Bucktail Jigs vs. Flair Hawk Jigs: What’s The Difference?
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Lure Reviews, Weekly Newsletter: 7-12-20
Have you ever wondered what the difference between a bucktail jig and a flair hawk jig is?
They look really similar in that both of them usually have a painted lead head, and both of them have flowy fibers coming off of that head and around the hook, but there are some key differences between them.
For example, one works better with a trailer, while the other doesn’t need a trailer.
Also, they’re made of different materials, so they have different profiles in the water.
Knowing these key differences can help you decide which one to use and when, which will help you catch more fish.
Check out the video below to learn the differences between these two jigs.
Bucktail Jigs vs. Flair Hawk Jigs [VIDEO]
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Bucktails are made of the fur from a buck’s tail (hence the name bucktail).
Because they’re made of fur, when they get wet, the profile gets very small because the hairs stick closely together.
On the other hand, flair hawks are made of a synthetic fiber that’s similar to very thin strands of monofilament.
When the flair hawk gets wet, the fibers don’t stick together like the bucktail fur, so the profile is much larger in the water.
Also, flair hawks have a long tail that allows them to imitate large baitfish.
Bucktails do not have tails, but to imitate a large baitfish, you can add a trailer like a curly tail grub or a paddletail.
Conclusion
Because flair hawks are made of synthetic material and have a long tail, they can usually be fished as is.
They’re mostly used around bridges and jetties near inlets and passes because they imitate large baitfish and big redfish, snook, black drum, tarpon, and even grouper can’t resist them.
On the other hand, the bucktail’s fur fibers and lack of a tail usually require a trailer if you’re targeting big fish.
However, you can also fish them as is for smaller fish along the beaches or flats.
Have any questions about these two jigs?
Do you use either of them?
Let us know in the comments below!
And if you know someone who’s thinking about getting some of these jigs, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Hey Tony, could you explain the placement of the eyelet on these jigs? I notice some eyelets are on the nose of the jighead and others are on the top. Just wondering how that placement affects movement in the water. Thanks!
Hey Michael!
Here is a video I made that discusses that. It applies to all types of jigs, whether they are bucktails, flair hawks, or standard plain jig heads:
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/jig-head-shape-eye-placement/
Good stuff Tony.. I never knew or really even thought about the difference between the two. This is the kind of stuff that can make a difference to anglers and pretty uncovered as a topic. Thanks!
No problem and thank you for the great feedback!
Can you show some examples of trailers you would add to a buck tail?
A popular choice would be a 5″ Gulp Swimming mullet which is a curly tail grub. White or Chartreuse are the best color choices:
https://www.amazon.com/Gulp-Alive-GAOSM5-PW-Swimming-Mullet/dp/B00D3FNS7Q/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=5%22+gulp+swimming+mullet&qid=1594304095&sr=8-1
Tony, one of the big differences is how they look underwater. I would have loved to see some swimming pool video. Also, there are probably differences in the way that they are fished. How about some additional info added to your video please!
More videos coming soon! Thank you for the great feedback Rudy!