Wrapping jigs

[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

I see where some people wrap their jig skirts with wire, some with thread, and some with the elastic band...what is the difference between wrapping them with wire and thread?

Will one hold better than the other?

I am about to buy some stuff to make jigs or buzzbaits, and am not sure which one to do...

Thanks for any input

[worm-maker]

All my friend who make spinnerbait, buzzbaits, and jigs all use thread. I have heard people using rubber never wire. Try this place

http://www.tackleunderground.com

[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

http://www.livingrubber.com/pr...id=20
This is the kind of wire I was talking about...the thread would probably be easier, but I don't know

I'll ask on tackleunderground .. .. ..

[worm-maker]

I know I have spinnerbaits that are 10 years old. Everthing on them is bad except the thread. You can tie a real strong knot with the thread. I just think when you hear hand tied they are just better.

[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

That's what I'm thinkin...the thread also comes in any color you could possibly want, whereas the wire is just silver and maybe gold or something

[worm-maker]

Let me know how you do. I started with $100 worth of pouring stuff then it just got out of hand. Making your own lures is just to much fun.

[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

Your right there...I just am getting started on making my own soft plastics, and designing new things is very fun...I've come up with many designs already, and I haven't even started pouring yet

That's one reason I'm leaning towards jig making...they kinda go hand in hand together

[21XDC]

I have tied them with both... Copper craft wire in 20-24 gauge works best for me. Many colors available in the beadery brand. Only use two wraps with wire and the key is not the twist, But pulling real tight before the twist. This puffs the skirt out real well and wont untie even with northern pike biting the wire unlike thread. Once you get used to it, You'll never even consider thread. I use a pair of safty wire twister pliers with "NO automatic spring return" But "Manual" with a tapered nose.... This is important if you go this route. I have been tying for many years as I have owned a lure company for a long time.

Pliers as cheap as you'll find... I paid almost $100.00 http://www.aircraftspruce.com/...s.php

[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

Thanks Mike, good advice

[21XDC]

Incase your not firmiliar with these pliers... They lock down on the wire tag ends with a thumb bar like a vise grip. Then you pull tight and the pliers twist the wire for you.... It has side cutters on the pliers after your done. These are worth their weight in gold if you are going to pursue any tying quanity in the future.

[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

Are those basically the same thing as these?
http://www.livingrubber.com/pr...id=21

[21XDC]

NO!!!! Thats just a fly tyers vice. I have several of those but hate them for any bass tying needs. They dont have the balls to hold a jig with the amount of pressure you need to pull tight with wire or thread to puff the skirt out as desired. I use a real small vise that has a "C" clamp type tightener.... I can use it on a TV tray while watching TV if I want... I have 1/4 of my basement set up for making baits , So I don't do that anymore. Similar to a jewelers vise.

http://images.google.com/imgre...a%3DN

[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

I have something like that already...it's out in our shed (much bigger than that one)

[21XDC]

Small ones work better for tying baits. I have a lg one in the garage as well.

[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

Whew, I didn't think this was gonna cost me much, but it looks like it's going to

[DEdwards]

How does the pliars turn the wire for you? I have been copper tying for awhile but never seem to get the wire tight enough, but if those would allow you to put more pressure on it that would be the bomb!

[21XDC]

When you pull the end of the pliers, It comes out on a spiral shaft and the part you hold don't spin. So that makes the pliers spin. The key is not the twist but the pull tight before you twist and not 1 wrap, not 3 wraps, ...... BUT 2 wraps of wire. This gives you two tag ends to grab and lock onto. When you pull toward you the wire pulls tight from all directions w/o as much effort as 3-4 wraps and will puff the skirt out much better.

If you buy "auto return spring type" you will struggle. The spring is stronger than the wire and wont twist properly and will untwist it as you work. Trust me on this.. Here is a pic of the pliers extended out. A few top waters I make too. They look so much better in person. They range from 2 1/2-4 in long.






Modified by 21XDC at 9:16 AM 11/19/2006

[21XDC]

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[HeavyMetalBassinKing]

Thanks Mike...you've been a big help for me

[21XDC]

Your welcome.... I'm just sharing what has taken me years to figure out.