake was essentially the renamed technique of pumping a bucktail in saltwater.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Bucktail jigs have been catching fish for ages. They're a classic snook lure in Florida and if I could only have one lure for the salty stuff it would be a bucktail. They're deadly for flounder and lots of other species. I never thought about using them for bass but it makes sense.

[@MattStefanFishing]

great for bass!

[@liljeter4]

I have used them a few times... still looking for my first bite on one. These were some nice tips in this video.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@douglasspickler4925]

I do well with a hair jig as a follow up to a miss topwater strike. The fish hit the jig on the fall. Thanks for the video and retrieves. Good information.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good tip!

[@ps7462]

I use hair jigs year-round for SM. Mostly roundhead bucktails black and brown with various trailers and plain marabou in black. Thanks for the tips and new techniques to explore!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@crowe1974]

Never use a hair jig, never thought they would work. Got some from my sister for Christmas. Going to give it a try. Love the videos you been doing. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@davethegaultney224]

Bucktails go back to the native americans- they used to hunt a lot of deer and would use the tail fur tied on to hooks made from bone and other materials to catch fish

[@dwmjr2253]

What I like about this video, is that you are using your HARD EARNED fishing SKILLS! VS Electronically LIVE SCOPING.🤷👊🏾💪🏾

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@edrose4583]

Thanks for the tutorial - will open a new technique for me. Where do you get your hook/jigheads to tie your own? Thank you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you can buy jigheads from tackle warehouse and the material from a lure crafting store like jann's netcraft or go to a fly fishing shop

[@erichildreth7562]

Thanks for an on the water demonstration for fishing these jigs! Very helpful!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Andycarusetta]

Great tutorial and the drone camera really helps me to understand bow you are working the bait.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to hear it!

[@mikeeller557]

Thanks Matt, I also had good luck on river smallmouth with a Stright retrieve also.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff!

[@alandavis2051]

Great info. I’m watching this video again a year later. One of the ways you fish a hair jig is very similar to how you fish the Hover Rig. Has the Hover Rig replaced the hair jig in your arsenal? Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Not completely

[@phenglee6084]

These videos are getting better with the drone. Keep it up!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Im making baby steps but trying to get better

[@tomstenbeck8265]

Matt. Have you ever done a comparison between deer hair vs marabou vs mixed deer hair/marabou jigs (of course all with flashabou)?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i use both but havent dne a video on it!

[@chundle09]

Dude this video is awesome. Thanks for showing us how from front of the boat. That helps so much

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to help!

[@papapump5738]

SUPER. EDUCATIONAL SHOW. ON HAIR. JIGS. AND HOW TO FISH. THEM. THE 3. RETREVES THAT YOU RECOMEND. HEY. YOUR HIGHLY. SKILLED. VERY GOOD. TALKER. ALSO. I GOT YOUR YOU TUBE. SHOW. LOCKED IN. THIS IS. GENE. I'AM OUT IN THE. CALIFORNIA. DELTA. I JUST BOUGHT SOME OF THOSE. CUMBERLAND. JIGS. ALSO. 3/8. & 1/2. Oz. Also. Thanks. Big. Daddy. Keep up the. Good. Work

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! thanks for the support!

[@rodneychandler82]

Great Vid Matt . Got me some Hair Jig's and looking forward to fishing them when our timing is right this side . This Vid is going yo come in handy . By the way took out the Ozark , Hover rigs this weekend . Worked great 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@jerrykotula2751]

Great video and tutorial. Will be trying this next time out on Lake Murray, SC. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vancegordon9140]

I am dating myself but the first bass tournament I fished was in 1974 there were not a lot of jig dressing options back basically maribou and bucktail. I like a 90 deg. jig head also and in addition I tie a loop knot so that I know the jig is always running perpendicular to my line. There is a good video on Sunline America's web site I am sure there are a lot of ways to tie this simple knot

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@doughboy9076]

One of the staples for all kinds of saltwater fishing, Offshore/Inshore. Have not tried in the fresh yet.

[@MattStefanFishing]

they work great in freshwater too!

[@paullahmers7939]

Great video subscribed today!! Will the techniques work on heavy grass lakes like around here in ohio

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome! yes it can but you need to keep it on the edge of the deep weedline

[@michaelo6124]

Beautiful drone footage. Great fishing tips. Thank you

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cclawman]

Is there a prefered knot with hair jigs? Have you used a Lefty Kreh loop knot?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I use a miller knot

[@TouYang_89]

i caught my pb 8ib large mouth on pucci bucktail... and a lot of striped bass..

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@mgdwj]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.

[@MattStefanFishing]

My pleasure!

[@curtissmith1559]

Thanks Matt, love this one. I've always wondered what the proper way to use a hair jig was.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@michaelsheppard4227]

I'm thinking 2nd retrieve but which retrieve would you recommend for 50-57 degree water in Alabama during fall to winter transition? Thank you so much for making this video. I have hair jigs but never throw them cause I wasn't sure how to use them besides little hair jigs on a bobber in extreme cold water in WV for smallmouth, like float & fly.

