The History Of Tightlining
of Northeast Tennessee, Larry Fitzgerald and I decided to dedicate our winter fishing to becoming proficient tightliners. Entering our 13th year of tightlining, history has proven tightlining consistently out catches most winter techniques. It is not a guaranteed tournament winner, however, it greatly increases your odds of cashing a check. The major boost to tightlining was the invention of the UglyHead jig, by Roger Stapleton www.uglyheadjigs.com. Roger honored my request for a heavier, flat and well balanced jig head, by taking a dremel tool and roughing out an unusual looking one for me to try. In Roger's own words, "It's ugly right now and if it works, I'll make it look good." After fishing it, I have never allowed him to touch the mold and the UglyHead Jig has fooled countless smallies from East Tennesse, Dale Hollow and even into Canada. It is still made one jig at a time, from the original hand made mold. Don't be fooled by cheap imitators, there is only one UglyHead. A tightlining rod is now a standard tool for most competitive anglers in the South East, where spotted bass (yes, spots can't stand UglyHead jigs!) and mean brownies live. As with all fishing tackle, fishermen modify, add to and tinker with the original design. Small plastic minnows are being added as trailers, different sizes and shapes are now on the market. One fact remains, a naked, duckfeather and chartreuse UglyHead Jig is still hard to beat. That's my story and if you don't believe it, just ask any East Tennessee angler. Most will be tight lipped about their tightlining, because they want to take your money! Best Fishes and God Bless You, Nathan Light |
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