Making it lighter, need advice

[fish_4_all]

Okay, let's look at this way. What would be the best way to keep something like 50-75# mono filament directly on the sides of the hook? Nothing on top or bottom, just the mono wrapped on the sides so it stays there. But it has to stay there solidly. The nymph rib would work possibly, again, having to keep it on the sides.

For reference, I would say the total width of my average tie is about 1/4 inch in a size 6 and 3/8 inch on a #1/0. I actually prefer a little wider but that is what I get now. 3/8 is a good size for most smaller ones and 1/2 inch would be perfect for the bigger stuff I make.

If anyone has some, take some lead core leader line. Tie it in once all the way down from the eye to the bend on the bend side, wrap it around the hook all the way back to the eye. Then take a pair of plier and smash it from top to bottom. That is what I do now.

[flatfish46]

It's quite simple go down to a med. supply store get some 10cc sharpies mix your acrylic resin load it in and inject mold.

[skiptomylu]

I have some Glitter D Rib Medium that looks at least as big as 50# mono. Now it's wider than it is thick though since it's flat bottom and round top. Side view looks much smaller than the other way. Maybe the same people that make this also make a large size? I don't know who makes it though.

Another product that I don't know if it would work or not is Pearl Core Braid. It is not solid, but is also not exactly round even though it look like it is. You would probably need to see and touch it. It's not heavy and is much bigger than #75 mono before your crush it down.

Skip

[CrappieKillerJigs]

i think if you used leather shoe laces or some thick yarn would work well because they would be lighter then lead wire but once they got wet they would hold some water so you would still have nuff weight to cast...with the yarn you could build the body up in almost any shape you want and you get a huge roll at wally world for a few bucks

[CrappieKillerJigs]

i used pearl core braid on my last swap jig with was brown

[Buckeye Mike]

On the mono, just measure the mono to the shank, cut to lenght, and tie it in on the sides as a base, add a couple drops of Super Glue, to keep it from moving, and then just finish your ties ?

Glad you got the floats wet, and you got the right idea on the tip.

[skiptomylu]

i used pearl core braid on my last swap jig with was brown

Think I have 6 colors in that, but not brown. Chart, White, Red, FL Yellow, Orange & Pink. Really pretty stuff.

Skip

[fish_4_all]

I just got 8 packs of mylar braid. Might have to try it although I will use most of it to make Mustad minnows and similar jigs. I never thought of super glue to hold the mono in place. Will have to try it.

Leather works okay and is better than some materials but hard to get it to keep it's form. I have tried to find someone that carries hallow leather rope I saw on a craft site but have never found it. This stuff was perfect. Had a hole in it all the way through and was a nice oval pointed shape.

Yarn is always a good choice but the crochet is so tight that I can never get the yarn to hold the right shape. I have used yarn and chenille many times and it works well, just loses the shape. It also hold a scent for an eternity with the yarn or chenille as the core. The oils slowly leak out over the course of hours.

If I were to use mono, is there a way that anyone can think of to shape it once it is wrapped around the shank? I think it is becoming a really good option for making them as it is clear which is good and light weight. Maybe I will try tying in 2 pieces on the sides of the shank and wrapping with mono over that. Maybe 3 pieces, one on top of the hook and 2 on the sides and that might give me my shape I need after I wrap it.

We will figure out something. Have lots of things to try now. Thanks for the ideas, one will work.

[Fatman]

Besides tying jigs I tie flies, and some of the guys from another board use this stuff EZ-SHAPE SPARKLE BODY

E-Z Shape Sparkle Body -- SaltwaterFlies.Com

Except for epoxy it's the only thing I can think of.

fatman

[Buckeye Mike]

If I were to use mono, is there a way that anyone can think of to shape it once it is wrapped around the shank? I think it is becoming a really good option for making them as it is clear which is good and light weight. Maybe I will try tying in 2 pieces on the sides of the shank and wrapping with mono over that. Maybe 3 pieces, one on top of the hook and 2 on the sides and that might give me my shape I need after I wrap it.

We will figure out something. Have lots of things to try now. Thanks for the ideas, one will work.

You might try wraping the body, then take a pare of needlenose pliers to smash the mono, it will hold its shape. If it dont work just cut it off and start over, and save the hook. GOOD LUCK