I have been using swim jigs a lot this year and have really liked how well a ribbon tail worm works as a trailer(also on spinnerbaits, Casting jigs and bladed jigs). The only issue I am having is I have to bite 2-3" off a Ribbon Tail worm to make it smaller and fit the jig better. Is there a company making a 4" Ribbon Tail worm or even a 3"? I feel like I am wasting money ripping a 6" culprit in half since they are not all that cheap.

Culprit used to make 4" Ribbon Tail worms but I can't find them any longer and I am out. I was told that Zoom makes a 4" U Tail but I have to think that some company makes a 4" Ribbon tail like the older Culprits. I have always liked the culprit tails and colors when it comes to a swimming worm.

Anyone have any ideas? Does anyone use the trailers that are made out of the same material as the skirts, and if so, do they work well? I am referring to the ones that are on some of the Punch Skirts, I know you can buy them from some of the lure component companies. I have seen a few that are shaped like a ribbon tail worm, but I would think they would get tangled and ripped up easy.

Any help appreciated. Or any suggestions that you think would make a good alternative like a different shaped grub or something I am not aware of...I have been staying away from websites and magazines to minimize my tackle purchases for the last year.

use a curly tail grub

or buy a cheaper worm that has the tail you want.  I like grubs and paddle tails for trailers myself

 

2 hours ago, primetime said:

I have been using swim jigs a lot this year and have really liked how well a ribbon tail worm works as a trailer(also on spinnerbaits, Casting jigs and bladed jigs). The only issue I am having is I have to bite 2-3" off a Ribbon Tail worm to make it smaller and fit the jig better. Is there a company making a 4" Ribbon Tail worm or even a 3"? I feel like I am wasting money ripping a 6" culprit in half since they are not all that cheap.

Culprit used to make 4" Ribbon Tail worms but I can't find them any longer and I am out. I was told that Zoom makes a 4" U Tail but I have to think that some company makes a 4" Ribbon tail like the older Culprits. I have always liked the culprit tails and colors when it comes to a swimming worm.

Anyone have any ideas? Does anyone use the trailers that are made out of the same material as the skirts, and if so, do they work well? I am referring to the ones that are on some of the Punch Skirts, I know you can buy them from some of the lure component companies. I have seen a few that are shaped like a ribbon tail worm, but I would think they would get tangled and ripped up easy.

Any help appreciated. Or any suggestions that you think would make a good alternative like a different shaped grub or something I am not aware of...I have been staying away from websites and magazines to minimize my tackle purchases for the last year.

Take a look at Swing Oil baits. He has a 4" U tail worm. I have some tubes from him and a few other baits and was happy with the quality. A while back I was looking for a chartreuse silver flake worm to replace some rattlesnake 4" ribbon tail worms I had years ago. When I contacted him he was willing to do custom colors. I just haven't pulled the trigger on an order yet 

My local tackle shop had some 4" Kalins, but when I contacted Kalins looking for my color, they said they don't make them anymore which was weird because they were new last fall to the store. 

Now that I have written a book check the culprit site, I think they still make a few colors in the 4", maybe you can order direct. 

Do keep in mind though that they usually have a thinner body so they may not work on a swim jig hook. 

If you can find them, the mann's manipulator had a body that was about 3" with a 3" long ribbon tail. Great worms that are hard to find anymore... Good luck man.

Cut 2" off the front of a 6" ribbon tail.

Tom

7 hours ago, WRB said:

Cut 2" off the front of a 6" ribbon tail.

Tom

What percentage of the worm will i have left, and If I do that, will I be able to cast it with my MH rod rated for 6" worms?...  

100% of the ribbon tail with about 1" of the round body for the jig hook. 6" worm rod.....depends on the jig weight. Try it you will like it!

Tom

 

Might try Barlows, and Culprit has 4.5 on there website. Only about 4or5 colors though.

Bass pro has a Zoom 4 inch curly tail.

This guy:

http://docirvcustombaits.com/baitbox/Finnese_Small_Fishing-Baits?product_id=65

posts on a kayak forum I read.  I have never used his stuff and can't vouch for it, but he does offer a 4.5" U worm, which is close to what you are looking for.