Jig-a-bugger
The Jig-A-Bugger is a weighted jig-head adaptation of the Woolly Bugger, and this source presents an Over the Edge Tackle version tied by Bill Black. Its black marabou, reflective chenille, and palmered hackle create a mobile profile that can suggest a leech, small baitfish, or large aquatic insect, while the bright painted jig head adds contrast and provides the weight needed to reach holding fish. It is particularly suited to steelhead fishing beneath a float, though it can also be jigged, drifted, or slowly retrieved for trout. The principal tying considerations are anchoring the materials securely behind the rigid jig head, keeping the marabou tail from becoming too long or bulky, and palmering the hackle without trapping excessive fibers in the chenille.
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Recipe
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Hook · Painted lead jig head with an integrated hook
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Thread · black
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Tail · black marabou
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Tail flash · a few strands of black Krystal Flash
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Body · black crystal chenille or opalescent estaz
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Hackle · black saddle hackle
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Head · lead jig head painted fluorescent pink with a black pupil
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Finish · head cement or clear adhesive
Tying Instructions
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1
Secure the painted jig head in the vise and start the black thread immediately behind the head.
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2
Lay a firm thread foundation rearward along the hook shank to the beginning of the bend.
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3
Tie in a black marabou tail approximately one hook-shank length long.
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4
Add a few strands of black Krystal Flash along the sides of the marabou and trim them near the end of the tail.
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5
Tie in the black saddle hackle by its tip at the rear of the body, with the fibers oriented to sweep toward the tail when wrapped.
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6
Tie in the black Crystal Chenille or Estaz at the same location and advance the thread to the rear of the jig head.
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7
Wrap the chenille forward in close, touching turns to form the body, stroking the fibers rearward as necessary to avoid trapping them.
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8
Secure and trim the chenille immediately behind the jig head.
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9
Palmer the black saddle hackle forward in evenly spaced turns over the body.
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10
Secure and trim the hackle behind the jig head, then sweep any trapped fibers free.
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11
Build a small thread collar, whip finish, and apply head cement or clear adhesive.