[@MattStefanFishing]

2nd retrieve is a good one

[@shawn_r_schultzfishing4883]

Very cool, that is one lure I have yet to try. Now with the knowledge there is no excuses lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@erichthompson1194]

I know the 2 main techniques with a hair jig are deep largemouth and shallow smallmouth, but do you ever fish a finesse-y hair/Marabou jig shallow for largemouth? I haven't tried it but I think it could be really effective for getting finicky largies

[@MattStefanFishing]

it can work well.

[@rainnants]

my pbs on a white 1/32nd marabou

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Thanks for those tips!! Much appreciated!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks, you too!

[@HookedOnStripers]

Its pretty crazy that large mouth bass fisherman are just starting to use bucktails (or hair-jigs). We been using these in northeast for at least a 100 years. This was the first lure i learned to use. Not only for bass but also bluefish, weakfish(seatrout) , black sea bass, fluke flounder, but more specifically Striped Bass. . . . I recommend andrus bucktailss because they actually use real buck tail hair(deer tail hair) which is extremely buoyant allowing the hair to breathe in the water. Also usually put some type of trailer on the back like otter tails curly tail trailers or any soft plastic on the back hook. . . . When you think about it Large Mouth has by far the most variety of baits available but a basic bucktail jig is a new concept(for 90 percent)

[@MattStefanFishing]

They work great

[@clintperry799]

Thanks , been a long time since I fished a hair jig . I think I will get a few.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@ryanvarner6520]

Gonna give these a try next time I'm out!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good

[@stuartcarter944]

I guess that MB873 is a work horse. Going to build one of those in the near future. And that drone shot is badass. Love it

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! the 873 is so versatile!

[@stuartcarter944]

@@MattStefanFishing hey Matt, looks like more spam coming in. Just fyi

[@DecisionsHaveConsequences]

Most Anglers will be able to do a vertical presentation using their sonar. A hair jig with forward facing sonar can be deadly. Definitely going to use that quick retrieve for spotted bass or striper.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very true!

[@JamesP29]

Try putting a trailer on it...preferably something thin and soft. Pork rinds like the old uncle Josh 50 or 50s are great but hard to find these days. If you can find something similar give it a shot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds killer!

[@LowBrowFishing]

I'm tempted to go get a drone. But with my luck, I'll have it all of five minutes before I crash it into the water. That being said, I was able to buy a stack of hair jigs from a local outlet store for like 75¢ a piece. I don't get to fish with them much because the water is just too shallow, but when the fall rolls around and I can fish deeper water, I like to use them.

[@MattStefanFishing]

if you got a drone a bass would hit it thinking it was a topwater!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

@@MattStefanFishing Low brow claims he is killing the bass on top waters on the tactical bassin channel.🤷‍♂️

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

You told Matt and Tim yesterday that you kill the bass on topwater. Zara spook. I was under the impression you haven’t caught a top water bait yet.

[@LowBrowFishing]

@@heinrichkellogg7563 Check my channel for a recent video I did.

[@terrytresemer2864]

How many walleye do you manage on the snap retrieve? When I go out for walleye I love snap jigging. Generally on a slow troll. I know bass love hair jig's too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I catch a bunch up north on it!

[@aarongreenlee7867]

Matt, great video. I have one, and have only fished it once ever. What weight hair jig do you like for 20-30 ft? I have a 1/2 oz if I remember correctly.

[@MattStefanFishing]

if its not to windy i prefer a 1/2 oz. 3/4 if its windy

[@aarongreenlee7867]

@@MattStefanFishing Thanks Matt, I appreciate it. I have not been able to find any hair jigs that I know are lead free. I am going to tie some starting with a naked tungsten jig head with the 90 degree line tie, as soon as I find the time.....

[@johndaniels2922]

Do you ever make any goby color buck tails for smallies

[@MattStefanFishing]

I havent but not a bad idea!

[@mgdwj]

What water clarity does this work in? Mostly a clear water technique or will it work in lower visibility water?

[@tagg946]

imo theyll work in almost any vis. ive caught fish in murky water with them, using white and chartreuse, but clearer water is probably better. if its straight up chocolate milk, i wouldnt even use them.

[@MattStefanFishing]

the clearer the better but as long as you have a foot of visibility i think youre good to go!

[@torrelwallace7955]

Been wanting to try m. Thanks for the tips.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Any time!

[@edpelkey7798]

Great video Matt! This is a technique I have not tried yet! What size jig are you using? 🍺

[@MattStefanFishing]

1/2 oz in the video

[@razorbak6783]

Good stuff Matt....I like the drone shot too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@ezequielvazquez4562]

Do you add weights with the jig? New to the fishing club

[@MattStefanFishing]

The jig is already weighted so no additional weights needed

[@walter9720]

Nice video great job really like the drone footage. Thanks for the great content will definitely have to try this out I’ve only used the hair jig for salt water fishing for stripers they call them bucktails here on cape cod seems exactly the same.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome, thank you!

