I was jig fishing the other day and met a guy who said he has never caught a fish unless he was using eyes on his jigs. On the other hand, I've never once used eyes on my jigs and catch my share of fish. Do any of you experienced jig fisherman have a preference or opinion on the use of eyes.

I like to have eyes on certain jigs, especially ones that are a solid color like black. My black jigs have black heads and are tied with black thread so putting eyes on them give them a little contrast. Eye's can be especially effective still water fishing for steelhead in some of the deep slower pools. It give's them a more realistic lifelike look.

Jigman
Do you paint the eyes that you use or do you leave them as is? Also do you tie them on behind the lead head? Just curious.

I paint the eyes on the jig head. I don't think color is that critical, they just need to contrast well with the color of the head.All the jigs I use are from Rainbow jigs and I actually have the guys there do the eyes for me. They'll do them for no extra charge on any jigs you get. Ilove em'

[This message has been edited by Jigman (edited 05-04-2000).]

I don't have the jig experience of Jigman as I'm mostly a drift fisherman, but I've caught several steelhead on painted heads (eyes and no eyes) as well as just plain lead-head jigs (no paint at all). It doesn't seem to matter a whole lot. One thing I think that does matter is the shade of the feathers, maribou, etc., which I change depending on the clarity and level of water that you are fishing. White or light blue is my favorite for low, clear water. I also tip the jig with a shrimp tail, which seems to work well.