Paddle-tail jig: plan the hook exit, then rig the body straightFirst hold the bare jighead beside the lure to locate the hook exit. Then feed the hook through the center of the lure’s nose, bring the point out through its back, and seat the straight body against the jighead. The hook point is exposed and the tail is free.1. Plan the hook exit2. Thread and check straightnessPoint clearNose at headTail stays free
Read the layout
  • Hold the jighead alongside the lure and note where its hook should leave the back.
  • Feed the point into the center of the nose and out at that point. Seat the nose against the head.
  • Check the lure from the side and above: straight body, exposed hook point, free paddle tail. Tie the leader to the jighead eye.

Not to scale; knots and tackle sizes are not specified by the drawing. Follow the written steps, match the load to your outfit, and keep sharp hooks clear of hands while checking connections.

Rigging reference: Berkley · rigging a soft bait on a jighead

What you’ll need

  • A small paddle-tail soft plastic
  • Compatible jighead matched to lure size and current
  • Leader suited to abrasion and target species
  • A spinning outfit rated for the jig’s weight

Build the rig

  1. Hold the lure beside the jighead to mark where the hook should exit its back.
  2. Thread the hook centrally through the nose and body, then bring it out at that point.
  3. Slide the lure up to the head so it sits straight; a bent plastic may spin instead of swimming.
  4. Tie the jig to the leader, check the knot and test the lure beside the bank or boat before casting.

How to fish it

  • Cast slightly across or up-current and allow a controlled sink with a clear line path.
  • Retrieve steadily; add a short lift or pause only while maintaining enough contact to notice a bite.
  • If you constantly snag, reduce depth or change angle. If the current prevents control, change weight within the outfit rating or choose different water.

Bait & timing

No natural bait needed. Keep a spare plastic handy and collect damaged pieces rather than leaving them in the water.

A presentation lesson for estuary predators, not a guarantee of a bite. The rig is useful only when it fits the water, target and access.

Check before you go

Maryland DNR · spotted seatroutNC Marine Fisheries · red drum identification and biologyNOAA Fisheries · summer flounderVMRC · current recreational saltwater rulesNC Marine Fisheries · current size, bag and season rules

Source review: September 11, 2026. Access and regulations can change. These are field notes, not a live conditions feed.