Best Jig Trailers for Bass Fishing: The Ultimate Guide 2023

    Are you tired of using the same old jig trailers and not getting any bites? Or maybe you’re new to bass fishing and don’t know where to start with jig trailers. Look no further! By using different jig trailers, you can adjust the speed at which your jig falls, imitate different forage, and trigger reaction bites. 

    There are many jig trailers to choose from, and understanding how each one works can help you choose the right one for your specific situation. In this article, we will cover top 5 best jig trailers and provide tips on how to use them effectively.

5 Best Jig Trailers for Bass Fishing

Double Tail Grub

    The double tail grub is great to use as a jig trailer because it can look like both a baitfish and a crawfish, depending on the color you use. 

    They work on any jig made and can be useful for pitching to cover, dragging along the bottom, and swimming a jig. 

    When using a double tail grub, it’s important to match the color to the forage in the water. For example, if the bass are feeding on shad, use a white or silver double tail grub.

Plastic Chunk

    The plastic chunk is a versatile jig trailer that works in many situations. The chunk comes in several sizes and is one of the most versatile trailers you can use. All you need to do is find the right color and size of bait to match your fishing hook.

    When using a plastic chunk, it’s essential to vary the retrieve speed and technique. Try a slow retrieve with pauses or a fast retrieve with occasional twitches.

Crawfish Imitator

    Jigs are great for catching bass by mimicking crawfish, so it’s a good idea to attach a plastic lure with crawfish features to complete the setup.

    Soft plastic crawfish lures come in various sizes and types of movements, so choosing the best one depends on the kind of fish you want to catch and the temperature of the water. 

For warmer water, use a plastic crawfish with an aggressive flapping action, and for colder water, use a more subtle action.

Swimbait

    The swimbait makes a great trailer but is generally best on jigs that are fished with a steady retrieve instead of those fished along the bottom. 

   Swim jigs and swimbaits go well together and can make it look like real fish. To imitate a baitfish, vary the speed of the retrieve. You can pretend it’s a hurt fish.

Beaver Style Plastic

    This type of soft plastic is usually used by itself for flipping and pitching to cover, but it works great on the back of a jig. 

    These lures do not have aggressive flapping action and are a great choice when fishing cold water or when the fish are inactive, but they will work year-round. 

    When using a beaver style plastic, try varying the speed of the fall to imitate a crawfish or other forage.

Read This Comprehensive Guide about Utilizing Vibrating Jigs to Catch More Bass.

How Do I Choose a Jig Trailer?

Choosing the right jig trailer depends on several factors, including:

1. Water temperature and species
2. Water depth 
3. Water clarity
4. Cover 
5. Color and size selection 
6. Fishing technique

Water temperature & Species

    Different species of bass may have different preferences when it comes to trailers. For instance, smallmouth and spotted bass have smaller mouths than largemouth, and using smaller trailers can result in more hookups.

• In colder water or when the fish are less active, use a slower fall speed and a more subtle action like beaver style plastics. 
• In warmer water and bass are active, you can use trailers with aggressive flapping craws or swimbaits that imitate baitfish.

Water Depth

Different trailers will perform differently at different depths. For example, if you are fishing in shallow water, a double tail grub may be the best option because it has a more subtle action and falls more slowly. 

    On the other hand, if you are fishing in deeper water, a swimbait may be a better choice because it has a more natural action and falls more quickly.

Water Clarity

It’s also essential to pay attention to the water clarity when selecting a jig trailer. 

• In clear water, it’s best to use trailers that imitate natural prey like crawfish, baitfish, or insects. 
• In murky water, using a trailer with a lot of action, like a double tail grub or crawfish imitator, can help the bass locate your lure.

Cover

The type of cover you’re fishing will also play a role in choosing the right trailer. When fishing heavy cover, choose a trailer that is more weedless and can get through the vegetation easily.

Color & Size Selection

    When it comes to color selection, it’s best to match the color of your trailer to the color of your jig. This will create a more natural-looking bait and increase your chances of getting a bite. 

    In clear water, natural colors like brown, green, pumpkin and black are more effective, while in stained or murky water, brighter colors like chartreuse, orange, or yellow can be more effective.

    The size and weight of the jig should be matched to the fishing conditions:

• In deep water or heavy cover, a heavier jig is necessary to reach the bottom quickly and stay there. 
• In shallower water or sparse cover, a lighter jig is more effective.

Fishing Technique

    Your fishing technique can also play a role in your success with jigs. Techniques like flipping, pitching, and dragging can be effective in different situations, and you should be familiar with these techniques and be able to adjust them as needed.

How to Rig Jig Trailers Properly

    Rigging jig trailers properly can make a big difference in your bass fishing success. By choosing the right type of trailer and rigging it properly, you’ll be able to match the forage in the water and trigger more bites from the fish.

    Now that you know the different types of jig trailers available, it’s time to learn how to rig them properly. Proper rigging can make all the difference in your fishing success, so let’s take a look at some tips.

    First, start by choosing the right hook size. The size of the hook should be determined by the size of the trailer you’re using. If you’re using a larger trailer, you’ll want to use a larger hook, and vice versa.

    Next, thread the jighead onto the hook, making sure that it is centered. If it is off-center, it will affect the action of the jig, making it less effective. 

    Then, add the trailer to the hook, making sure to center it. Then, push the hook point through the top of the trailer and out the bottom, making sure it is secure.

• For double tail grubs and plastic chunks, rig them on the hook shank so that they are horizontal to the water. 
• For crawfish imitators, rig them so that the claws are facing up, mimicking a defensive position.
• For swimbaits, rig them straight onto the hook shank. 
• For beaver style plastics, rig them so that the tail hangs down and provides maximum action.

General Steps on How to Rig Jig Trailers Properly

Here are some steps on how to rig jig trailers properly:

1. Choose the Right Jig Trailer: Before rigging your jig trailer, it is essential to choose the right one for the conditions you are fishing in. As mentioned earlier, there are different types of jig trailers, each with its own unique features and benefits. Consider the water clarity, temperature, and bass behavior to select the best jig trailer for the job.
2. Insert the Jig Head into the Trailer: Once you have chosen the right jig trailer, the next step is to insert the jig head into the trailer. Make sure the jig head matches the size and shape of the trailer to achieve a realistic presentation. Push the jig head into the nose of the trailer and thread it until the hook is protruding.
3. Determine the Trailer Length: The length of your jig trailer can affect the action and fall rate of your jig. In general, longer trailers provide more action and slower fall rates, while shorter trailers provide less action and faster fall rates. Determine the ideal trailer length for the conditions you are fishing in.
4. Trim the Trailer : After determining the length of your trailer, it is essential to trim it to achieve the desired action. Trimming the trailer involves cutting off any excess plastic that might inhibit the action of the trailer. Trim the trailer to match the size and shape of the jig head and to achieve the desired action.
5. Secure the Trailer: Finally, secure the trailer to the jig head by threading it through the hook and making sure it is centered. This will ensure the jig trailer is properly rigged and will not twist or turn during retrieval.

Conclusion

    In conclusion, having a variety of jig trailers on hand can greatly increase your chances of catching more bass. By experimenting with different trailers, you can find the right one for the conditions and the species of bass you’re targeting. 

    Consider the factors mentioned above when choosing the right jig trailer and don’t be afraid to switch it up if the bass aren’t biting. With the right jig trailer and some patience, you’ll be sure to reel in that trophy bass.