I am by no means an expert on this topic, but I think most guys and gals these days are using plastics. Specifically tubes used for bass fishing and flukes (the rubber minnows made by zoom). I think color varies, but it seems as thought alot of people stick with white or pearl pattern, and I have seen reports with success using a "baby bass" coloration. I think it would be fun tinkering around with hair jigs and tying my own!!