The Arkansas Bucktail

The Arkansas Bucktail, or Ozark Bucktail if you prefer, is all-American, warm water classic. It can be described as Spartan, utilitarian, or even frugal. At its most basic, the Arkansas Bucktail is a play in one act. It is not tied to be weedless, but due to the fact that it travels upside down it is semi-weedless.  Like a NB Suskie Clouser Minnow, or a Fat Head Minnow Fly, the Arkansas Bucktail is more a style of tying than a specific pattern. And because of the reverse-tied bucktail wing, this fly has a deep body profile.

The technology of bass fishing has grown exponentially in the past twenty plus years. Dedicated fishermen now have the knowledge and equipment to find more fish than ever before. As our technology evolves, so evolves the prey. Sure, there are times when a soft-plastic, screaming spinnerbait, or a noisy topwater bait will catch a boatload of fish. But, if none of these artificial imitations are productive, give the bass something natural. Give our natural flowing bucktails a try. No matter what you fish for, bucktails will catch fish for you!





























Craig Hoffsta with an walleye caught on the Monongahela River using a 1/4oz. chartruese and black Arkansas Bucktail.  

Bucktail Jigs are without question, the most popular bait in the world.  Regarded as one of the earliest jig creations to hit the fishing scene, bucktails have fallen by the wayside over the years, regrettably to make room for the ever-expanding designs brought on by the hi-tech bass fishing market. Those anglers in the know, however, realize the true value this old standby of fur can bring to the underwater world, and continue to reap the benefits season after season. Jig fishing with the Arkansas Bucktail jig is "back to basics" fishing at it's finest.

Why are bucktails so effective?

To answer this question we must take a look at how baitfish move and behave and how this appears to bass. Baitfish, minnows, move straight, directly, without a lot of gyrations like most crankbaits we fish with. Their movement is for the most part smooth and flowing, not herky-jerky.

The slim shape of a bucktail jig is that of a minnow profile that strongly imitates baitfish. The soft, wavy action of the hairs move like the soft movement of the gill and fins of minnows. The hair strands breathe, fluff out as the jig stops and wave gently in reaction to the motion of the water when the jig is at rest. Why wouldn't a fish want to eat it? 

The JJ's Arkansas Bucktail has a lot of detail; realistic holographic stick-on eyes, and powder-paint coated.  The jig is more slender than a traditional bucktail jig which give them a great swimming action and sleek profile. This jig design features a premium ultra-sharp 2/0 Mustad Aberdeen hook. Our Arkansas Bucktails are tied with Northern Bucktail that is fade-resistant, just enough fur to make the jig look alive.  Most jigs are tied with way too much backtail wrapped on the shank.  I listen to the suggestions of my customers and tailor my bucktails to be sparsely tied.  Not too little and not too much bucktail to hide a tipped minnow, if you decide to put some live bait on your hook.  

Dale Nordstrom with some nice brace of slabs from Woodcock Creek Lake using  a 1/8oz. Blue & Black Arkansas Bucktail.  

They are extremely versatile.  From Lake Erie's spring Walleye bite, Stripers off the coast of New Jersey, to Grouper in the Florida Keys, and everything in between; these jig's will produce!  We are confident that this jig will last throughout your fishing season as a winner.