Cable Weedguards For Jigs

[Jason O]

What size and strain cable do you use for a V shape weedguard on a football or arky jig? Do you mold it in place or epoxy it in later? Thanks for any help.

Jason

[Jig Man]

When I use the coated cable I use 90# test leader from BPS and Cabela's.

[dary0362]

I use Surflon #90 coated wire. I took the advice of some other folks in here (awesome site and memebers by the way) and use the rubber band off of a jig or spinnerbait to hold the wire in the V shape. Then place the wire, with rubber band into the mold and make sure the wire guard is in the direction you want it to be. Close the mold and pour. The rubber band keeps the lead from running out of the mold. Hope that helps.

[EironBreaker]

I pour the wire into the head directly. I've used a coated wire before but the coating will melt/bubble during pouring and the wire can come out later while fishing. I use 7 strand wire, I don't remember off the top of my head what the size is or brand, I think it is 90 lb. I'll have to look when I get home tonight.

To pour a single wire, I use a regular mold that has the fiber weed guard slot cut already. You can do this with any mold that takes a weed guard. To fill up the guard space, I use a section of electrical wire insulation that is 1/8" in outside diameter to fill the hole usually taken up by the weed guard. Pull out the electical wire and slide it over your cable section and place it into the mold with the end sticking out into the head cavity. Drop in your hook, close and pour. I dip the head directly into powder paint while it is hot after you slide off the wire "cover". Make sure the bottom end of the cover is flush with the head cavity and you will have a perfect pour each time.

To do a double wire, cut off a section of cable and fold it over. I use a larger inside diameter insulation cover and slide both ends into the cover. I slide the hook inside the loop at the end and set into the mold. You will never be able to remove the cable from the head.

With a single or double cable guard, they will usually be at the perfect angle but you can bend them to however you like them without any trouble, like if you want a V with a double cable. I trim to length with a strong shears. Good luck!

[Jason O]

Thanks for the info guys. Can't wait to give it a try after the new year (way too busy right now).Do you tip the cable with anyting afterwards to keep it from fraying?

[Razorworm]

Matt,

Thanks for the GREAT info, I was about the really jack up some molds. Now If I can just perfect a 1/2 and bigger round head mold that will take a flat eye, I'll be in business. I have really been messing some molds up lately, time to find a professional.

Jarod

[EironBreaker]

I've modified many molds of mine to accept a flat-eye hook. Not hard to do. Does Do-It have a standard roundhead mold that you like? I could look at the way the standard eye is cut but I could machine it to accept the flat-eye if it is like most molds. Let me know if you have a picture of a mold you like. Maybe I could help you out.

Matt

[Razorworm]

I've modified many molds of mine to accept a flat-eye hook. Not hard to do. Does Do-It have a standard roundhead mold that you like? I could look at the way the standard eye is cut but I could machine it to accept the flat-eye if it is like most molds. Let me know if you have a picture of a mold you like. Maybe I could help you out.

Matt

Matt -

sorry for late reply, I've been super busy. I modified some molds like you said and Im in business. Its nice to add ANOTHER jig to the arsenal. Problem is I cant fish all the jigs i have in one day, too many options. : )

Stay Warm up there in Missouri guys. - Its a nice 50 some in central texas right now. If anyone is coming down shot me an email. jarodjigs@gmail.com

[Mountain Man 26]

Thanks for the info guys. Can't wait to give it a try after the new year (way too busy right now).Do you tip the cable with anyting afterwards to keep it from fraying?

Has anyone perfected a simple way to prevent fraying in the cutting process? I've used Lureparts precut, but wanted a smaller diameter wire. I found a tip for heating and dipping in clear powder paint also. Any I other ideas?

[Jig Man]

The coated cable isn't likely to fray.  I've been using it for several years and never had any fray on me.

[smallmouthaholic]

Has anyone perfected a simple way to prevent fraying in the cutting process? I've used Lureparts precut, but wanted a smaller diameter wire. I found a tip for heating and dipping in clear powder paint also. Any I other ideas?

Here's your answer- I've been using them for 10 years

 

https://agsstainless.com/shoppingcart/Cable-Cutters-for-cable-rail-installation&currency=USD&language=en?gclid=CIDliPHNgcwCFcRahgodveYODw

[Mountain Man 26]

Thank you so much!

[Mountain Man 26]

The coated cable isn't likely to fray. I've been using it for several years and never had any fray on me.

I'm talking about uncoated wire. Thanks though.

[EironBreaker]

I use 7 strand uncoated wire (90 lb) from Mason to make weed guards.  I don't seem to have a problem with the guards unraveling once they are in the jigs.  Everyone have this problem? 

[Mountain Man 26]

Got my AGS Stainless cable cutters today. They do the job! If you use uncoated 7 strand for weedguards, your shop needs a pair. Thanks Smallmouthaholic!