Marabou Jigs are a classic fishing tool. They are made from marabou feathers which are the down feathers that come from a turkey. These feathers are dyed a variety of colors. The feathers are tied to a jig head that is weighted and usually painted. The marabou jig is extremely soft and pliable. It makes the jig appear to be alive because the movements of the feathers are so fluid and beautiful. Even when the jig is sitting still, it “breathes” even in the water. Every species of fish that feeds on water insects or other fish will go after the marabou jig. It is relatively easy to make and here I will show you how.
Step 1: Gather materials
- Fly tying vice
- Thread bobbin
- 3/0 Thread in a matching or contrasting color
- Scissors
- UV soft resin glue for fly tying
- 1/4 to 1/2 ounce jig head
- Marabou feathers in your desired color(s)
- Flashabou
- UV Flashlight (optional)
Step 2: Preparing the jig.
Tightly wrap the tread around the shank of the hook. You will need to wrap the tread around itself to anchor the hook. Optional: You can then apply a small amount of UV glue to keep the thread in place.
Step 3: Tying the Flashabou (optional)
This step is optional. I like to add flashabou because it adds a nice sparkle or flash. Take your flashabou and cut a lenght that is double the length you want. Lay it across the hook shank and wrap the tread around a couple of times. Then fold it over and wrap it tight with the thread. You will double the amount of pieces sticking out the end than you cut off by folding it over.
Step 4: Tying the marabou
Cut a piece of marabou from your pile. Remove several quills from the bottom of the feather. Lay the end of the feather on the jig with the stem budding up against the jig head. Hold and tightly wrap the tread around the stem, securing it to the shank of the hook. Then grab the other end of the feather and gently wrap it around the hook shank pulling it tightly as you go but also gently pulling the feathers down toward the hook. When the feather is mostly wrapped around, tie it down by wrapping the thread over the end of the feather leaving a small portion of the thin head of the feather on the head side of the jig. Then fold over that portion of the feather and secure it with a number of wraps of your thread.
Step 5: Adding more Feathers
Repeat step 4 for as many feathers as you want. I usually use 3 feather in all. Here you can use different colors or the same colors.
Step 6: Finishing Knot
After all of your marabou is secure, add a couple more wraps to end it off. Then tie 3 or 4 overhead knots to secure the thread. Then cut off the excess thread.
Step 7: Finishing Off
Apply the UV glue to the thread. Use the sunlight or a UV light to make it harden. It hardens in seconds. Now your jig is ready to use. Enjoy.
