First Impressions of Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail
The Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail are a direct replacement for the legendary Uncle Josh pork rind jig trailers, a bait many of us old-school anglers grew up on. Fat Cow aims to recapture that magic with a synthetic alternative, focusing on the action of the trailer itself. The promise of a natural, twitching tail action in a convenient, non-perishable package is certainly appealing.
My introduction to jig fishing came with those old glass jars of Uncle Josh’s, and I always hated the mess and the smell. When I saw the Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail, I was looking for a clean, effective alternative that could deliver the same proven results without the hassle.
Out of the package, the Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail feels…different. The material has a distinct texture unlike any other plastic bait I’ve handled; it’s almost velvety to the touch. Compared to standard straight plastic strips, the exaggerated taper is immediately noticeable. Other trailers I considered were standard flat pork rind imitations, but this stood out due to the unique tail design. The Fat Cow design suggests a better action, right out of the package.
Initially, I was intrigued. The texture and the promise of that exaggerated tail action made me optimistic. If these things hold up and perform as advertised, they could easily replace the last few jars of pork rind in my tackle box.
Real-World Testing: Putting Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail was on a local lake known for its finicky bass population. I primarily targeted submerged weed lines and rocky drop-offs using a 3/8oz jig. The water was clear, with a slight chop, and the air temperature was around 65 degrees.
Right away, I noticed the action was unique. The Skinny Tail really does twitch and wiggle with the slightest movement. It imparted a subtle, enticing action to my jig that I hadn’t experienced with other trailers. There were no immediate issues, and the strip stayed securely attached to the jig hook after multiple casts and retrieves.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail have become a staple in my jig box. The durability is impressive. I’ve caught multiple fish on a single strip, and they haven’t torn or ripped easily.
Cleaning is simple; I just rinse them off with water after each trip. There has been no noticeable degradation of the material or loss of action. Compared to my previous experiences with pork rind, these are a clear upgrade. No more brine-soaked bags or dried-out, useless trailers.
Breaking Down the Features of Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail
Specifications
The Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail is designed to mimic the action of a live swimming bait. The Fat Cow product is a two-inch long jig strip. It weighs in at a mere 0.1 oz, making it light enough to not impede the action of your jig.
The dimensions are roughly 2.8 inches in height and 2.25 inches in width for the packaging, but the strip itself is a slender profile. This profile allows for optimal movement in the water. It is intended as a direct substitute for the Uncle Josh Sea Rind 70S.
Performance & Functionality
The Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail excels in its intended purpose: adding enticing action to a jig. The exaggerated tail taper creates a realistic swimming motion, even with minimal rod movement. This is a huge advantage when fishing pressured waters where subtle presentations are key.
The primary strength is the action. It is far superior to standard flat plastic or rubber trailers. A minor weakness might be the size; a slightly larger version could be beneficial for bigger jigs or larger fish. The performance exceeded my expectations, especially considering I was skeptical about a synthetic replacement for pork rind.
Design & Ergonomics
The Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail‘s design is simple yet effective. The material is soft and pliable, yet surprisingly durable. The shape is specifically designed to generate maximum tail movement.
The strips are easy to attach to a jig hook. There is virtually no learning curve. The build quality seems good, with consistent shaping and sizing across multiple strips. The velvety texture is a bit unusual, but doesn’t seem to affect performance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail are surprisingly durable. I have yet to completely destroy one during a fishing trip. Rinsing with water is all that’s needed for maintenance.
I expect these to last a long time with proper care. The material doesn’t seem prone to drying out or cracking like some plastics. The durability and low maintenance are significant advantages over pork rind.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, they are compatible with virtually any jig that uses a trailer. You can customize the presentation by trimming the tail slightly or adding scent attractants.
The universal fit is a major plus. They work well with various jig styles and sizes. I’ve even experimented with using them on spinnerbaits and buzzbaits with decent results.
Pros and Cons of Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail
Pros
- Exceptional tail action mimics live bait.
- Durable material withstands multiple fish catches.
- Low maintenance, no more messy pork rind brine.
- Easy to use, simple to attach to any jig.
- Consistent performance, reliable action in all conditions.
Cons
- The two-inch length might be too small for larger jigs.
- Limited color options (currently only available in a few basic colors).
Who Should Buy Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail?
The Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail are perfect for anglers of all skill levels who use jigs. Pro anglers will appreciate the consistent performance and realistic action. Casual anglers will love the ease of use and low maintenance.
Anyone who dislikes the mess and hassle of pork rind should absolutely switch to these. Anglers targeting pressured fish in clear water will find the subtle, realistic action invaluable. Those fishing for exceptionally large fish might want to look for a larger trailer option.
Must-have accessories are simply your favorite jigs and perhaps some scent attractant. No modifications are really needed; they work great right out of the package.
Conclusion on Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail
The Fat Cow Jig Strips Skinny Tail are a welcome addition to the world of jig fishing. They deliver on their promise of realistic action in a convenient, durable package. At $10.99, the price is justified considering the performance and longevity.
I would definitely recommend these to any angler looking for a reliable and effective jig trailer. It’s a great value, and I have already replaced the last of my pork rind with these. Grab a pack (or three) and hit the water. You won’t be disappointed.