I have a couple packs each of jig heads labeled Arky and Casting. Both have the Arky footprint and the line tie is close but not on the nose of the head for each. I assume this is for working the bait better through cover. The difference is that the Arky tie is in line with the hook point and the Casting tie is perpendicular to the hook point. Why the difference in similar looking jigs?

 

Thanks....Joe

Will this help:

 

9 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

Will this help:

 

Yes. Thank you!

Both are basically Arkies, but why the difference in the line tie?

The in-line tie is meant to come through cover better. The tie in this position causes the line and job to move through the same plane in the water helping to keep grass or brush from being caught between the jig and the line. These jigs have a tendency to roll over if you’re dragging on the bottom.

 

The perpendicular tie helps the bait stay parallel to the bottom if the line remains tight during the retrieve, while the line angle changes as you get closer to the boat. What this does is if you pop the jig with your rod, there’s less vertical movement in the lure and increased horizontal movement. These jigs will stand up better on the bottom. The downside is cover can catch the line tie or line where it meets the jig. 

 

The in-line is better suited for cover (particularly grass) making it the more common of the two for bass from what I’ve always seen.
 

The 90 degree is better for fish that really need the jig to be jigged to get them fired up, for this reason it’s typically the standard for offshore saltwater fish in my experience. They’re also my go to for panfish, typically easier to find in the sizes I’d throw a 2” grub on.

 

Jigs meant for wood and rock often have line ties between either extreme so they stand up better than the in-line ties, while coming through cover better than the 90 degree ties.

Edit: I put the 90 degree line tie jigs tend to roll over when I meant to say that about the in-lines.