Most swim jigs are built for power fishing on bait cast set ups using larger 3X strong hooks to go through heavier structure / vegetation . However, for lighter cover or more open water conditions using a spinning set up - there are much fewer options for fishing a more finesse built swim jig with a lighter 3/0 or 4/0 hook size suitable for a 3” - 4” trailer . *For those that fish a swim jig on the lighter side with spinning equipment what more finesse built swim jigs are you currently using ? Also , I believe these used to be referred to as “Northern” style swim jigs due to their lighter designed construction.

Looking forward to seeing the replies to this! I too like a northern style swim jig. I liked Brovarney with the lighter hook and sparser skirt. I believe it was also a 30 degree bend or something. I think it helped give that "secondary" action/wobble to the jig. Unfortunately Brovarney is done and I missed out on stocking up.

I haven't tried them but maybe give @Siebert Outdoors a look, his mini swim jig sounds like it might be what you're after.

SK Bitsy bug baby menace or baby rage craw trailer

In a 'normal' swim jig type and shape, the strike king tour grade swim jig. They call it a medium wire but it's on the lighter side for sure. They offer 1/4 and 3/8 now (used to be 1/8 also). I throw them on light casting gear but they would be just fine on a medium spinning rod. Mine wear 3.2 and 3.8 swim impact fats but you coudl go to a full 4" trailer.

The dirty jig finesee has a slightly heavier hook and would also be okay with a stout medium spinning rod and braid. If you're fishing 10# mono then I might hesitate. The siebert mini swim jig is in this same realm last I held them.

For other shapes, the Siebert lil man is a great finesee/spinning rod jig in a sniper style. It won't hold a 4" trailer but you can put a 3" trailer on with no problems and swim them. 3/16 and 1/4 oz.

Yes , lighter wire , sparcer skirt , 1/4th or even 5/16th oz. swim jigs could work . My previous supply of Tom Monsoor lighter Northern style swim jigs are gone and unfortunately the newer ones have changed (along with the quality).

There are a number of JDM swim jigs I’ve seen while looking around Digitaka and Japan Lure Shop. Some of those would certainly fit the bill as it’s normal for anglers there to go light in terms of tackle.

I’ve got some 1/4 oz Phenix Vengeance swim jigs that I carry in my pond/bank bag. Work really good on spinning gear.

3 hours ago, ChrisD46 said:

Most swim jigs are built for power fishing on bait cast set ups using larger 3X strong hooks to go through heavier structure / vegetation . However, for lighter cover or more open water conditions using a spinning set up - there are much fewer options for fishing a more finesse built swim jig with a lighter 3/0 or 4/0 hook size suitable for a 3” - 4” trailer . *For those that fish a swim jig on the lighter side with spinning equipment what more finesse built swim jigs are you currently using ? Also , I believe these used to be referred to as “Northern” style swim jigs due to their lighter designed construction.

Look up Wisconsin-style swim jig.

It will point you in the right direction.

This is not a mainstream popular style of bait because

most swim jigs are hauled through and around thick cover.

These baits are not that.

They are more of what it sounds like you're looking for.

Thinner wire hook, streamlined (less bulky) skirt choice, and some come without weed guards.

My favorite.

Also, Tom Monsoor knows a little about swim jigs as well.

Good luck.

A-Jay

North Star used to make a heck of a light wire swim jig. Beast Coast Workingman's is also lighter wire.

I use @Siebert Outdoors and Beast Coast fishing jigs. Siebert's jigs are my #1 and Beast Coast are my 'finesse' jigs because they're smaller and have lighter hooks. I got turned onto Beast Coast jigs through Reel Northern Bass, a YT'ber from NH, so I guess you could call them "Northern Style".

Take a stroke king bitsy bug. Trim the skirt how ya like and put a trailer on. Bammmmm a small finesse light wire swim jig in the cheap. Or get on fishing skirts site and order some boss jig heads and tie you’re own up to you’re liking. I’m Not gonna say what the big jig tier around here calls them but get a boss mini flip jig head. They swim amazing and are a similar hook set up like ya are looking for

While I have larger “off road” swim jigs tied on a heavier bait cast set up , I thought about showing bass something a little different. - A smaller swim jig with a smaller swim bait or craw with a light skirt , a 1/4 oz. head and a lighter wire hook to thread or finesse your way around cover hovering in the strike zone longer for bass.

Zappu PD Chopper/PD Chopper Mini

Siebert Outdoors has a finesse swim jig that is excellent. Light wire 4/0 Mustad Ultra Point hook. Color options are endless. Get the 1/4 ounce and you’re good to go.

Unfortunately I’m a newcomer and didn’t know about Siebert Outdoors.

For finesse I usually fish a Keitech or Strike King Bitsy jig.

Usually 1/8 oz or 3/16 oz. Sometimes 1/4 oz

The Bitsy jig I can pick up for $2.29.

Going finesse make sure you have a sturdy enough rod to stick them.

