Top 10 Skirt Tabs to Stock for Q1 2026 – Pre-Season Tournament Essentials

Top 10 Skirt Tabs to Stock for Q1 2026 – Pre-Season Tournament Essentials

Q1 is when serious builders prepare for spring tournaments and early-season fishing. Based on proven demand patterns and seasonal performance data, these are the top 10 skirt tabs you need in stock for January through March 2026.

Intel: Why Q1 Matters for Builders

Pre-spawn and spawn patterns dominate early-season fishing. Builders stock up on colors that match bluegill, crawfish, and shad forage during this critical feeding period. Stained water from spring runoff and low-light conditions also drive demand for high-visibility and glow options.

If you're building jigs for tournaments or clients who fish hard in Q1, these colors deliver.

The Asset List: Top 10 Q1 Skirt Tabs

01 // 8801-021 – Jet Black Solid

The undisputed top performer in Q1. Jet Black is a foundational color for jig builders—versatile across all water conditions and essential for contrast in multi-color skirts. Stock deep on this one.

02 // 8802-539 – Green Pumpkin (Nature's Edge Series)

Your second most in-demand color. Green Pumpkin is the go-to natural crawfish imitation for pre-spawn bass in clear to stained water. The 8802 Nature's Edge material adds texture and realism that standard silicone can't match.

03 // 8801-030 – Pearlescent No Flake

A finesse staple that performs consistently in Q1. Pearlescent offers subtle flash without overwhelming fish in pressured or clear water. Ideal for ned rigs, finesse jigs, and light-tackle applications.

04 // 8801-101 – Green Pumpkin Black Flake

Classic jig color that's a proven Q1 performer. The black flake adds contrast and mimics crawfish legs or appendages. This is a tournament-proven pattern that produces year-round but peaks during spring.

05 // 8801-017 – Hot Purple

Strong spring performer. Hot Purple excels in stained water and low-light conditions, triggering aggressive strikes during pre-spawn feeding. A must-have for muddy water or overcast days.

06 // 8806-650 – Green Pumpkin (Purple Flake)

Premium blend from the 8806 series. The purple flake adds a secondary trigger point, making this color effective in a wider range of water clarity. Builders use this when standard Green Pumpkin isn't getting bites.

07 // 8801-034 – Hot Pink

Early-season spawn color that moves fast in Q1. Hot Pink imitates bluegill and shad during the spawn, and it's highly visible in stained or muddy water. This color is especially popular in February and March.

08 // 8801-036 – Glow in the Dark

Low-light and deep-water performer. Glow tabs charge under sunlight or UV and emit a soft glow in dark water or night fishing scenarios. Essential for builders targeting deep structure or low-visibility conditions.

09 // 8801-051 – Clear Blue Glimmer (Interf) Pepper

Finesse option for clear water. The clear base with blue interference and pepper flake creates a translucent, natural profile in clear water. Ideal for pressured fish or ultra-clear lakes.

10 // 8851-115 – Crystal Bluegill Smoke

Premium 8851 series color. Crystal Bluegill Smoke is a bluegill spawn match with a smoke tint that adds realism. The 8851 material provides enhanced durability and a distinct underwater pulse.

Operational Overview: Material Series

This top 10 list spans multiple material series, giving builders options for different applications:

• 8801 Series: Standard silicone with reliable performance and color consistency (7 of the top 10)
• 8802 Nature's Edge: Textured material for added realism (1 color)
• 8806 Series: Premium blends with unique flake combinations (1 color)
• 8851 Speckled/Crystal Series: Enhanced durability and underwater action (1 color)

The "Why": Q1 Performance Data

• Green Pumpkin variations dominate because they match crawfish during pre-spawn feeding.
• Hot colors (Purple, Pink) perform in stained water from spring runoff.
• Glow and translucent options cover low-light and clear water scenarios.
• Black provides contrast and versatility across all skirt builds.