Strike King Bitsy Flip Jig vs Bitsy Bug Jig
The Strike King “Bitsy” line of jigs are probably the most sold jigs in the whole bass fishing market. And they have probably also caught more bass than any other jigs.
Because of their simple, compact design and very cheap price tag, they are the perfect entry level bass jigs that are easy to fish, catch tons of bass, and don’t break the bank.
And within the “Bitsy” jig lineup, there are two unique jigs, these being the Bitsy Flip Jig and the Bitsy Bug Jig.
Let’s break down all the differences and advantages of each, as well as which one I recommend.
Bitsy Flip vs Bitsy Bug Differences
There are three main differences between the Bitsy Flip jig and the Bitsy Bug jig.
1. The Hook
The hook that comes in these jigs is very different. First, the Bitsy Flip jig comes with a quite stout, 3/0, black nickel hook.
Essentially, the Bitsy Flip jig has a very standard, heavy duty jig hook. It comes with the same hook that many other flipping jigs on the market have.
The Bitsy Bug jig, however, comes with a much thinner, 2/0, bronze hook. This is a much lighter wire hook, that isn’t really very strong or durable.
Now there is one benefit of that hook that I will mention shortly, but it is definitely a much lighter hook.
2. The Weight (Size Options)
The Bitsy Flip jig comes in three sizes, 1/4oz, 3/8oz, and 1/2oz. Those are very standard sizes for a flipping jig, which obviously makes sense considering the Bitsy Flip is made to primarily be a flipping jig.
And the Bitsy Bug jig, comes in 3 sizes from 1/8oz, 3/16oz, and 1/4oz. So the Bitsy Bug jig comes in much lighter size options, making it more of a finesse jig than a flipping or casting jig.
3. Weed Guard
The Bitsy Flip jig comes with a bit thicker, more heavy duty weed guard that prioritizes protecting the hook from snags.
And the Bitsy Bug jig comes with a very thin, light weed guard that allows the hook to slide through the weed guard much easier, helping the drive the hook into the fish a little bit easier.
Bitsy Flip Jig Pros
More Weedless
Because of the thicker, heavier duty weed guard, the Bitsy Flip jig is very weedless. You can flip it in and out of brush, grass, lily pads, and just about any other structure without snagging.
And this is no surprise, because it is of course made to be a heavy cover flipping jig. So if you are planning on fishing lots of cover and using this as an all purpose jig, the Bitsy Flip is definitely the better option.
Stronger/Sharper Hook
Like I mentioned above, the Bitsy Flip jig has a much heavier duty hook in it. This will give you a couple of advantages.
First, the hook won’t really ever bend out, so you can catch really big bass with no worries, and fight them as hard as you want without worrying about the hook bending or breaking over time.
Also, because the hook is a stronger material, it won’t dull out very easily. So you really won’t ever have to deal with a dull hook that causes you to miss fish.
Bitsy Bug Jig Pros
Easier to Fish on Light Gear
More specifically, if you are fishing with a spinning rod and reel, the Bitsy Bug jig will be a bit easier to fish.
Especially when it comes to setting the hook. Because the weed guard and hook are much thinner, it is very easy to get a good hook set and drive the hook into the fish when using even very light line and gear.
Essentially, the Bitsy Bug is just like a very finesse jig or Ned rig in how you will fish it. Which does pair up quite well with light, spinning tackle.
Which Jig I Recommend:
Personally, I always recommend that you get the Bitsy Flip Jig. I think it has huge advantages and versatility over the Bitsy Bug, and is a much better jig to learn and catch fish on.
Not only do I think the Bitsy Flip is better than the Bitsy Bug, but I actually think that the Bitsy Flip jig is the absolute best beginner jig on the market.
If you don’t have a lot of confidence or experience fishing jigs, I think the compact size as well as the cheap price of the Bitsy Flip jig, while still performing better than many other jigs that are more expensive, makes it the absolute perfect starter jig.
Reeling this In
Also Read: The 2 Best Cheap Bass Jigs
While both the Bitsy Bug and the Bitsy Flip have earned their place in fishing history, the choice between them comes down to how you plan to fish.
If you are strictly using light spinning tackle and targeting smaller water, the Bitsy Bug is a fine finesse tool.
However, for the vast majority of anglers, the Bitsy Flip is the clear winner. Its beefier hook, versatile weight options, and superior weed guard make it a “do-it-all” workhorse that can handle heavy cover and big bass without failing.
For the price of a few dollars, it is quite simply the most reliable, budget-friendly entry point into the world of jig fishing.
