Wire for Football Jigs

[Icehockeyplayer]

Looking for some input on wire weed guards for 3/8-7/16 oz. round head and 1/2-3/4 oz. football jigs. I have poured a few .024 3 braid pre-made guards. I'm not sure but, they seem to be too short for my 4/0 hooks. Don't mind cutting my own to get the right fit. What is the right fit? Any suggestions on type of wire and size would be much appreciated. Would rather cut my own. Live on a deep clear lake, lots of deep brush piles.

Thanks.

[Jig Man]

I have been using Sevelon and Surflon 90# coated cable for years.  I use it on tube heads and shaky heads.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Fishing-Wire-Surflon-Stainless/dp/B004VZJWLI/ref=asc_df_B004VZJWLI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366433182635&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16632267039537718178&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1020569&hvtargid=pla-796434881412&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79098075507&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366433182635&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16632267039537718178&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1020569&hvtargid=pla-796434881412

Edited December 10, 2021 by Jig Man

[Icehockeyplayer]

Does the coating not burn off during the curing of paint?

[Jig Man]

You can not bake the jig with the Surflon in.  What I do is use a heat gun heat the head enough to get paint to stick then heat some more until glossy.  I don’t mind if it chips a bit.  I did 4 dozen shaky heads today.  It may not be your thing but it works for me and has for 20 years.

[smalljaw]

You can get uncoated wire that is the same stuff. It is called Surfstrand, it is the same as the Surflon only it doesn't have the nylon coating.

Edited December 11, 2021 by smalljaw