Jig Tying Vs Jig Bands....

[bkohlman]

What do you see as pros and cons for each?

Does the choice effect the movement of the skirt?

Thanks!

[aavery2]

I prefer tied skirts, it allows the skirt to move a little more naturally, the bands can also become dried and a break, or loose and slip off the jig. It is a very easy process to wire tie any jigs that you purchase with banded skirts.

[cadman]

The only pro side to rubber collars, is if you are one of those guys that changes skirts on the water. Other than that I wouldn't use rubber collars as aavery2 mentioned. You can wire tie or tie with thread your choice. Wire tie is easier, but if you get the correct thread, you can really make those skirts puff out at the collar.

[bkohlman]

What thread would create that effect?

[aavery2]

What thread would create that effect?

Braided fishing line works well

[cadman]

You can also use Coats and Clarks upholstery thread. It has excellent knot retention and it is not waxed. You can buy it at Jo -Anns or any sewing place. Braided line works also if you want to use that instead.

[bkohlman]

How important is the color of the thread in your opinion?

[00 mod]

Big Fly Thread

Jeff

[mc6524]

I make my own jigs and skirt the head using a rubber collar with rattle slots and then tie the skirt using 24 gauge floral wire. It really helps make the skirt stand out. Also, if I want to add rattles I then can so I have the best of both worlds.

[cadman]

Thread color is not important. I use black, brown and tan. On white jigs I only use white. If I am using wire, all my wire is red and it goes on every jig I make.

[Jig Man]

I use all of the above. I've even used zip ties but don't like them at all. My wire is the windings out of an old table saw motor. My thread is flat waxed. The collars are from fishing skirts.

I don't see a lot of difference in which I use except when using round rubber I have to tie or wire them. I think it is more in the eye of the beholder than the eye of the fish.

Collars don't rot like they used to. I have some that have been on for over 3 years and are stil just fine.

[jkarol24]

I prefer wire tied as opposed to the collars as the collars tend to slip when skipping or pitching heavy cover. Its a pain having to push that skirt and collar up every 5 casts...

[bkohlman]

Love the advice, keep tuned for when I post some bluegill swim jigs, I will be giving one away!

[Siebert Outdoors]

There are good and bad to both of them. Pretty much all of them have been answered.

Wire imo is the best and cleanest. The skirt doesnt fall down (especially rubber or thick material). But its more expensive. If you go through alot of jigs it may not be worth it. Also its not effective to change skirts.

Rubber is cheaper and can be changed or addition of rattles. They do not rot like the older ones on some brands.

I prefer wire but rarely use wire.

[Will Wetline]

When using thread, do you half-hitch to finish and then use head cement or would the cement/Hard As Nails clear polish eat the rubber/silicone?

[Jig Man]

When using thread, do you half-hitch to finish and then use head cement or would the cement/Hard As Nails clear polish eat the rubber/silicone?

If you are going to tie by hand get you a large rotating whip finisher. It will cut your time way down and do a lot better job. Then finish off with clear nail polish.

http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/OF-900440-0000?source=google_base&kw=OF-900440-0000&gclid=CKWercnjt7MCFRBgMgodun8A9Q

[swanseabass]

U can do a whip finish by hand and its easy to do.

[Will Wetline]

Thank you Jig Man and Swanseabass.

I've got a whip finisher and can also whip finish by hand. I just didn't know if I got any cement on the rubber or silicone skirt material if it would affect it.

[cadman]

When using thread, do you half-hitch to finish and then use head cement or would the cement/Hard As Nails clear polish eat the rubber/silicone?

I use Hard as Nails on my thread wraps, and never had a problem. If you get any on the silicone skirt, let it dry, and you can slowly peel it off. Hard as Nails works really well, becuase it won't let any water absorb in the thread.

[(='_'=)]

can i use a small drop of crazy glue?? or would that eat the skirt or have any other negative effect?

[cadman]

can i use a small drop of crazy glue?? or would that eat the skirt or have any other negative effect?

From my experience with Crazy Glue, it will eat away at powder paint. JMO, but I would not use it as a thread sealer.

[(='_'=)]

thanx, i wont use it then...

[merc1997]

i use mostly slip on skirts. for rubber material, i make my own, and i tie the skirt with rubber. you can still take the skirt on and off, but it still has great flair. i just like the flexibility of changing colors on the fly. plus, with my jigs, you might still be fishing with same one for several months. when the skirt gets eaten off, i just slip on a new skirt.

bo

[merc1997]

When using thread, do you half-hitch to finish and then use head cement or would the cement/Hard As Nails clear polish eat the rubber/silicone?

when i use thread to tie up hair jigs, to finish off the tie, here is what i do. keep about a 8 inch piece of thread. before you finish all of your wraps, double your loose piece of thread and lay it across your wraps. finish wrapping around the loop of thread. cut your wrapping thread, and put the end of it through the loop sticking out from underneath your wrap. now take the tag end of the loop of loose thread and pull your wrap end back underneath the wraps. it will never come loose, and there is not any need of gluing or anything.

hope this might help with your tying. i also use a heavy nylon thread.

bo

[Bluebasser86]

I wire tie mine, even though they rarely last long enough for the band to wear out. I hate when the skirt slides down on the hookset enough that it's worth it to me.