Advice needed for tying skirts with weedguard already in

[cwenbass]

I tried making my jigs a little last year and I found it frustrating. I want to try again. The only problem is I don't want to pour my own lead. I know I want to use wire to wrap the skirts instead of thread or those rubber collars that go after a while. Is there a method for tying the skirts while the weedguard is still in? Or would it be best to rip the weedguard out and then put another back in later? If the latter is the case, what would be the best method to re-insert the weedguard?

Thanks

[Jig Man]

You can do it with the weedguard in place but it is a little of a pain. I for sure wouldn't rip the weedguard out and replace it with more. Can you not find a source for the heads without the weedguard already installed?

Doing it with the weedguard, I'd put the hook in a vise and get me a piece of wire about 3-4" long. Put the skirt material how you want it and hold it with the off hand. Put the wire under the jig where you want the wrap to be and bring it up on both sides to where it is overlapping. You can position the material as you fit the wire with some practice.

Wrap the wire around the head and material a second time. Take two pairs of needle nose pliers and pull in opposing directions. When tight cross your hands so the wire wraps on itself. You can complete another wrap or leave it with one. Cut off the tag ends and fold the wire down. Clip the skirt to size and you are done.

In my photobucket album on Page 5 I have some pics of doing it with living rubber and the wire thing. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v13/JigMan/?start=80

Edited January 18, 2009 by Jig Man

[cwenbass]

What kind of wire do you use and where can I get it?

[Vodkaman]

It seams to me that the guard just needs tying back a little, with a piece of ribbon material. Just enough to allow the thread to be wrapped without interferrence.

Dave

[cwenbass]

Any ideas on what to tie the guard to in regards to tying it back?

[Vodkaman]

A thin thread will not do it, as it will slip. I was thinking about a 1/2" wide ribon, which would catch the end of the weed guard fibres and tie it off, using the eye position as an anchor.

If the ribbon is passed over the eye, it will not slip and the knot can be tied at the side.

Dave

[cwenbass]

I see great idea

[EironBreaker]

Here's how I do it, I started out in Montana tying flies for trout so that's what I knew. I use a fly vise and hold the jig eye there. I use regular thread from a fly shop (not 6/0 thread, too fine) in a bobbin. Wrap a base on the jig with the thread. Use the fused end of the skirt to tie it to the jig. Flold the skirt end to end and cut the tab in the middle. My jigs are like a War Eagle spinnerbait, no material down the center - just on the outside. Don't need it because you add a trailer to fill that space and add bulk.

Wrap the layer down with the thread. With a little practice, you can do two layers at once. Most jigs are full enough with 3 half pads, some 4. I am right handed so I hold the bobbin with that hand and use my left hand to hold back the guard if I need to but generally the bobbin fits just fine between the guard and the hook. You can direct the skirt with the thread with practice.

Two half hitches to finish off the thread when you have the skirt in place. Then I use a forceps to grab the tag end of a spool of wire, make two wraps around the location of the thread, pull tight, twist and clip. Fold over the twist flat and you have a perfect jig every time that won't come apart and is balanced.

I hate gluing in weed guards, much easier to pour them in and paint. Saves a lot of time. A little practice and you'll be good to go.

If you want to have the full skirt down the center, band the skirt, slip it on and wire it down in front of the band. You can pull the band off or just wait for it to break. I don't know how people wire skirts down without fixing them first, I'm not that coordinated.