How to Fish With Twirl Tails

Twirl tails are a soft plastic grub with a thin, flattened tail that curls into a "C" shape. The action from the twirl tail comes when the angler pulls the grub through the water. The water pressure against the tail causes it to wiggle enticingly, like a fish or leech swimming. When the fish bites down on the lure, the soft body feels like real prey. A fish may hang onto the twirl tail a split second longer than a hard lure, giving you more time to set the hook. Other names for the twirl tail include curly tail or twister tail.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a twirl tail that is the appropriate for the species of fish you are targeting. The fish must be able to take the entire lure into its mouth. If you use a twist tail that is too large, fish will refuse the lure or nip at the tail and avoid the hook. If you use a twist tail that is too small, you won't be able to use a hook large enough to hook the fish securely.

    • 2

      Select a color appropriate for the species and water conditions. Fish can pick up the vibrations from the tail using their lateral line, but many fish use their eyes to zero in on the lure. Different species of fish have different color preferences, but in general, use dark, naturalistic colors for clear water and bright colors for murky water.

    • 3

      Select a jig head for your twist tail. You want a jig with a hook that will emerge just in front of the point where the body narrows down at the tail. If the hook is too long, it will interfere with the action of the tail. If it is too short, the fish may strike the twist tail and avoid the hook. The weight should make the twist tail sink fast enough to make the tail vibrate but light enough to give the fish plenty of time to grab it.

    • 4

      Hold the jig head up to the body of the twist tail and note where the bend of the hook will emerge from the body.

    • 5

      Insert the hook into the nose of the twist tail and thread the point through the body. The bend in the tail should curve away from the hook to keep the hook from interfering with the action. If you are using a twirl tail with more than one tail, push the point out through the top so the tails are on either side of the hook.

    • 6

      Tie the jig head onto your line with a Palomar knot. To tie this knot, double the last few inches of line and pass the loop through the eye on the jig head. Tie an overhand knot using the loop and then thread the jig through the end of the loop. Moisten the knot and pull it tight and then trim the tag end.

    • 7

      Cast the twirl tail and allow it to sink. A steady retrieve will catch active fish and allow you to cover more water. A hop and drop retrieve will catch neutral fish. Fish most often hit the lure while it is falling, so be alert for any bumps or ticks.