Questions About Skirt Making

[Finnz922]

1. Is there a better way to hold the skirt than the tool offered by Jann's Netcraft?

2. When using multiple colors how to make them mix rather than the block look?

3. Has anybody tried creating their own patterns to the point where you use individual strands? How did you hold them so you could place the strands where you wanted them?

Thanks

[Tony Maxwell]

Don't know what Jann's tool you are referring to? I use the old black tool (like snap ring pliers) I also just got one of the tubes that you roll the collars on to and then pull the skirt strips inside the tube and roll the collar of the tube onto the skirt strips. I usually use at least 2 colors and by rolling the strips together before inserting them into the collar mix them pretty well. I also make custom skirts with accent colors for back, sides, belly, etc. etc. As I tie all my skirts onto the spinnerbait, buzzbait, or jig I accomplish this by putting the collar with the main skirt strip colors onto the bait and start tying it in place. After it is anchored well I add whatever color strands to whereever I want them by holding them in place and wrapping the thread around all the strands. If you would like I should be able to take some pictures of them for you to see what I mean. Good Luck.

Tony

[Oldfart9999]

I hand tie the skirts on my jigs, other than hair if you leave the first couple of wraps loose you are able to move the strands around then tighten the wraps and finish tying the jig. You can do the same with spinner and buzz baits.

[smalljaw]

I use the same tool Tony Maxwell uses, a black pliers that remind you of a snap ring pliers and they work fine. For patterns using single strands of material as accent colors, yes, I do it all the time but only on tied skirts. Most of my spinnerbait and bass jig skirts are made with silicone and put on with a rubber skirt collar, I like the collars and the new ones don't rot out in a year like they used to. The only items I tie using thread is hair jigs but I will tie spinnerbait and bass jigs using silicone skirt maerial with wire, 26 gauge floal wire is good and when I tie skirts on it is usually because I'm using 2 strands of one color and 3 strands of another and so on. When you get to that point isis just like Oldf9999 said, you put a loose wrap around the material, just tight enough to hold the stuff in place and then you work the strands to where you want then and then draw tight, it is pretty easy once you do it a time or two.

[Finnz922]

I actually have that tool. Awesome info thanks guys.

[Braided Line]

Just for fun,I tried small(the smallest) plastic ties. The kind you buy in Lowes or Home Depot.

I lay out what ever amount of skirt material I need then slip my tie underneath, lay the shank of my spinner bait or what ever on top ,then close it up. Not so tight that you can`t adjust you skirt material. When all is in place thighen the tie. Works well, won`t rote off like the collar sometime do or break after some toothy fish, like a Mud-fish grabs it.

May not be for all but it works for me. I also use the "tool" to open the collar type.

[smalljaw]

Just for fun,I tried small(the smallest) plastic ties. The kind you buy in Lowes or Home Depot.

I lay out what ever amount of skirt material I need then slip my tie underneath, lay the shank of my spinner bait or what ever on top ,then close it up. Not so tight that you can`t adjust you skirt material. When all is in place thighen the tie. Works well, won`t rote off like the collar sometime do or break after some toothy fish, like a Mud-fish grabs it.

May not be for all but it works for me. I also use the "tool" to open the collar type.

I actually did that once as there are a number of guys that do that. The problem for me is the look, I try really hard to have my baits look as professional as I can and the zip tie on a skirt screams homemade, and before you say it I already know, the fish don't care and you're right. For me the fish catching ability of my lures is number one, the second priority is that the bait be clean and professional looking and the zip tie, while extremelt functional, looks homemade and that look is what I can't get past and if I could I would use them as they are as good as a collar for ease and hold as well as wire tying so you get the best of both worlds but unless the zip ties change then I won't use them.

[Braided Line]

Smalljaw:

I see your point and if you need to have your baits look professional so be it. As far as "catching ability" goes, it does not impede it one iota. Of course, I`m speaking for myself. That being said, I don`t have any hang-up`s either.

I fish those un-professional spinner baits ( just mess-in with ya) In big pad fields on the St John`s river.

Plus trees, grass areas, etc. As you can see it`s mostly nasty areas. The retrieve through that junk is rough and fast. I really don`t think Mr Bass is thinking," Stand clear men, that`s a fake."

I`ve won (with a partner) more than one club "T" that got us the money using those spinner baits.

Plus the year end Super "T" on lake Istokpoga. 40 boats...... Nice reward.

I guess what I`m saying is, while we look at some things differently, the results might be the same.

Those home made spinner baits are a main stay of my bass fishing. Along with the Zoom floater.

There are days the spinner bait is the only bait that gets used. It loves those pad fields. It`s accounted for more than a few bass over 8 lbs. No counting those between 6-7. The only thing that might get into my head is when a big gator gets near my bass boat and I afraid he`ll climb over the side and steal my ...........................Spinner bait... LOL!

Just having a little fun along with my re-tort.

[cmayes]

Good points everybody. I like to cut out two or three strands to mix in with other colors instead of using the whole layer. For example one of my favorites is a black skirt with pink strands. Just leave them attached at the top until you pull them through the collar.