Jigs are among the most versatile lures in an angler’s tackle box, and one of the key elements that set different jigs apart is how the skirt is attached. While performance depends on materials and design, the method of skirt attachment also plays an important role in durability, presentation, and ease of replacement. Below are some common skirt-attachment methods you’ll encounter, along with the reasons many anglers choose wire-tied (hand-tied) skirts for the ultimate in reliability and performance.
1. Rubber Bands (Collars) Overview
- One of the most common ways to attach a skirt to a jig is with a rubber collar (also called a band). The skirt strands are held in place by a small rubber ring, and the ring slips onto the jig’s collar.
- It’s an inexpensive and quick method—most mass-produced jigs rely on this approach.
Pros
- Low Cost: Rubber bands are typically cheap and easy to come by.
- Easy to Replace: Simply roll off the old collar and slip on a new one when the skirt is worn or if you want to change colors on the fly.
Cons
- Rubber Degradation: Over time, rubber bands can crack or dry rot, especially if exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures. Once the band snaps, the skirt falls off.
- Risk of Slippage: In heavy fishing situations or when battling big fish, the band can slip, causing the skirt to shift out of position or bunch up.
- Silicone collars are similar to rubber collars but are less prone to UV and temperature damage. They’re also used extensively in premade silicone skirts.
- While more durable than basic rubber, silicone collars still rely on a tension-based hold and can stretch or break over time.
Pros
- Better Durability than Rubber: They typically last longer in varying conditions.
- Easy Replacement: Swapping out skirts of different colors is quick and simple—no tools needed.
Cons
- Slippage: Though better than rubber, there is still a risk of slippage during intense use.
- Longevity: Even silicone degrades eventually, meaning a well-used jig will see the collar loosen over its lifetime.
- Thread tying involves using sewing thread or specialized tying thread to secure the skirt around the jig collar. The skirt material is wrapped multiple times around the jig collar and finished with a knot, commonly seen in fly tying.
Pros
- Customization: Hand tying with thread allows for detailed color or pattern layering, creating a more refined appearance.
- Better Durability Than Bands: Thread tying is tighter and doesn’t rely on a rubber or silicone collar.
- Less Bulk: The thread can be wrapped snugly, resulting in a smaller profile compared to bulky collars.
Cons
- Skill and Time: More time-consuming to tie a skirt by hand, and requires some tying skills.
- Thread Breakage: Poor technique or weak thread can cause breakage, though typically less likely than rubber band deterioration.
- Wire tying (often called “wire wrap” or “hand-tied wire skirts”) employs thin stainless steel wire or another corrosion-resistant wire to attach the skirt to the jig collar. This is considered a premium technique and requires a bit more craftsmanship.
Pros
Exceptional Durability
- Wire does not degrade from exposure to sunlight or water the way rubber or silicone bands do.
- Remains firmly secured even after countless fish catches, repeated casts, and heavy cover fishing.
Reduced Slippage
- Because wire can be twisted and cinched tight around the skirt, there’s virtually no chance for the skirt to shift or slip off the jig collar.
- Perfect for anglers who fish heavy cover, thick vegetation, or around structure where consistent skirt positioning can make a difference in hookups.
Enhanced Consistency and Action
- Wire-tied skirts maintain their shape over time, preserving the intended profile and underwater movement—important for jigs that rely on skirt flare.
- They often produce a more uniform spread in the water, improving the overall presentation to fish.
Professional-Grade Appearance
- Wire tying can be done with a high level of craftsmanship, ensuring that each jig skirt is neat, consistent, and long-lasting.
- Many top tournament anglers specifically request wire-tied or hand-tied skirts for all the benefits above.
Cons
- Less Convenient to Replace
- Changing colors on the fly is harder because you can’t simply slip off one skirt and replace it. You either need to cut the wire or use a new jig.
- Requires Skill
- Wire tying is slightly more advanced than using a band, but the durability payoff is usually worth the learning curve.
Why Coda Lures Hand-Ties All Their Skirts On Their Jigs
Coda Lures is known for emphasizing durability and performance. By opting for wire-tied skirts, we make sure anglers don’t “get caught with their skirt down” when it matters most—hooked into a big fish or competing for tournament winnings.
- High-Impact Fishing: Whether you’re flipping and pitching into gnarly cover, slow-rolling deep structure, or trying to provoke a lethargic bass in cold water, a wire-tied skirt ensures consistent action throughout.
- Longevity: You won’t need to worry about rubber bands or collars wearing out or snapping at an inopportune moment.
- Performance-First Mindset: We go the extra mile to tie each jig by hand because we care about performance on the water—not just producing lures in volume.
Different anglers have different preferences when it comes to jig skirts: some want fast color changes, some want a custom multi-color combination, and some want bulletproof durability. Wire tying remains the gold standard in skirt attachment for anyone seeking top-shelf reliability and consistent in-the-water action.
Key Takeaways
- Rubber and silicone collars are cheaper and easier to replace, but they degrade over time.
- Thread tying is more secure than collars but can still be less durable than wire if the thread or knot is subpar.
- Wire tying offers superior durability, ensures the skirt stays in place, and preserves the intended jig profile for the longest possible lifespan.
If you’re tired of your skirts slipping or cracking at the worst times, it might be time to switch to wire-tied. Check out our hand-tied wire skirt jigs to see the difference for yourself!