Jig skirts

[Denny Welch]

I tie almost all of my jigs with rubber skirts.  I think the rubber has more action than silicone and think it gives the jig a more lifelike appearance.  I also like the idea of using wire or a good quality thread and tying the skirt on rather than using a band.    The colors available in rubber are pretty limited when compared with with what's available in silicone.  The colors and patterns some of you guys have been posting are incredible.

What are your preferences and thoughts...rubber or silicone?

[CrabbyBass]

Rubber is definitely more lifelike than the silicone. It flares out better in the water. I have not personally made any skirts as those are done by my counterpart Wilks19. He has some of the rubber, but he is not a fan because of the work involved. As far as using the wire or bands, we use bands. Reason being is Wilks19 makes the skirts ahead of time and I make the jigs. This way he can make a bunch of the skirts, give them to me so I can then add them to the jigs when I am done making them. I personally like all of the patterns available in the silicone material. As far as I know, the rubber only comes in solid colors. Have you looked into the Bio-silk skirts?  I believe they are silicone, but "act" like rubber in the water. Here is the website for them:
http://lurepartsonline.com/Shop-By-Category/Standard-Skirts/Bio-Silk-Jig-Skirts.html
The only thing is they come in already made patterns. Don't know if this helps, but there is my input.

Chuck

[kipbass]

Thanks Crabby. I know it was intended for Denny, but I couldn't help but look. So many choices!

[CrabbyBass]

Thanks Crabby. I know it was intended for Denny, but I couldn't help but look. So many choices!

You're welcome kip! It was meant for anyone who wanted to read it. 

[basskat]

I'm a rubber guy myself but the new bio-silk has about all the same properties. I've been using it since it came out and am well satisfied.

Denny, Kevlar thread is the way to go. It's much stronger and has a smaller diamenter than regular thread for tying big skirts.

[Denny Welch]

Kevlar is strong stuff.  It's what they used to make bullet proof vests with.  I tried tying with it and I guess I'm too heavy handed because I'd cut through the material, including rubber.  I prefer using a 210 denier thread, Flymaster Plus, for all of my heavy tying.  With jigs, I like using wire.  You also don't have to apply head cement like you have to with thread.

[basskat]

I've never tried wire. What type do you use?

[Denny Welch]

I use a black .26 gauge wire found in most hobby shops.  Cut a piece about 4 inches long and bend it in the middle.  Put the rubber on the hook collar and bring the wire up from the bottom.  Take two wraps around the rubber and twist the wire around itself.  Before it's too tight, distribute the rubber evenly around the hook.  Use a needle nose pliers and twist the wire tight.  Cut the excess wire and trim the rubber.  Walaa.

[Lamar]

  I'm liking that web site. I like to mix my rubber with silicone to give it color. Black silicone with bright blue rubber has worked for me for years. I too always tie mine on. I hate adjusting to skirt all the time.

[smalljaw]

The problem with rubber is two fold, I've been doing this over 15 years, when I got started silicone was new but rubber was still standard. Rubber melts, if you live in an area that has a winter and you use rubber skirts then you already know that when you pull a rubber skirt out of the box after a long winter it is pretty much junk. I found some great material that I use in conjunction with silicone, it is called "bio-silk", so far the only place I found it is Lure parts online, it is silicone but it feels and acts just like rubber, I make finesse jigs with it and you see the difference as it hits the water. Regular silicone takes a little time to separate and has movement than rubber but the bio-silk separates fast, floats up quickly with plenty of life, it is available in normal rubber flat colors and also electric colors but just like rubber it doesn't come in printed patterns, so if you want the action of rubber with the ease of use as silicone, try the bio-silk. BTW, I know it sounds like a commercial but it isn't and I'm not a part of LPO (lure parts online), I'm a tackle maker like you guys and this stuff has made my jigs and spinnerbaits better, it comes in tabs lust like silicone but everyone I've made jigs for using only the bio-silk, thought I made them a jig that I used a rubber skirt on, it is great stuff!!

[andrewlamberson]

I would give two thumbs up for bio-silk also. I've only been using it for the few months since it was introduced...so we don't know if there is any longevity issues...but so far it's great.

[smalljaw]

I would give two thumbs up for bio-silk also. I've only been using it for the few months since it was introduced...so we don't know if there is any longevity issues...but so far it's great.

They introduced the material  last year I believe, I use the tabs but the pre made skirts just came out like you said, a month or so ago.  I started using it in April of last year and so far there have been no problems, it doesn't get clumped up or melted together when stored like the rubber so I know that it holds up for at least a year.

[Denny Welch]

Thanks, guys.  Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.  I'm excited about trying out the bio-silk.

[RLarson]

DO you guys know where to get the skirt collars for the bio silk skirts??  or how you tie skirts with pro tail          guy name Bassdozer has great skirts     does he make them or order from GLC??

thanks
Ray