Maybe going to try this

[ctom]

I don't have many issues with small baits tearing at the jighead because all I use are collar-less heads.  The larger baits I use for jigging walleyes and the occasional smallie are often fished on hooks with keeper wires. I long ago stepped away from heads that have the retainer barb cast onto the head. Still, I get tearing issues occasionally because I use a soft formula plastic.

I think this has been tossed around and if so I apologize for being to lazy to snoop any info up here. I am thinking that maybe a clear dip of a firmer plastic at the head end of some of these baits that are prone to tearing when fished with a keeper an answer, in part, to the issue. I seldom fish baits with eyes so the dip isn't needed for that purpose and the bait I most often see the issue with is narrow enough at the head end to allow a cover coat without dampening the action. Has anyone had any luck using a stiffer formula plastic as a cover dip just to make tearing less of an issue? If you have done this, how did it work? Is it worth the time and bother?

[MO QWACK]

Hmmm I see your point and if your going to clear the bodies anyway then why not go harder but if you not going to clear then I wouldn't bother. If it tears grab another one, that way you can keep shooting more then again my baits dim in comparison to your so it's easy to make my uglies lol

[ctom]

Mo....The bait I am thinking about doing this with is a 3" paddletailed worm. I'd be dipping approximately 2/3" at the head end, not the entire body.

[pjmcla]

Jason talked about doing frogs and toads that way.  Said they "were more crunchy and squishy" if I remember correctly.  He thought it was more natural and maybe the fish held the bait better.   Now, whether it did what you are wanting it to do, I have no solid evidence.   

[basskat]

I'm glad someone brought this up. I fish a lot of skinny carrots on a drop shot rig. Have been thinking along the same line as ctom. Most of my baits get trashed where the hook passes through. Normally I add eyes so a harder formula would be no issue.

[kipbass]

I was shooting and goofing around with crappie baits a little. I had collared jigs and I used fish glue, I could barely tear them off. I know it's not what you asked for, but it worked for me. Less time spent at the bench.

[pjmcla]

I use "no collar" jig heads and glue my baits on.  Sort of a pain; but it works.