Below is picture of 1/8 oz

I appreciate the replies as well as suggested finesse swim jigs I had not heard of before (options in the swim jig category are endless). I’ll start with Siebert finesse swim jigs as at least I know what I will be getting in build quality.

I use the Dirty Jigs Finesse Swim Jigs. Available in 1/4,5/16,3/8 oz.https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Dirty_Jigs_Finesse_Swim_Jig/descpage-DJFISWJ.html?from=gshop&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11473504443&gbraid=0AAAAADkexy54ThDQHOkZlEAGjxICBW0CJ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwguLSBhDLARIsAH-yPrHf_JCimsejKEa3fo1JdZmVB4leMmChu3CrFTZZTgoV6m-78wesh8waAucSEALw_wcB

Lethal Weapon was always my go to. I can't stand most swim jigs with tuna hooks in them.

48 minutes ago, Jweller said:

Lethal Weapon was always my go to. I can't stand most swim jigs with tuna hooks in them.

I believe swim jigs will continue to evolve into more categories. The large 5/0 “tuna hooks” came about from the need for winching big bass out of vegetation and not bending out the hooks - but not every situation needs that over the top hook strength.

11 hours ago, RRocket said:

Zappu PD Chopper/PD Chopper Mini

Hush now. Those are mine.

5 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

Hush now. Those are mine.

An amazing jig nobody knows about...

Omega Revelation Swim Jig is a lighter wire swim jig. Dirty Jigs also make one like you are looking for.

Allen

The only swim jigs I throw a spinning rod arent really swim jigs at all, but they do great in that roll with the right trailer. The Keitech Mono jig is tiny, and uses a #3 hook. I'll use the 1/16 with a 3" bubbling shaker or 2" G tail twin creature, both made by Reins. The 1/16 with a bubblign shaker is an outsanding bait to use all year, but really excels in the winter. I can shake the slack line and almost keep that little jig standing still at a consistent depth. Eventually they eat it. Sadly the 3" bubling shaker seems to be no longer sold in the US or discontinued altogether and the G tail is very hard to find. Its a shame too, as its the buoyancy and supple texture of the plastic that really makes them work so well. Keitech has decent plastics, but they are a little soft. The 2.5 swing impact would work well enough, but I like the depth control I could get with the straight tail. The 2" Keitech is a good replacment for the G tail, but you need to remove the skit from the spider grub. The 2" Cabin Creek spider grubs may work well too, but I have no experience with them. The whole key with any swim jig is to have a minimal skirt. A full 55 strand skirt will just stick together, where a "centerless" cut will breathe.

I haven't dialed it in yet, but Ivc been using the Molix Nano jig in 1/8. Its still a micro jig, not much larger than quarter. It uses a #1 hook with a limerick bend, which really helps with strength. The jig itself is of impressive quality, and should get way more attention than it does. As I said earlier im still trying to find the best trailer and skirt cut combination to get it how I like it.

For more traditional finesse swim jigs, there are a bunch of good options but IMO 2 really standout.

The Beast Coast workingman swim jig is one of the best looking jigs out there. The skirt makes the jig and BCs skirt material and colors are some of if not the best. I love that they include krystal flash and have the jigs pre cut in the facotry. I still modify the skirt, but its just a few snips as opposed to many other that I have to take half of the silicone out. Although it s a finesse swim jig, the skirt isnt just for roll, it actually works in light cover, which I really like. The hook is a short shank 2/0 BKK. The 2/0 is the a great size, as I can fit a 3.5 Swammer on it, or 2.75/2.8 keitech and it all fits great. My favorite trailer at the moment is the Zoom swimming fluke jr. Its 4" but the profile is very small and htin, so it looks much smaller to the fish. Surprisingly, the little fluke has a TON of roll in it, which what you want. They only come in 1/4 and 5/16, but thats all you need. If the bait rises too fat, just thin the skirt.

As much as I love the BC workingman, the absolut best finesse swimjig Ive ever fished is the Greenfish Chibi Swim. Its not as flashy as the BC and doesn't come in a ton of color options, but you dont need many. The eye is horiztonal,, but I think that helps with action, and honestly its not meant for cover anyway. The head is keeled, which accentuates roll. The skirt uses good material and isnt too thick, although you can change thin it out or shorten it, which I do both depending on the trailer. What makes this jig so great is the hook. It uses a 1x long shank Gami O'Shaughnessy. The long shank, thin wire and stupid sharp hook, requires just a little bit of pressure to stick em, often, the fish hook themselves and one they're hooked the O'Shaughnessy bend keeps them on. Normally I dislike longer shanks and bigger bites on swimjigs, but the skirt is big enough to hide the long shank and gap very well. The long shank also makes the jig versatile, as it can accomodate small 3" up to bigger profile 4" trailers. The two I use the most for this is the 3.5 swammer, if I want a larger profile or that swimming fluke Jr, for a smaller profile. The only negative to this bait IMO is its availability. They don't make a ton of them and the few ppl that use them, take advantage when they are available. My favorite colors are Almost and Green Pumkin.