Wire Tie Over Jig / Spinnerbait Skirt Band ?

[ChrisD46]

I have a number of jigs and spinner baits with rubber skirt bands - can I use #22 or #24 craft wire and tie over the skirt band to aid in support and longevity of the skirt band ?

[Munkin]

Tie in front if the band towards the head, I do it all the time. Somewhere on here I posted how to wire tie skirts.

 

Allen

[Fishes in trees]

Sure, why not?  I've done this, on occasion, during the winter, when there is little else to do.   In my mind I think that the plastic coated craft wire that you get from Michaels or Hobby Lobby is better, because it maybe is less likely to rust, but I don't know that.   I also know that there isn't any plastic coating on the end of the wire where I cut it, so why wouldn't it rust there.  Various plastic coated wire colors are available, so if you wanted to use a disguised color that option is available and if you wanted a spot of color, like red or orange, that option is available also.  

[ChrisD46]

*Thanks Allen & Fishing In Trees - I'll have to check on the wire I bought from WM to see if it is coated ? Most hand tied jigs I have seen use copper wire around #22 AWG or #24 AWG I believe ?

[Jig Man]

You can even use a zip tie or the wire from a loaf of bread if you want.

[Munkin]

Copper wire does not rust so anything copper coating or not will work. The green wire used for plant stakes works but will rust and break. In a pinch some old phone wire stripped of its coating should do.

 

Allen

[ChrisD46]

I found #24 & #26 gauge copper craft wire from Michael's to try - they also have #22 gauge if I need it for bulkier / more than 50 strand skirts if I ever need it but I think either the #24 gauge or #26 gauge will be fine . Using approx. 3" of copper wire per jig will allow many jigs to be wire tied for just a few dollars ... *** A good jig vice under $20 would be nice to have - not sure if the fly tying vices are large enough or sturdy enough to hold a 1/4 oz. to 1/2 oz jig ?

[Munkin]

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-3-4-quarter-inch-articulated-vacuum-vise-3311.html

 

I have been using this vise.

 

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-safety-wire-twisting-pliers-45340.html

 

These pliers 

 

and some small hair clips to tie mine.

 

Allen

[Bluebasser86]

I also just slide the band down a bit and tie in the place where band was at.