[@macking4942]

@@MattStefanFishing man thats awesome drone footage!!! That view works great!!!! What type of drone is that?????

[@1MoreCast]

Thanks Matt, very informative!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@k1llerdir]

The Cumberland Pro hair jig is my go to for hair jigs. I did know 2nd and 3rd retrieves. The first retrieve I had not herd about. Last year I caught a 6lb smallmouth with the second retrieve you mentioned in Dewy Lake in Floyd County, KY.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@capital613]

Perfect content I bought a hair jig don't know how to use it yay! 🙃

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are a tough bait to use. But if you give them a try you can gain some confidence in them!

[@nathanthompson1755]

Love the marabou hair jig! I believe its made of rabbit 🐇 hair.. awesome content as always

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@nachopretzel3533]

Ive stocked up on bucktails , today its very over looked. I catch alot of trout and walleye on them .

[@MattStefanFishing]

Catches them too

[@robertcook8187]

Very good video and information thanks and good fishing

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BillyTheBigMouthBass]

Thank you man!

[@MattStefanFishing]

No problem!

[@trikster22]

I bought VMC bucktail hair jig today... Can I still put softbaits on the hook? Ty for the tips

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep

[@bow-leggedfishing5883]

Good stuff and nice camera angle

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@DAVE_WHITE]

I rig a double hair jig just like the double fluke it works..

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@itllkeal]

Matt Stephen 1st Richard Gene 2nd then Jimmy Houston. That's my main choices for KZbin fishing but Richard would be the 1 if I only had 1 because of the fish diversity but Matt is the Real Bass Teaching master

[@MattStefanFishing]

Much appreciated!

[@genelavigne3711]

Never tried a hair jig......what type of line and what size for a 1/2 oz hair jig

[@MattStefanFishing]

i use 15 lb 100% berkley fluorocarbon

[@jonathancarter3999]

Bear hair works good for spots

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@mikedavis1721]

Back in the 1970s before they was called a hairjig they was know as a dollfly they was killer in the winter mixed in with a sidewinder spoon

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! thanks for sharing!

[@kenneth9874]

Deadly with a creme worm as well back then

[@Cochran53]

Love the Drone content!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to hear it!

[@FounderOf4]

Great tutorial.... and I love the drone view footage

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@FounderOf4]

@@MattStefanFishing I try to keep up with your videos, you keep em coming!

[@patnoll175]

Great info!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@troyseal9877]

Preach it preacher. 😉

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@paulfix2025]

Hair jigs on bluegill lakes?

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep. they work great up north as well

[@DavidMccallister65]

Very fun bite

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes it is!

[@captainmichael787]

Even peacock love these jigs

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@FASHIONEDbyFINESSE]

90%, can you provide a source for that percentage? Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

I looked it up

[@MaineBassmaster]

OUTSTANDING! The overhead/drones eye view is epic for really seeing the juice. Thanks, Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks ill keep doing it!

[@thebassinprogressive9399]

You are an excellent teacher. Great explanations!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you! 😃

[@bcleave88]

Would you use it in rivers?

[@MattStefanFishing]

you can!

[@garylance4670]

How did you establish 90 percent

[@MattStefanFishing]

its the title to the series.

[@vsonic86]

You could get a hit by just cast it out, let it sink, then just do slow retrieve? And you can get a hit with that?

[@MattStefanFishing]

You can get a bite doing anything but some retrieves are much better

[@CougarClan]

Pure Gold! :))

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@CougarClan]

@@MattStefanFishing Hey Matt! Is that spam? ^^^^^^

[@deannademala3432]

It catches walleye also

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@PistolPete3322]

How was the fishing while you were here?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Pretty Good!

[@PistolPete3322]

@@MattStefanFishing is the text invite legit?

[@corvette_jake7225]

I only use them in saltwater, never though to use them for freshwater bass

[@MattStefanFishing]

give them a try!

[@davidcrump2348]

Why does everyone me use braid and floro lines now? I would rather have old school mono. And it’s getting very difficult to find it. Floró and braid you loose too many baits because the knots are crap. You have to use super glue on the knots or you throw off baits.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i still use mono for some situations

[@johnsonc8]

and stripers!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep!

[@JamesP29]

Show that to any striped bass fisherman on the east coast and none of them will be suprised! Lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@tomday17]

Nice

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@wassonfishingforbigs]

You did all that presentation without hooking up to a fish ! We watched you work a hair jig with zero bites how do we know it’s sincere and works ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@andrewdisney8475]

At least you're not afraid to TALK! LGBFJB!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺 FYI….Scammers are back again. The same message, profile, and look as last week.

[@MattStefanFishing]

theyve been reported and blocked again...very frustrating

[@beau4129]

Hair jig?? I guess that’s a fresh water buck-tail

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@iPOCK3TS]

90% of Viewers get click baited

[@MattStefanFishing]

its the title to the series

[@SenseiDecay]

Maybe I'm just fussy but I'm not a fan of tutorial videos that don't show the techniques actually working to catch a fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ok sensei...