It’s no secret, the tried-and-true method to catch fish anywhere is a hook and worm. Simply giving the fish what they want in the easiest way possible. However, us fisherman like complicate things by employing a whole host of imitations. Whether that be lifelike lures or plastics, or even lifelike plastics that smell like the real thing! But this is all for good reason. For example, it's much easier to have a pack of worm-like plastics out on the boat on a hot summer day than pack a cooler with nightcrawlers. Artificials make even more sense when you talk about ice fishing. I have a hard enough time keeping my hands from freezing, I don’t want to worry about worms or minnows (typically).
At Aaron’s Custom Tying, I took it one step further by crafting a jig that looks exactly like ice fisherman's favorite live bait, the wax worm. The wax worm is the go-to live bait choice during the winter. I figured, why not design a jig to look exactly like it? I hand-tie each one using latex ribbing and brass wire to create the look of the wax worm. Then I coat it in resin to bomb-proof it. These will withstand many fish strikes!
When I get to a new fishing spot, the wax worm ice bug is usually my first choice. Most of my local waters are typically full of fussy and over-pressured fish, so I do still tip it with a live wax worm. But I have found that sometimes I don’t have to re-bait when I’m on a school of fired up crappie. Just drop it down and catch another!
Anyways, the ice season is quickly approaching, and I’m sure you have a few sports left I your jig box for a new jig like the wax worm ice bug, order some today! You won’t regret it!
-Aaron
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