Save those skirts

[airborne_angler]

I know this may have been covered before,but there are some that haven't heard of this tip.

I hate pulling out my spinnerbaits/buzzbaits(jigs) after the winter hiatus,only to have the skirts fall off when I pick a bait up due to a weathered,dried out skirt band.There isn't a single place locally that I can buy replacement skirts.Walmart used to carry some but the only color you could get was white with the red for a "bleeding"effect.

  A lot of places are iced over,so while you are waiting for the ice to thaw,get some small gauge  vehicular speaker wire,some wire Cutter/strippers,and maybe some needlenose pliers.

All you have to is strip the insulation off the wire and take a short single strand of the wire and put it on the rubber retaining band which hold the skirt to the shank of the hook.Use the needlenose pliers to twist it and cutters to trim the end.So now if the band breaks your wire will keep the skirt from falling apart.I suggest doing this to all skirted baits right when you pull em out the package,as the retaining bands sometimes dry out and break even on the shelf in the original packaging.

6or those up north,you've got plenty of time on your hands until ice out...what are you waitin for. Get them skirted baits and get busy.

I've also been told thata heavier gauge wire could be used to add subtle weight to a spinnerbait.

[hitchhiker]

Some guys use the smallest zip ties as well.

[airborne_angler]

In cold/hot cycles of weather the zip ties can get brittle and break as well.The copper wiring won't rust either

[CWB]

Some guys use the smallest zip ties as well.

X2

Much easier to put on. Never had a problem in hot or cold weather.

[Catt]

In cold/hot cycles of weather the zip ties can get brittle and break as well.The copper wiring won't rust either

I have some that have been on jigs & spinner baits for 5-6 years

[fenderville]

Where do you guy's get the small zip ties or what size are you using?

[BassThumb]

Where do you guy's get the small zip ties or what size are you using?

The smallest ones they sell at Home Depot.  They are about 4" long.

[MNGeorge]

If you prefer the wire route, Menards sells floral wire for $.79 per 100 ft. roll...easily enough wire to do 150 jigs/spinnerbaits.

[hookset on 3]

MNGeorge wrote:

If you prefer the wire route, Menards sells floral wire for $.79 per 100 ft. roll...easily enough wire to do 150 jigs/spinnerbaits.

I used this 20 gauge floral wire on all my used spinnerbaits and jigs.

Wrap the wire around the skirt just below the existing skirt band. That way when the rubber band rots or breaks off, you've already put on a back-up wire hand tied band.

Works great. Just be sure to pinch down the wire tag ends in close to the lead collar on the jig or spinnerbait, so there are no sharp pieces of wire protruding out.

hookset on 3

[fishfordollars]

Wrapers that come with loves of bread.

[Hamby]

Those little twist ties? Seems too weak to me.

[bigbassctchr101]

Does anyone make a small zip tie than the 4inch?

[tholmes]

Here ya go! Buy 'em in bulk!

http://www.cabletiesandmore.com/american/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_30&products_id=53

Tom

[Catt]

In cold/hot cycles of weather the zip ties can get brittle and break as well.The copper wiring won't rust either

I have some that have been on jigs & spinner baits for 5-6 years

Think about the fact that there are dozens of zip ties under the hood & dash board of cars that have been there 25-30 yrs.

Do a search for Low Profile zip ties; reduced head height compared to standard head designs & no sharp tail cutoffs. I pay about $3-4 for 100 at our Lowe's but keep in mind all Lowe's do not carry the same products. You may want to look a hobby shop or electrical shop and them to order bulk.

Installation is simple; I slide the rubber band down slightly, install the zip tie and tighten with a gun. In the time it takes to carefully wrap a skirt with wire I can do 3 or 4.

[Gatorbassman]

Those little twist ties? Seems too weak to me.

Yes but they are perfect when you want to add a little color to a jig or spinnerbait while on the water. They've saved more than one tournament for me.

[fishfordollars]

Those little twist ties? Seems too weak to me.

Yes but they are perfect when you want to add a little color to a jig or spinnerbait while on the water. They've saved more than one tournament for me.

Exactly, and i have yet to have one break. The tighter you cinch it the more the skirt will flare.