Not sure if jig assemble falls under lure making or not, but I want to start making my own jigs. I did a small amount of research, although I’m limited because I want to buy from 1 website I think I have it narrowed down. I’m just looking for feedback before I place my order. This is my material, open to feedback although I am ordering through tacklewarehouse and options are limited.

Skirts Unlimited living image skirts

BOSS finesse flip jigheads 3/16

BOSS skirt O-rings

Skirts Unlimited skirt tool for the o rings.

Thanks!

The only thing I would change on your jigs is to wire tie your skirts. Don't use "O" rings. They will fall off or stretch out and you will always have problems with them, and when you're fishing it will be a pain. Good luck

Thanks for the response Cadman. I fish the strike king bitsy jigs and they have the collar/band style ring, haven’t had too many problems with them yet. So I opted for that style instead for now. I’ll definitely try wire tying them, got any recommendations on diameter/material? I’m assuming either stainless or copper.

I totally agree with cadman. Those bands will rot and fall apart. Even a wire tie from a loaf of bread would beat the bands. I use copper floral wire from Lowe’s.

Some guys use small zip ties.

I tie my wire with wire twisting pliers from HF.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-safety-wire-twisting-pliers-57397.html?hftm_sc=93&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739207&campaignid=21901739207&utm_content=171677808942&adsetid=171677808942&product=57397&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901739207&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4cwUem1AwFM3bQ2mxdmIwvAq&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b84DiFYEaquUcVVU-fq6klwDCPZl_bq-sBrrFkPjrduYrppjj_QOJtoaArgPEALw_wcB

I tie my own, mainly because I couldn’t find the exact color combination in the available “premade “ skirts. I buy the skirt material from numerous places and create my own combinations. I use 280 thread instead of wire because it’s easier for me to create the different patterns I’m looking for as I can stack the colors in the sequence I want to create the desired pattern.

I've learned a lot from @cadman and @Jig Man over the years and I know @SC53 makes really nice jigs as well. I will say that I didn't use the O-rings as a permanent material for the final jig but I like using them during the assembly. I think it provides the flexibility to move the material around and helps you add some flash to create lateral lines and what not. Once your material is where you want it you can then add the wire, tie wrap or thread to lock in place as a final component. Cut the O-ring and your jig is done.

The O-ring method really helped me when I first started assembling jig until I got proficient with the process.

They are also good for that last minute "oh crap, I forgot to make this pattern" occasion where you can throw a few together in short order and go fishing.

Good luck

I also tie my own. I've been doing so for more than 20 years. I buy from Tackle Parts On Line. I've tried different colors, different sizes and different heads and I'm down to 1/2oz, green pumkin or black and blue. I like a head that stands up. For me, (in clear very clear water) that's important. I don't want a jig that falls flat on it's side. I use to use wire, not anymore. My jigs don't last long enough for it to matter. After using one for a couple of weeks, a pike gets it. I use trailers to add color. Much easier and more effective.

I spray the rubber bands with silicone (Jig-A-Loo, what else..) so they last longer and are easier to slip in.

I like mat silicone strands.

Here’s an example of what I mentioned by “staking” colors.

This is my baby bass.

Another example, black crappie ( speckled perch down here in Florida)

13 minutes ago, SC53 said:

Here’s an example of what I mentioned by “staking” colors.

This is my baby bass.

Another example, black crappie ( speckled perch down here in Florida)

Nice looking jigs

8 minutes ago, cadman said:

Nice looking jigs

@cadman thanks bud, that means a lot coming from you.

10 hours ago, NWfishing said:

I’ll definitely try wire tying them, got any recommendations on diameter/material? I’m assuming either stainless or copper.

As far as wire, I use copper wire. 24 Ga (.020) thick. It works really well. Just remember don't over tighten it, because it will break. You can buy it at Hobby Lobby, Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabrics. Any craft store. Also you may have some laying around from an old motor armature or a heavier extension cord that is broken. As far as a wire tying tutorial, PM me your e-mail and I will send you a tutorial on how I wire tie my skirts.

A tip for choosing patterns and colors.

What I do is try to match the prey that bass eat here in Florida.

I will research the prey types I know they eat here, then I find images ( photos I have or off the internet) and then look for skirt materials that match those colors. It’s been a bit of trial and error but I’ve narrowed down most of the colors.

If you take sunfish for instance, our bluegill, black crappie and other panfish are quite different than in other areas of the country.

I recommend doing the same for your areas.

@Siebert Outdoors has a great selection of colors that work well in most areas.

Incredible insight and advice, I appreciate it everyone. I have fly tying experience so I understand why thread works well for stacking and adding subtle hits of color. That is a big reason why I want to start tying my own as well. I want to add in some orange undertones etc to jigs. When doing a wire wrapping, do ya’ll just do a single wrap and twist until tight enough?

Shoutout to Siebert Outdoors as well, I placed an order from him a couple years back and was extremely impressed. He even accommodated my size request on a “random” batch I bought at discount. Really great stuff.

I like to do two because it holds stuff in place better. Sometimes if there is a bunch of components I will wrap thread around it to get everything in place then wire tie.

There isn’t a right or wrong way to do it. You just have to figure out what works best for you.

BOSS Fine Wire Finesse – FishingSkirts.com

These are very close to the Bitsy bug heads you like. Use finecut skirt material to get the same effect.

Allen

I'm another one who uses skirt bands instead of tying. I lose the jigs before the bands go bad. I don't make pretty skirts though. I mostly use just solid black or white.

I’m fairly certain those are the heads I ordered. 3/16 on a 3/0 hook from BOSS. I didn’t see the finesse cut skirts before I ordered unfortunately. Hoping I can get by with the standard skirts I ordered and pick up some finesse packs on my next order.

Thanks!

If you're making your own you can cut them however you want.

1 hour ago, NWfishing said:

I’m fairly certain those are the heads I ordered. 3/16 on a 3/0 hook from BOSS. I didn’t see the finesse cut skirts before I ordered unfortunately. Hoping I can get by with the standard skirts I ordered and pick up some finesse packs on my next order.

Thanks!

Jig on the left is a Boss 3/16oz like in the link above with finecut silicone. Right jig is 3/8 or 1/2 with regular silicone for comparison.

Allen

Thanks for sharing the photo! Definitely noticeable

I have wire and thread tied. Just take your time and it works out great. I made some with o rings when I started. They do work. These are the boss mini flips and skirt tabs from fishing skirts site. Jig man has been a huge help and is a great guy. If ya ever have any questions I’d be glad to help.

15 hours ago, Joedodge said:

I have wire and thread tied. Just take your time and it works out great. I made some with o rings when I started. They do work. These are the boss mini flips and skirt tabs from fishing skirts site. Jig man has been a huge help and is a great guy. If ya ever have any questions I’d be glad to help.

Those look great, are those the finesse skirts or the standard size? I’m excited to get started once my order comes in.

52 minutes ago, NWfishing said:

Those look great, are those the finesse skirts or the standard size? I’m excited to get started once my order comes in.

These are standard skirt tabs. I wana order some of the finesse tabs to play with. I like making the jigs almost as much as fishing lol

First attempt became a finesses jig because the upper or “outer” stands wanted to shoot forward over the head of the jig. I used a rubber collar ring for the first one. I’ll try a wire wrap and also try leaving the strands longer on the next one. That should keep them from wanting to angle forward so much.

I tried to attach a photo but it was too big.

You can use this to resize the pic. It is in the everything else forum.

https://picresize.com/