Zip ties for jig skirts?

[skeeterman24]

Does anyone use Zip (electrical) ties for thier jig skirts? I was thinking about trying wire but zip ties seem like they might be eaiser and work just as well.

[b1gf1sh1]

many lure manufacturers do. also for all the other materials too. like bucktail and flashabou and that.

[bullet 21xd]

YES!! go to The Home Repot, and in the electrical department they have white, and black zip ties bout 4 inches long. I have been doing this on all of my jigs & spinnerbaits for years. (it works great for holding on add-a-rattles too!) use the factory collar on your skirts, just add a zip tie!

[MuskyGary]

Rember a zip tie won't stretch, so don't pull it tight when you make the skirt. After you put it on the bait; then snug it down tight and cut off the excess tie.

[balsa butcher]

That is one great idea! Thanks.

[21xdc]

Once you learn how to wire tie them faster, The zip tie is slower. Plus it looks bulky and terrible on a finished bait. The extra cost is also something I don't like. Using wire with 2 wraps makes the skirt "poof" with body and the finish product looks alot cleaner.

[TEE]

i use zip-ties too but agree about the bulky head and overall appearance of the finished product. What type of wire do you guys use?

[21xdc]

I use the "beadery" copper craft wire. Comes in tons of colors and works great. Use 24 gauge as the lightest and 20 as the heaviest. 22 gauge is perfect for a starter but is harder to find sometimes. I use 24, but I have tied many of thousands and know the feel, pull and twist needed w/o breaking off.

When you really get into it, You need to try a pair of these. (6 in Manual return only) They are awesome. The key is to only wrap the wire 2 times around and use the pulling motion to tighten. Do not use the twisting to tighten.

I hope this helps... http://www.aircraftspruce.com/...s.php

The $48.30 are the ones you want

[TEE]

thanks 21xdc..will give it a try...looks a bit easier than thread with a whip finish.

[bullet 21xd]

The wire works good too. but i really dont think the fish are going to decide not to eat a jig because it has a ziptie, and looks bulky. the ziptie is a lot faster, and you can replace a skirt wherever you are.

[21xdc]

You are absolutly correct... The fish won't care if you use a zip tie. Most of the custom tackle makers here or anywhere like to be proud to show off their baits. This is where it counts most. The wire tied bait looks better in the water with more action from being poofed out more like a ball instead of skirt going forward and backwards.

I dont see how a person can pour,clean,prime,paint,clear, and then use a zip tie to finish it off. It's the lil' extra that makes them better than store bought baits.

[balsa butcher]

I agree that a wire tied bait definately looks better, but the zip tie is an excellent idea. I will definately put it to use in the boat this next year for sure. There has been numerous times that I had a spinnerbait skirt come loose on the lake and had no way to fix it. And it will be a speedy way to customize a jig skirt while out there as well.

[21xdc]

Your loose skirt days will be over when tied with wire. No need to fix any. Most guys that make their own baits have more than they need, Thus not needing to trade skirts.

[HookUp]

Great tool 21. Got one for safety wire for motorcycle racing and they work nicely.

I cant see using a zip tie, but that's me. The 'bump' at the connection just doesn't do it.

But I'm old school. I still use thread and a boppin for the skirts on jigs and the rubber band and a home made skirt tool for spinnerbaits.

[ParkerFly]

I have done thread, floral wire, copper wire, and zip ties. Copper looks the nicest. I have decided to stick with zip ties. Super fast and easy, tight, last a long time, and the fish don't care. I lose too many jigs in the rocks to justify spending 10 minutes making one.