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Bucktail Jig Lure Fishing for Bass in UK - Improve Your Strike Rate

If you’re a bass lure fishing enthusiast in the UK, you probably know that bass fishing can be a thrilling experience, especially when you’re armed with the right gear, and are confident.

One piece of tackle that’s been winning over anglers across the globe for many years is the humble bucktail jig. Some view it as the OG lure of choice. However, it's like dynamite!

Some context is in order here, before the development of our custom NBA Sandeel jigs, we concentrated on research into bucktails in order to discover what made them so effective. This knowledge has been carried over and built into our 2025 NBA Sandeels. 

So, what is it about these bucktail jigs that make them such a remarkable choice for lure fishing for bass?
Buckle up as we dive into the world of bucktail jigs and explore everything from their design to their unmatched effectiveness! Do you suffer from the dreaded blanks? You may be interested to read on.

What Are Bucktail Jigs?

Before we get into why bucktail jigs are so effective, let’s clarify what they are. Bucktail jigs consist of a weighted head and an enticing tail made from the fur of a deer’s tail (often referred to as bucktail) or from advanced synthetic material. These materials give the jig a natural and fluid movement in the water, imitating the motions of injured baitfish—an irresistible target for predator fish like bass.

Why do They Work?

Natural Presentation

One of the standout features of bucktail jigs is their ability to mimic natural prey. The flowing hair imitates the movements of small fish and other aquatic creatures, making them appear realistic beneath the water’s surface. The key to success lies in how they swim and flutter, creating vibrations and a visual lure that bass and other predatory fish simply cannot resist.

Versatility

Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, bucktail jigs are incredibly versatile. They can be used in a variety of fishing techniques such as casting, trolling, and jigging. From rocky shorelines to open water, you can adapt your approach based on the conditions. This flexibility makes them a must-have in any angler’s tackle box.

Customisation

Another reason why bucktail jigs reign supreme is the ability to customise them. Anglers can modify the colour, size, and weight of the jigs to match the preferences of their target species and the local conditions. Want to try a brighter colour on cloudy days? No problem! Need a heavier jig for deeper waters? You got it! This level of customisation gives anglers an edge in various fishing scenarios. Bombardier Bucktails are tried and tested, we recommend white, sand eel, chartreuse, and lemon back.

Durability

Bucktail jigs are built to endure. The sturdy construction means they can withstand the rigours of fishing while the bucktail material remains resilient. You can use a bucktail jig over and over without worrying about wear and tear. For anglers looking to save money in the long run, these jigs are a wise investment.

Casting

Bucktail jigs cast really well, you can choose the weight that suits the casting sweet spot for your specific rod, bucktail jigs handle the wind very well and thus enable you to cover distance in most conditions.

How To: Tips for Using Bucktail Jigs Effectively

While bucktail jigs are effective, knowing how to use them properly can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you on your fishing adventure:

Experiment with Retrieval Techniques:

Try different retrieves—fast, slow, or a combination of both—to see what drives the bass wild on that particular day. Try a retrieve that includes a firm twitch every 5 winds of the reel, this is my personal favourite. You could also try to bounce it off the bottom where the terrain permits. 
My mate Micky uses this retrieval technique to great effect even over rough terrain, he's not hassled by losing tackle. He maintains, "You have to be In it to Win it!"

Use a Trailer:

Adding a trailer (Northumberland Bass Addict Enticer-Eels) will enhance the jig’s action dramatically. I always add the Enticer Eel, as I know the combination to be simply irresistible and deadly. We supply an Enticer-Eel included with every bucktail jig.

Match the Hatch:

Observe what baitfish are present in the waters you’re fishing and choose a bucktail jig that resembles them in size and colour. Experience shows that our Bombardier Bucktails match the hatch in a big way, simulating both bait fish and sandeels.

Pay Attention to Depth:

Vary your jig’s weight to reach the desired depth, as bass may be hanging at different levels depending on the time of day or water temperature. Bombardier Bucktails cover all depths, use the Classic Runner in most circumstances, and use the Shallow Runner where there's very rough ground, or where you want the bucktail to ride higher in the water column.

In Conclusion:

Whether you’re an avid angler or a weekend warrior, adding jigs to your fishing arsenal is a game changer. Their natural presentation, versatility, customizability, and durability make them one of the best go-to options for Lure Fishing for Bass and other predatory species in the UK and across the globe. So grab your rod, invest in some of our enhanced NBA Sandeels, and prepare for an unforgettable fishing experience!

Happy fishing, and may your next outing have tight lines and hefty catches!