tying jigs...Collar, wire or thread?

[Darkman]

I started pouring my own recently, and when getting the skirt on the jig I use a rubber collar, is there a better way (not necessarily faster)

I have seen on this site some with thread and a ton of the commertial ones have wire.

if you use thread, how do you start it

Thanks

[BigTimeBuzzer]

This is my take on it...I had rather use thread than wire...I have better control with thread....Just start on the jig collar and wrap the thread over itself until it is tight and won't slip when you pull it. Add your skirt material as you wind the thread around the head. Then continue to wind and KEEP IT TIGHT and tie it off when you are satisfied with the look of it. Add a drop of good head cement and you are ready to catch them. If you have any more ?'s just message me....BTB

[cadman]

I do something similar to BTB. I wrap the thread around itself, however I start at the bottom of the jig collar and wrap up. With one layer of thread on the collar, I then put on my skirts (I buy banded skirts) over the thread with the rubber collar, adjust my length of skirt usually 1/3 on the shaft of the jig, I then start wrapping the thread down over the skirt. After about three to 5 wraps, I slide the rubber skirt collar down the hook shaft and leave it there. This keeps all the skirt strands still in place. I put all the remainder of the thread wraps on, make a couple of half hitches, and seal the thread with head cement, epoxy, clear nail polish, or super glue. I hang and wait for it to dry, then take off the rubber skirt collar. Now you're done. It will never come off, unless you cut it off.

[outfshn]

I use all three techniques depending on the final product I want to produce. The wire snugged up tight behind certain heads produces great flair in the skirts. A technique I use more for spinnerbais but some jigs look good too. I use a copper wire from the local hobby store. Not sure of the gauge off the top of my head. The thread technique is similar to had tied flies, very percise and durable. It is very easy to put accent strands in the skirt when hand tying. A real custom looking jig. The production method is definetely the skirt collar. Using the right tool to get the skirt material into the collar you can produce hundreds in no time. Good luck with your jigs...now your hooked!!

[Tony Maxwell]

Speaking from my own experience, over 50 years making baits, I got really tired of the bands rotting/breaking and picking skirt material out of my tackle boxes. I still make my own skirts, using the rubber collars, but after I put them on the baits, I place the bait in a fly tying vise, and using size A rod winding nylon tie the skirt on. Just start wrapping the thread around just in front of the collar, wrap it back on itself till it won't slip, slide toe collar back to the bend of the hook (keeps the skirt out of your way), and wrap a few more times, finishing with a whip finish or half hitches. Apply head cement, and, ta da.

[cadman]

Tony,

Wow, that's strange, that you and I do so many similar things. I had a couple of guys ask me to do a tutorial on how I tie my skirts on, similar to yours. I am still going to do the tutorial, once I find some time.