How to Make a Bucktail Lure

Bucktail lures have a natural ability to catch fish, in part because of the way the hair undulates in the water, mimicking a minnow or other fish. The lure is actually a lead-head jig dressed with real or synthetic deer hair. Bucktail jigs are available at most bait and tackle shops, but some anglers prefer to build their own. That way, they can customize the lures to meet their specifications. And many anglers find making bucktail jigs is a good way to pass the time as they wait for another fishing season to begin.

Things You'll Need

  • Deer hair
  • Clear cement
  • Heavy thread
  • Jigs
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 1- to 2-foot piece of thread.

    • 2

      Hold the deer hairs in your hand and cut the top of them so they are even. Cut the bottom of the hairs so they are about one-half inch longer than the distance between the bottom of the jig head and the bottom of the hook.

    • 3

      Wrap the thread three times around the shank of the hook where it meets the head of the jig. Place enough cement that it covers the thread, but not so much that it drips.

    • 4

      Hold the bucktail and place the top end against the bottom of the jig head. Press the bucktail down against the cement.

    • 5

      Wrap the thread around the bucktail four times. Add a second drop of cement to the thread. Add more bucktail and thread until you are happy with the amount of bucktail on the jig.

    • 6

      Wrap any remaining thread around the bucktail, just below the head of the jig.

    • 7

      Coat the final layer of thread with cement. Allow it to dry fully before fishing with the bucktail lure.