Thread

Guys I have done a search and havnt found the answer that I am looking for. :banghead What size and brand of threads are you using for tying jigs. Is Kevlar a good alternative or will it destroy a bobbin? Inquiring minds need to know. :Rofl

I generally use either a 210 or a 280 denier thread. I can't remember what brand I have been using. I think it may be Danville or something like that. I also like a waxed thread.

Kevlar is extremely expensive when compared to other types of threads.


Bobo

I use Danville 8/0 and 6/0 for all my jigs and most of my flies.
You can use the Kevlar or GSP* which are both very strong but it is not really needed.
You can wear out a bobbin with any thread if you start when you are about 4 years old and tie till you reach retirement age.
You only have to worry about that if you are tying commercially and at it 8 hours a day.

*GSP = Gel Spun Polyethylene - stronger than Kevlar. Used to tie deer hair and the like which will flare when tied tightly.

Are you using a ceramic bobbin? If not I would highly recommend that you give that a try also.


Bobo

I use Danville 210, and a ceramic bobbin is a plus !!

I use #6 or 140 Denier for small panfish jigs and #3 or 210 Denier for larger jigs.

Bobo, I currently have my dads old vise and equipment. not much but a place to start. I have wanted to tie for a long time and now I am going to. I need to order a lot of stuff and bobbins are among the list. I intend to get a ceramic one when I do. I am also going to get a Peak vise. This is all new to me and it looks addictive. I mostly want to do jigs because I don't fly fish. Dad traveled all over the west and Alaska fly fishing when he retired. He started fly fishing with poppers for blue gill and bass. I am hoping to be able to do some of what he enjoyed so much. Bo

By the way thanks to everyone who responded. I am sorry I didn't say that first. Bo

Boa3, you've landed in the right place. I have tied 1 jig at a fly shop with the kevlar thread. I'm heavy handed and found it very strong and small diameter. It would be good on tiny work but as already stated not needed for crappie jigs due to the cost. I use 140 and 210 Danville and flat waxed is good. The Peak vise is a good choice that will last a long time with minimal maintenance. I bought my Bobbins at BPS for about $8 each with the ceramic insert. Bought 4 and haven't hurt any of them yet. I also started fly fishing poppers for bass and 'gill with a junk $20 outfit with level line. When you go shopping look for some deer hair topwater flies and take a real good look at them. Made with a technique called "spinning" deer hair and then trimmed to shape. There is a learning curve and a few specialized tools but not too bad. This is very addicting, but mostly it's rewarding and satisfies my creative side which doesn't get much outlet lately.Don't be afraid to ask about anything you see hear or think of, one of us is sure to have an answer. Welcome from Middle Tennessee.

I have some kevlar thread, but only use it on jigs for salmon and steelhead because they have sharp teeth. It's not needed for crappie jigs, and yes it will tear up normal bobbins.

There's no need to go out and buy a bunch of thread if you're making jigs with chenille bodies. Just get some invisible thread from a store that sells sewing supplies. It's basically very fine monofilament. Runs about $3.50 for 400 yards, or 2,200 yards for less than $10. It comes in clear so it blends in with your chenille. I use it for 95% of my crappie jigs. Only drawback is it's very slick, so you'll need to use nail polish or head cement on the final knot so it doesn't pull out.

Personally, I wouldn't go out and buy an expensive vise right away. I started on a cheap vise from a kit, then upgraded to the Danvise I still use. Get an inexpensive vise and see if tying is something you enjoy and are going to stick with. If you decide to upgrade, you can always keep your first vise on hand for tying strung out patterns.