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 ?

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

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.  

*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 ?

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

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

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 ?

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

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