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Not odd in the least. Wool is the original super textile. Keeps you warm when cold..Keeps you cool when warm. Anti microbial. Anti odor. Wicking. Retains its properties even when wet. Flame resistant, etc etc And modern merino blends do many of these things better.

Shrink wrap, perhaps?

This. Merino wool in particular.

This is among THE premier Free Rig baits. The correct hook for 3.5 is a 2/0 and you need a bit of weight on the drop to activate the flappers...so a 1/4 oz is about perfect.

For those that are balking at the price of these or the Grass Piece, check out these. Have ordered several and they are quality. I especially like the gold one with the holographic strands. Pictures don't do it justice. https://bacustombaits.bigcartel.com/product/bladed-grass-jig?fbclid=IwY2xjawFNmeFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZI_suq2oTDZh2AYlsEGF0f4sA7ekaOlf56BXAQSlLA0gHFcEzilr0iLIg_aem_o7VGjjyZBBIjUcmydbYRaw

Yes. Just figure out the width you need and order accordingly. The image is an example of sizes. Might be some trial and error for sizing in the beginning. On the occasion where there isn't an exact fit, I just cut perfectly in the middle, and inserted each of them into swimbait like thumb tacks. Then used crazy glue. BTW, I knew another guy who used thumb tacks! Those he stuck in and held them with glue. Then he'd put decal eyes onto the thumb tack faces. If you have a local fly shop, even better.

In case anyone cares about hook sizes/weight (#10)

I use several bags from "discount online retailers". The sizing of the bags is A3, A4, A5, A6, etc. Oh, and to ease your search at the respective websites, do a search for "A5 PVC Clear Bag" or "A5 Mesh Bag" I prefer the A5. Below are pictures with baits for reference. While both of these are A5, they are slightly different. The mesh is opaque, but you can still see through. In the mesh, I have 3 bags of poop and Bellows Shad. In the clear, I have 4 clamshell of Keitech.

Deps recommends 5/0.

Oh! You can certainly use what you have. And it WILL work. But if you are trying a retrieve that rewards a soft tip, your bait movement may be different. But for just doing pops, pauses and twitches? I say you'd be fine. I say go ahead and report back!

Pretty much a copy of a Beeble/ChiBeeble Here's what they look like underwater

Yes, it's preferred for best action.

Both of those! Straight reel in is called "I-motion". Basically a VERY straight moving wake bait. As far as imparting action? Literally anything and any combo you want. Twitches, pops, jerks, pauses. There isn't a right or wrong retrieve. Twitch, twitch, pause. Pop, pop..pause..Twitch. Etc That's part of the fun of this bait. Judy throw it and experiment and have fun with your retrieves.

Like this?

The above post reminded me that I neglected to mention that I use this on spinning: 7ft Expride Light. I can cast the lure a mile. I lieu of a split ring, I use a micro R-Snap from Ryugi, size 0.

I'm really, really on the fence with this one. I love Japanese tackle. And this is indeed a beautiful little lure. I've been fishing with it everyday since it came into my possession. It seems to catch all species here. Everything is interested in it. And even fish that don't bite it, follow it all the way. I've sometimes had 3 fish in hot pursuit! That being said, it isn't nearly as effective in my waters as it seems to be in the fan boys videos. Here, I'd merely describe it as "OK". YMMV. It's also really quite fun to fish! It's also easy to fish. And fool proof. Use any manner of pops, twitches and pauses and it should work. Or use I-motion..but I have yet to catch one this way. On the other hand, it's fussy. Almost any alteration seems to change the action. I think the hooks are poor and not very durable. There's no replacement for the rear Flashabou tail either..and I think that's part of the "secret sauce". And the price! I'm sorry, as much as I like these, the price is arrogant. This is a TINY bait. Surely it can't be THAT difficult to manufacture. And if you live where there's pike..you ARE going to lose some. Maybe lots. Even the thinnest leader fouls the action. So no leader. Sooooo...I wouldn't tell anyone that it's a "must have". But if you can afford it...I think you should try it. Here's mine. I've exclusively used the Wagin Oikawa KS color. It seems to be a good general baitfish color. The flash is noticeable well away from you during the retrieve.

I went to the website and didn't see the lure weights?

I use the Daiwa Bait Bags. Despite the way they look in the image, they are clear plastic. Overkill to be sure, but gosh...they sure are nice!

Thank you for the detailed explanation. The confusion for me was that I've never used anything but actual Owner Twistlock Pins. And they do not have an opening at the top. It's at the bottom. See image. So thats why I couldn't picture how the pin was opened. I suppose I could snip and bend the top to achieve what you describe. I use some thick baits and it's tricky to get a consistent "weld" deep into the plastic. Whereas the Mend It on a brush or stick easily gets into those deep areas with good welding. Perhaps someone with a more deft hand than I would have better success.

These were originally just a fitness watch, more or less. But as the technology got better, they just kept adding more and more features. I think this sort of thing is really cool.

I'd like a more thorough post on this, please. It's not entirely clear what you're doing. But the ability to increase the life of soft JDM plastics? I'm all ears.

That's great! Love old watches! I frequently wear a 1966 Seiko...but not for fishing.

When done, I use a fine tip soldering iron to lightly smooth out the areas I've fixed with the mend it. That is to say, you can still see the surface "crack" after you've used mend it. I take the soldering iron and smooth the plastic so the cracks are no longer visible. Seems to add some durability to the repair...particularly at the nose of the bait where the crank of the hook breaks out.

Substantial looking..

Nothing really special as far as technique vs. other weighted swimbait hooks. As least I don't do anything special. But due to the "Free" nature of the hook, the swimbait action is better IMO.