Lightweight/finesse Jig Makers

[21xdc]

OK, Looking for advice on what lb stainless steel leader material to use as a weedgaurd for building 1/16 to 1/8 oz bass jigs. it will only be 3/4 of an inch long. I need it flexible but stiff enough to help keep weeds off the light wire 3.0 hook. I looked in a hobby Lobby today in the jewly making section as they offer many stranded ss wire and they were all too weak of my needs.

Do you think 60 lb test in this will be too stiff or not enough? The stuff at Hobby Lobby was 26lb I think. I'd like it in green or brown. I'm thinking I want the 7 strand uncoated 60 lb... Gimme your thoughts please..

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/afw-leader-wire/311669.aspx

Edited December 30, 2009 by 21xdc

[21xdc]

Or maybe a single strand spring type ss wire? Looking for some other ideas.. I dont want to use the fiber gaurd material.

[JBlaze]

Or maybe a single strand spring type ss wire? Looking for some other ideas.. I dont want to use the fiber gaurd material.

http://www.tackleunderground.com/community/index.php?app=gallery&module=images&section=viewimage&img=3244

I made these using .011 spring stainless wire. They are fairly resistant to snagging, but distort terribly when smacked by a fish. They are easy to bend back into position. I will use a little heavier wire next time I make some. Have never tried the braided wire. but I would think it might unravel if used bare/uncoated.

[Jig Man]

I have been using surflon 90# for 1/8 oz jigs, 1/8 and 1/4 tube inserts for a long time. It works well for me.

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0011246314955a.shtml

[21xdc]

I have been using surflon 90# for 1/8 oz jigs, 1/8 and 1/4 tube inserts for a long time. It works well for me.

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0011246314955a.shtml

The link is 7 strand X 7 strand... That is alot more flexible than 1 X 7 strand. I'm trying to get the smallest in diameter as some of these will go into a 1/32 oz head. So I'm looking for a thinner stiffer piece thats non coated I think.

I have seen some jigs on the market with uncoated ss weed gaurds, I dont have any at hand to play with right now.

I want a single weed gaurd if possible.

I dont want to have to buy a pack of all of these to find out, So please save me the money.

What one of these?>>> http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/ss-lure-making-wire/311665.aspx

90 lb seems to be what many are using after I did some searching around.

[GDille]

Go buy a spool of 30# test line. tie in a weed guard like ply tiers use, its simple and very effective. Many of my customers prefer this style over fiber or wire guard. They are small, and usually clear so they blend into the jig.

George

[21xdc]

Something like these.. Be sure to zoom in on the pics.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10206743____SearchResults

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10205000____SearchResults

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_15653____SearchResults

[21xdc]

Something like these.. Be sure to zoom in on the pics.

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/big/SBWJH-WDG-big.jpg

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/ProductImages/BSSS-BK.JPG

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/ProductImages/HUNWDBJ.JPG

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/ProductImages/JBPSJH.JPG

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/ProductImages/KEMGJHD.JPG

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/ProductImages/YFBHW.JPG

[smalljaw]

For a single strand wire weed guard I think I'd go with .018 or .020 wire , the 7 strand wire in 90# test is close to the same diameter of my spinnerbait wire but spinnerbait wire in that diameter is way too stiff but if you use leader wire in a .020 it should be just about right. Let us know if you find something that works, BTW, I used the 90# 7 strand wire in 1/8oz jigs and I like it but I'd rather a single wire guard myself.

[21xdc]

Well, I drove 80 miles to JannsNetcraft and played with their wire... The stranded was too limp. I bought some AFW #2 and #6 which is 27lb test and 58lb test. One is too weak and the other is too stiff for my needs. They had nothing in between. I came home and looked in Barlows Tackle and they have the same stuff in #3 and #4 at 32lb and 38lb test and even says for use as weedgaurds. So now I'll be ordering some of each to play with.... I'll get it figured out sooner or later. LOL

[smalljaw]

21xdc, I'd appreciate it if you let us know your findings with the #3 and #4 from Barlows, I was at Cabelas' yesterday but encountered the same problem, the wire was either so limp you could tie knots with it or it was stiff enough to make a spinnerbait out of it and like you had already mentioned, nothing in between. I asked a guy I know who makes weedless tube jigheads with a single wire weedguard what he uses and he wouldn't give me an answer, he acted like I was going to cut in on his business even though I don't make jig heads for tubes.

[21xdc]

I assure you you need #3 or #4 as #2 was to light for me and #6 too stiff.. Look at this link and buy some of each for just over $3 http://www.barlowstackle.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&User_ID=6212713&st=7182&st2=64129756&st3=66472179&Product_ID=823&CATID=114

This is my finished product.

These are 1/32. 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8 oz weights 3/0 wacky rig hooks. I wanted some weedless models as I throw these in places I shouldn't Now I can make the lighter knock off sinkos fall at the speed I want and get down deeper if needed in wind or current. I'll probably find other places to put this to use.

Ther red and green pumpkin have been epoxied for a durable finish.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/21xdc/001-10.jpg