Dave Genz has innovated a lot of different things that are on the forefront of ice fishing today and he just keeps innovating. A couple years ago he spent an entire winter perfecting a new concept of artificial bait for panfish: a little rubber ball with silk strands coming off of it.
The silkie jig is a phenomenal, durable tool that will help you catch more fish. You can use just one silkie with a waxworm or rig up 2-3 silkies on a single hook to bulk up the profile for bigger fish. Obviously minnows, waxworms, and soft plastics will catch fish. However, the key with the silkie is its delicate pulsating action combined with its durability that really sets it apart. You can catch upwards of 30 fish on a single silkie before you wear it out.
