Rubber bands, thread or wire?

[ctom]

What do you guys that make bass jigs for a living use with the silicone skirting? I haven't been doing the silicone on bass heads very long and know that others use other methods of dealing with the silicone.

On one hand I like the rubber bands but hate the fussing after the fact to get the different colors oriented a bit. I've never tried tying with wire but think it might be handier for keeping the different colors of silicone where I want them to be. Thread is likely my last choice. I'm sure each method has its attributes and distractions so what are you guys using with the silicone?

[Muskygary]

I like and use thread as I have a lot from fly tying hair jigs. I've used wire and bands. No trouble with either one, so it's usually what I have on hand at the time. If you want certain colors on the bottom or sides, thread is the best. Watch smalljaw's videos and you can see how he does it.

[bigjim5589]

Like Muskygary, I also use thread, primarily too because I have it and have been tying with it a very long time. I'm use to it and it works well.

The bands are easier, since you can pre-assemble them, but as you've said, they don't keep everything in any specific order and in time they can deteriorate. That's not a big issue as far as making them & selling them, but for any long term storage it can become a problem.  Plus threads come in many more colors than the bands.

I've tried using wire, but frankly see no advantage to using it compared to using tying threads. It's more cost per measure to buy it, and is not as easy to work with compared to thread. Plus, depending on the wire, it can corrode.   If you have plenty of wire, and doesn't cost you anything to use it, then certainly makes sense to use it, but not otherwise IMO. I use plenty of wire for tying flies, for bodies & ribs, and sometimes adding weight, but don't see it as better than thread for securing jig skirts.

I've yet to have a jig skirt fall apart using thread, so wire is not any better IMO.

[Lines]

I use thread because I tie lots of flies and hair jigs. I am accustomed to it from years of practice. I have tried using wire, but I just can't get the hang of it. It is awkward for me. Mixing colors comes easy for me using thread. I don't make a lot of jigs with silicone or rubber, so I am definitely no expert.

[Apdriver]

Definitely a better mousetrap than using the bands. They dry rot, slip, and are just an inferior way to add skirts for the custom bait maker. I am just the opposite as these fellas in I like and use wire. It takes some experience to learn how to manipulate it and organize your colors under it but sure turns out a super nice product when done right. If you go this route, I recommend getting a small pair of aviation safety wire pliers. The six inch. Makes the twist to end quick and uniform. Cheap ones on Amazon. Better quality at aircraft spruce.

[Lamar]

  My grandfather was a member of the Blue Hole trout fishing club in northern Ohio and hand tied his own flys. Late my dad got all his tying equipment and tied his own walleye hair jigs. Now I own it and tie all my jigs, spinner baits, buzz baits and chatter baits with it. So I feel when making baits I'm bring them into it with me. When I first stated fishing with a jig in the early 90's I had a friend that would make them for me and he used bands. I was always adjusting them so what I did was tie a few raps above his band and it solved the problem. Now I tie my own and it's much easier to make your raps before you put the weed guards in. I pour the lead with the pin in then take the pin out and powder coat and bake. Take a 1/8 drill bit and clean the hole out and tie your skirt on. Take clear hard as nail finger nail polish and brush your rap. Use super glue Gell and slide your weed guard in. I promise you'll never adjust that jig one time.

[bigjim5589]

You also can't do this with the bands and expect them to stay together. 

[brennan.chapman]

Wire for me!

[Jigsquad]

I have a consistent process I use.

For silicone only jigs:
I rubber band the skirts to my liking, place on the jig and then wire tie in front.  After, I cut off the band so only the wire tie remains.

For hybrid or feathered/hair/synthetic only jigs:
I strictly thread tie. I can manipulate materials much easier thread tying, which is paramount when using feather, hair or other similarly styled synthetics.

Lots of ways to skin a cat.  No wrong answers.  Try them all and make the design experience your own based on what YOU think works best.

[efishnc]

I've never tried tying with wire but think it might be handier for keeping the different colors of silicone where I want them to be.

Our ol' buddy Dennis used wire to secure his jigs... I would say that if a California lawyer could get a handle on this, you should be able to as well.   

[senkosam]

Small, plastic-wire zip ties have been keeping skirts secure for a few years since I discovered how well they work. I won't go back to tying with thread or using wire. The bass don't care.

Note: the trailers are from a mold - left one a copy using plaster; the right one from an aluminum mold.