Well to start off i would like to start making my own jigs. But i dont really know where to start there is a store that sells the jig heads that i could get and the skirt material but what is the key to these skirts is it tieing them on or using the collar? Any info would be great.

If you use the collar, plan on them rotting.  You might try the collar and a tie from a loaf of bread.  It will hold them in place for years.

I think you are starting in the right place by buying heads and skirts.  Moving into lead pots/ molds/ lead/ hooks/ skirt materials/ etc. may be your next step.

I use zip ties for my collars.  Just buy the smallest ties they make.  I pull them very tight, and not only does it make the skirt stay on for an eternity, but it flairs the skirt out as well.

I can't stand rubber band type collars. the zip tie suggestion seems solid, but having tied flies, I tie the skirts down much like a bucktail muskie jig. it's very solid for years to come, is tight and compact and allows you to match the color easily if you're into that.

I can't stand rubber band type collars. the zip tie suggestion seems solid, but having tied flies, I tie the skirts down much like a bucktail muskie jig. it's very solid for years to come, is tight and compact and allows you to match the color easily if you're into that.

Me too, but I have been at this for years.

For skirt material I highly recommend www.fishingskirts.com.  Good quality, price, and owner.

I've found 30 yard spools of 26 gauge copper wire at JoAnne Fabrics.  If your local store has it, it should go on sale every once and awhile for ~2$ a spool.  It comes in colors too, copper, red, black, green, blue.  I think that's it.  I use copper and red.  Couple wraps, twist, pull tight with plier on the twist, twist it down, cut 3 or 4 twists up, bend down to the side.  You'll figure out how tight you can go.

I use both a light gauge wire and a rubber mouse ear collar on all of of my jigs. The wire keeps the skirt in place and the ear collar gives me a place to put rattles. I also second fishingskirts.com  great selection to choose from.

Harshman