I see a few posts on jig making, and now I'm sucked in

But a few questions

1) can anyone give a description/suggestions on when to use what jighead style? I'm on Barlow's tackle site and I see belly jigs, arky jigs, rocker jigs, style S jigs, banana jigs, poison tail jigs, etc

When do certain jig head styles shine over others?  What style should I use?

2) what exactly is a 'layer' of skirt making material? I see it's the easiest way to create your own color combos, but how much is 1 'layer'? Is 1 layer essentially 1 skirt's worth, just missing the band to secure the skirt to the jig head?

Thanks!

As far as jig heads go the only ones I've ever used are the  "Flipping" heads and "Football" heads, I personally like the football type heads for my type of fishing. For the skirts its kinda personal prefrence, the layers come in something like 20-25 strands per layer so it just depends on how thick of a jig your wanting, I personally use around 2 strips, or mix and match a few strands from one layer with other layers. Im by no means a expert on jigs but I've made a few using the skirt collars and plan on doing some hand tyed ones over the winter ;D

Good luck and have fun! its great to catch a fish on something you make your self ;D

You will get all kinds of responses about what jig heads work best in what situations like football in rocks and arke in wood.  The best answer I can give you is to try them out in your areas and see what works.

One if my fav banks is a long rip rap.  We caught 56 bass off it one day last week.  I plan to lose at least 1/2 dozen footballs on it every day, and usually do.  

I have had good luck with banana heads (better than football) on this rip rap.  

I had an arke tied on from a previous trip and was too lazy to change, thinking it would be gone in a cast or two.  Well, it is still tied on and I caught several fish on it that day.  For some reason it came through the rocks just fine.

I am planning to go back with arkes and see if that was a fluke.