Jump to content
Mad Moose Baits

Q: wire keeper VS molded

Recommended Posts

I don't really have a preference, the wire keepers work well and so do lead barbs. I think a lot of it depends on the type of plastic and where you are using it. and the type of lead barb. I have some molds with a ball collar, for those I like adding a wire keeper but you can really deny how well a wire keeper holds but a good barb works as well. If I had to choose 1 I'd probably go with the wire keeper but like I said, if the jig has a good lead barb it will hold just as good.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I personally like the barb on the jig.  Although they don't hold as well as the wire keepers, you can usually salvage any trailer and re-use them over and over again. Wire keepers  after three or four times really damage the plastics, to the point making them useless.

Edited by cadman
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I only do jigs for myself and my buddy, so this is not a production method, but it works for me.

My buddy poured me some 5/8 sparky jigs, with no bait holders, so I came up with this to hold my plastics when I'm punching.  

I wrap some 24 ga. skirt wire into the shaft just behind the head, twist the tag ends up like I do when I'm wiring on a skirt, but with the twisted tags facing up.

I cut the twisted tag so it's 3/4' -, and bend it back so it points to the hook point.

I add some gap filling ZAP superglue to hold the wire up against the lead head.  It holds because there is no strain on the wire.  If it does come loose, I put another jig on, and reglue the wire when I get home.

I thread the bait onto the wire twist, and then T rig the point into the body of the bait where it will hang straight.  I keep the hook point buried, because the bass crush the bait and force the point out.

It works for me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the wire keepers work better for me over a molded in barb but they will tear up the plastic when catching fish.  But usually plastics are pretty cheap.  Not all but most.  Screw-locks are the best but really can damage a bait if the bait is soft.

As far as adding keepers, you can do it easily with thread and the wire keepers from Capt Hooks.  Just wrap one on or if you really want it to hold, do two on opposite sides.  Tie off the thread and coat with super glue or Hard as Nails.  I've added keepers that way to buzzbaits to hold horny toads. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like the wire keepers. On molds that don't have them I cut off the lead bait holder up to the collar (which makes the bait a little lighter) and then wrap one of the wire keepers onto the shank with some heavy duty fly tying thread.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...


×
×
  • Create New...
Top