Hey all,

I decided to start assembling some jigs for my personal use. I need something productive to do when I can't sleep and I am tired of saying, "I really like this jig, I just wish it had some xyz in it."

The problem is that I have zero experience tying my own jigs; I figured the best way to learn would just be to just dive right in. But I do have some questions; answers to which might make my life a little easier and speed up the learning curve.

I am pretty sure that I can tie a skirt, but I really don't like those jig collars; of the jigs that I have purchased, I prefer the ones tied with wire. I just figured that if I was going to tie my own, I might as well make the kind I like.

I don't know how to fasten the wire though, common sense provides some guidance but... I figured that you don't tie a "knot", probably some sort of twist, but what sort of twist, and where do you tuck the twisted ends? How tight do you tie it, is there any trick to make it tight enough? It seems like you could just use those small zip ties, is that crazy? If you tie the wire too tight, will it cut the rubber skirting material. How do you make sure the rubber is properly distributed around the hook, especially when tying with wire? I really don't know much.

I ordered some skirt materials, wire, and jig heads. I have various needlenose pliers and a standard vise. Can I make do with this stuff? Efficency is not that big of a deal to me, just quality finished product. Thanks for helping out a true novice to jig making. I really appreciate any help you guys can give.

--John