In the world of fishing tackle, the resurgence of older lures can often be attributed to their effectiveness, and the Walleye Tinsel Flashtail Jig from Northland Fishing Tackle is a prime example. Based in Bemidji, Minnesota, Northland is reminding anglers that classic designs still hold power, especially when it comes to enticing species like walleyes and crappies.
The Deep-Vee Flashtail Jig, with its mylar tinsel and holographic flash strands, is built to mimic the behavior of minnows, offering anglers an advantage in their pursuit of these popular fish. Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, a veteran fishing guide and Northland pro, has extensively tested the jig throughout the 2023 fishing season. "The Deep-V Flashtail Jig gets a walleye’s attention because of the reflection from the tinsel and holographic flash strands. It doesn’t look like one minnow; it’s more like multiple minnows—meaning more food to the walleye,” said Brosdahl, emphasizing the jig's ability to create visual allure.
This new design revitalizes the category of tinsel jigs that had seen diminished popularity over the years. Traditionally used in many a fisherman’s tackle box, the Flashtail Jig is equipped with oversized eyes that contribute to its realism, ensuring it catches not just the eye of the angler, but also potential catches.
When employing the jig, Brosdahl often adds live bait, particularly minnows, to enhance its effectiveness. “Although there are times when I’ll fish it bare-bones, no meat or plastic,” explained Brosdahl, “I typically add a small to medium local run minnow with the tail barely sticking out past the tinsel skirt.” This strategy allows the jig to appear less intimidating, making it more appealing to walleyes.
Career Journey
The performance of the jig is most favorable when the fish are less active, such as during cold fronts. Brosdahl noted, “I fish it for walleyes from early spring on the rivers, through opener, and well into summer. It’s in my arsenal for triggering reluctant walleyes during cold fronts into hitting.” The ability of the Deep-V head to produce side-to-side action while jigging enhances the tinsel's flash.
Brosdahl emphasizes the importance of adapting to conditions by varying his tackle setup. He typically uses a 10-pound braid coupled with an 8- or 10-pound fluorocarbon leader, preferring a rod length between 6’8” and 7’3” for optimal control. "I like medium-light to medium power, fast to extra-fast action rods depending on jig weight, coupled with a size 2500 or 3000 spinning reel," he said.
"I like medium-light to medium power, fast to extra-fast action rods depending on jig weight, coupled with a size 2500 or 3000 spinning reel,"
When it comes to color selection, Brosdahl recommends an experimental approach. “I’ll run through colors ‘till I hit the magic,” he stated, noting successes with shades like Watermelon and Walleye patterns. He also sees value in brighter patterns that mimic juvenile sunfish, particularly during specific periods.
Matching the jig’s weight to the water depth is another critical aspect of Brosdahl’s technique, with specific tips for each depth range. “On lakes, an 1/8-ounce is perfect for 8 feet or less – easy to remember. From 8 to 20 feet, I’ll fish a ¼-ounce jig—and for depths over 20, 3/8-ounce is the ticket,” he reveals, highlighting his meticulous approach cultivated through years of fishing.
Adding further versatility, Brosdahl mentions that anglers can tip the Deep-Vee Flashtail Jig with soft plastics like the Eye-Candy Minnow or Paddle Shad. “With the perch explosion on many Minnesota walleye lakes, adding a plastic to the back can really grab their attention. Especially in darker waters, this combo creates a bigger disturbance,” he noted.
As Northland Fishing Tackle continues to innovate while tapping into nostalgic designs, the Deep-Vee Flashtail Jig stands out as an essential tool for both novice and seasoned anglers alike. As fishing seasons evolve, this classic jig's adaptability could make all the difference in securing that prized catch.
