Why sickle???

[rtark]

.... if you're losing jigs, you're using the wrong hook!!!

I get snagged as much as anybody, but I get my jig back.. thanks to Eagle Claw light wire hooks!!!

and 65 lb test spider wire???

[Derek Edge]

Just going to throw my .02 cents in. I thought I was going to love the sickle's for shooting docks and after tying about 100 jigs I was excited to get out on the water (yesterday) and give it a go. Well, verdict is in and no, I want use them any more. I lost every jig except one that got stuck. I was using brand new hi-viz mono in 6lb and broke them off every time. And I can tell you this, from a new jig tyer, I hate loosing jigs that I tied myself wayyyyy more than I hate loosing store bought jigs. So I came home last night and painted up 100 lightwire #4's and hope to get to tying them soon today in preperation for my next trip. Like I said, it's just my opinion, but I want use them any more for the docks.

[hair jig]

Most of my hook ups are in the roof of the mouth and they don't come off

[Bartman]

I love the sickles but hate fishing them deep in cover until my boss (old fly tier) asked my why I don't make it weedless. After you start you thread and get to the bend in the hook, tie some heavy mono (I use 14lb stren) and cut it around 3" long and leave the tag end sticking out until you are done tying your jig. Take the tag end and loop it back to the jig head slightly larger than the hook. Tie to head and there you have it. A weedless sickle that is best of both worlds. I'll try to post pictures but my camera stinks. I'm sure the old timers know what I'm talking about and maybe they can post a pic.

[rtark]

This may be controversial, buy I have caught lots and lots of crappie using 12 lb. spider wire and rarely lose a sickle jig with it. Braided takes a little getting use to but it is small as thread, limp and tough. You just pick the rod up when you get a strike cuz it don't streach at all. It is also really sensitve on a bite. People either love it or hate it. I know a few really successful crappie fishermen who use nothing else. When a sickle gets hung, it is really hung but the same can be said about hooking a fish with one. I LIKE the sickle hooks a lot, but only with braided line. Its all what you have confidence in. I still use 6lb mono when fishing for suspended fish.

[Bartman]

I love the sickles but hate fishing them deep in cover until my boss (old fly tier) asked my why I don't make it weedless. After you start you thread and get to the bend in the hook, tie some heavy mono (I use 14lb stren) and cut it around 3" long and leave the tag end sticking out until you are done tying your jig. Take the tag end and loop it back to the jig head slightly larger than the hook. Tie to head and there you have it. A weedless sickle that is best of both worlds. I'll try to post pictures but my camera stinks. I'm sure the old timers know what I'm talking about and maybe they can post a pic.

Sorry about the blurry pic. The mono flexes out of the way with no problem. The loop on this one could be a little smaller. If you want more protection, just use heavier line (less flex).

[PBUG2009]

seems like it would get stuck more

[Bartman]

seems like it would get stuck more

Please explain??

[MO QWACK]

I like that picture alot. I think the structure I fish would be to ( twig'e) for my area but in most cases it should work awesome

[Jubs]

I have never thought of adding a mono weed guard on jigs. I am not sure why as I tie them on some fly patterns that I have tied.