FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to FAQ we get asked a lot. Wait, that's redundant... Whatever. Here they are. By the way, this isn't a complete list and we'd like to hear from you!

What are Buggs?

Buggs are fishing lures. They're inspired by the most effective flies from the fly fishing world. They're tied like flies, using the most effective fly tying materials. That's why we like to say, Tied Like Flies, Fished Like Lures, Buggs Catch Fish!

Hey, I noticed your prices went up January 1, 2014. What gives?

Well, the main reason is that over time everything related to the lures has gotten more expensive. But here's another thing you may not know that contributes to the price of the lures. There's an extra tax the federal government puts on fishing lures and other sportfishing equipment. It's called Federal Excise Tax, or F.E.T., and it's just under 10% of the sales price of fishing lures. So when you purchase a Curl-Tail Jig from us at $5.75, 52 cents goes to the federal government. I hope they use it wisely.

I like your flies, but I don't fly fish.

That isn't a question. But I hear it a lot, especially at shows and other events. These are not flies! Not that there's anything wrong with flies. They're called Buggs. They're tied like flies but fished like lures. And they flat out catch fish! So don't worry about learning how to fly fish. Use your baitcast and spinning gear with these sweet jigs!

Where did the name come from?

I worked in a fly shop in Colorado in the mid 90's. “Bugs” was our generic term for flies. We'd get a new shipment of flies in and we'd say, “These are some good looking bugs!” So to honor their heritage I named them Buggs, adding the extra g to make the name unique.

What weight fly rod should I use for Buggs?

These are not flies. Not that there's anything wrong with that! These are lures that are tied like flies, using the same materials and techniques. They're tied on weighted jig heads, so you use conventional rods with baitcast or spinning reels.

I'm tired of reading about them. Where can I buy Buggs?

Click here to visit the online store. Here you'll find the largest selection, including kits and other Buggs gear. Click here to find a local retailer.

But they look so much like flies, why can't I use my fly rod?

Well, you can try if you want. Several have, and I get that same reaction at shows and other events. There are a couple of reasons that they don't really work as flies. The first is they're tied on lead-weighted jig heads from 1/16th to ½ oz. This makes them hard to cast. The other thing that makes them hard to cast is that they're all tied with rabbit strips. The hide of the rabbit strips absorbs water and this weighs them down.

Where did you get the idea?

Three main things contributed to it. I love catching fish on my own creations. It adds a special element to the experience. Second, I love tying with rabbit strips. They look awesome in the water, are durable, and come in lots of colors. But they get really heavy when wet! Third, I love to fly fish in mountain rivers for trout, but when it comes to bass fishing and saltwater fishing I'd rather use the baitcast gear I grew up using. So the idea came from my desire to tie something with rabbit strips that I could go bass and saltwater fishing with using my baitcast gear.

I don't care what you say, I'm still going to try. Which ones should I use to fly fish with?

The only ones I know of people using are the 1/16th oz. bonefish jigs. With your 8 to 10 weight rods, you might be able to cast them. I know of a guide who buys the 1/16th oz. heads and ties some permit patterns himself using feathers. They work for him in certain situations.

Do you tie all these yourself?

No, I'm the designer and the originator of Buggs, but I don't tie them all myself. Right now, they're all tied in a little town called Diriamba outside Managua, Nicaragua. I go down there about once a year to teach them how to tie new jigs.

What kind of machines are used to tie these jigs?

No machines are used to tie these jigs. They're all hand tied, one at a time. I kind of like this. Tying flies and jigs is an art we're proud to participate in.

Glad you mentioned that these are hand tied, because I'd like to tie my own. How can I get started?

Couple things. First, I can understand because I'm like you! There is a special thrill in catching fish on flies and jigs you've tied yourself. It's addictive! That's one of the things that led to Buggs in the first place. Second, this is a project that is high on my list. I've taken the first couple of baby steps by offering the jig heads, thread, and a few other materials in the online store. Click here to check it out. There are lots of other steps I know, including offering all of the materials, tools, and then there are instructions. Decisions there include posting pictures on the website, producing a DVD, etc. There are times when I almost don't know where to start. If you're interested in this, would you please go to the contact page and let me know what you'd like to have regarding instructions and materials? I would really appreciate your advice here. Click here to visit the Contact page.

So is this all you do?

Nope. I'm blessed with a day job that is flexible enough for me to work along with my Buggs business. Speaking of the job, I'm an independent sales rep in the western boot and apparel industry. I represent a boot company, a copper and magnetic bracelet company, and a belt/wallet/bag company. I really enjoy my day job and it pays the bills and provides for my family. I also really enjoy my Buggs business. I've been on the other side of the coin, not exactly enjoying my work. So I'm very thankful for the work that I do. Most importantly, I have a very understanding and supportive wife and four great kids.

I'm a member of a fishing / outdoors club and we'd like for you to speak at an event / meeting. Will you do it?

I'd be glad to speak at your event. If it's in the Houston Metro area where I live there are no special arrangements to be made except agreeing on a date and location. Outside of this area isn't a problem either with some simple arrangements. Click here to visit the Contact page where you can tell me about your group and we can make arrangements.

What else would you like to know?

There are no stupid questions. But I did work in a fly shop for a while and heard some pretty funny ones. Wanna hear? OK, here are a couple. How do you get the flies to hold still so you can tie them on those tiny hooks? When do the trout turn into salmon? But seriously, I won't put your name on the question and you're probably not the only one wondering, so click here to visit the Contact page where you can submit your own FAQ!


 

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