Help ... jig making question

[SteveF]

I'm interested in tying my own jigs, my question is this:

If I am going to use thread to tie them, what thread should I use?  Also, if I am going to be using thread instead of the bands, what is the easiest way to hold the strands in place while I start the wraps?  Now I know someone will tell me to use the collars first, then to tie the jig and then take the collar off or cut it off, however I think that is a waste, but maybe my only option?

Please help!

[Munkin]

After you tie the thread or wrap it with wire you can roll the collar off the skirt.

Allen

[Cory20]

I was trying to figure out the same thing!  Here's what I came up with.

Way back when I had braces the orthodontist gave me a package of little rubber bands to hook up in my teeth.  So I swung by the orthodontist's and picked up a pack, they were nice enough not to charge.

The Impala is their smallest size.  They're small enough to hold the skirt in place yet loose enough that they can be rolled off without messing the skirt up.  Also adjusting the strands is easy too.

cory

[F@bio]

If you wanna tye with materials such as bucktail or marabou, u need to buy some 3/0 thread and a ceramic bobbin at bass pro shops or a fly shop.

[Cajun Basser]

Kevelar type thread, good quality bobbin. Tie thread around the hook and secure with half hitch. Now you will tie on the rubber in small batches. Take the top color / batch and hold it onto the jig head, wrap 1-2 turns, repeat with bottom batch of material, then again with side material...finish wrap over all material. If you have a rotating vice, the process is easier.

[F@bio]

I make jigs and spinnerbait bodies on my fly tying vice, it's a good way to go.

[Jig Man]

I tie lots of jigs of different sizes and materials. The best line I have ever found is FLAT WAXDS. It is tough and smooth. It costs about $0.99 at BASS PRO. I used to sell jigs and have used this line of many thousands of jigs without problems. If you don't have a whip and bobbin, they really come in handy.

All you have to do is take the wire tie off a loaf of bread. Put your material where you want it and wrap the bread tie around it a couple of times. Then go ahead and tie the thread however you want it and put a drop of glue on the thread. Remove the bread tie and you are ready to go fishing.

[Cajun Basser]

the kevlar type of thread is stronger and will allow a tighter wrap on the heavier-thicker rubber. It does not need to be waxed for these lures. How are you possibly tying without a bobbin?? I whip finish by hand, but no bobbin????

ALSo

I am sure you and I might be able to place and hold a mass of rubber in place and then with our third hand put the bread wrap over it all...but the original poster seemed to be new at this, that is why I suggested tying on in layers or sections.

[snapperd1]

Cajun and jigman a right.  I usually start by winding the thread around the hook then place the skirt material and continue to wrap.  Do a Google search on fly tying and you will get the gist of what they are describing.  Sounds harder then it really is.

Good luck,

Tom D.

[Cajun Basser]

one  last thought...do not pull apart the rubber or silicone strips until AFTER they are tied on the jig hook...easier to work with if they are still in one strip