An idea you might want to try to extend the life of soft plastics

SPOONMINNOW

Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
211
Like all of you, I got tired of tearing up my solft plastic lures whether on jigs or when using skirted jig trailers and came up with this idea 10 years ago. It's basically a wire clip that holds plastics in place and allows them to be used over and over even after catching 20 fish. I call it a grub grip.

First off, for you ball head jig users, no-collar is always better. The collar may hold the lure but splits the soft plastic at the same time. Soon the grub slides down the hook regardless of fish caught. (Click the images to enlarge)

example of a no-collar jig:
View attachment 22941
attachment.php


Next you need coated wire to wrap around the post (bare wire rusts):
View attachment 22942
attachment.php

I use 24g for most jig sizes above 1/24 oz. and a smaller diameter wire for 1/32 oz. jigs.

method :
1. cut the wire length as shown using a small wire cutter or nail clipper
2. hold the wire against the line tie post
3. wrap the wire tightly around the post once
4. clip the wire close that was held to wrap it
5. further compress the wrap with pliers so no loose end is seen
6. make an L shape
7. rig the lure and swing the wire into the body
View attachment 22943 View attachment 22944 View attachment 22945
attachment.php
attachment.php


View attachment 22946 View attachment 22947
attachment.php
attachment.php
View attachment 22948View attachment 22949
The wire doesn't deter the strike plus the lure is reusable far better than using a collared jig. I use the same wire to hold soft plastic trailers on skirted jigs and nose-hooked lures rigged on circle hooks.
Something to consider...I won't use lures without the clip
attachment.php
 

Hawnjigs

KISS
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
4,226
Location
Ogallala, NE
Good idea, nice of you to share. Where do you source your wire and what is it called?

I'd bet a clip onto the eye stainless steel version could make some $
 

SPOONMINNOW

Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
211
[h2][/h2]Walmart carries it: 270' for $1.77 It's used for floral arrangements, wreaths, etc.
Well worth it to avoid soft plastic lure waste and frustration.

I forgot to mention that though you may own jigs with collars, they can be removed to go collarless.
1. With pliers flatten the lead collar
2. with small wire cutters cut the collar just behind the ball head, avoid cutting the hook, and turn it on the hook to free it
3. use the cutter to cut as much lead off one side as possible. You should see a bit of hook
4. grab the other flat side of the lead and wrench it free of the hook. If it's not possible yet, cut some more off.
The jig is now collarless.
 
Last edited:

hookup

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2012
Messages
2,698
Location
VA
[h2][/h2]
I forgot to mention that though you may own jigs with collars, they can be removed to go collarless.
I do this all the time for the local fly fisherman.

Take a 1/32nd oz collared ball head and turn it into a 1/64th oz

Guys around here love them
 

skeetbum

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Messages
83
Location
Debary, FL
Good idea spoon. I use the thread on the. Olaf idea which works ok but not always as good as I think it should. I’ll have to give this a shot. Thanks.

and just a reference to what hookup posted:
I’ve long been a fan of small heads for UL fishing. My suggestion is to check the actual weight of the heads you adjust. My do it mold for a 1/32 ball head with a #8 sickle hook weighs in at 1/43. This works perfect for my gear and can be shot a long way under branches and docks. My collared 1/32 with the collar removed weighs in different and a 1/64 mold I have has a collar and comes in heavier and doesn’t perform as well as the 1/43 does. Just some food for thought. By dumb luck I found a sweet spot that works great for me. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, hope y’all enjoy your day.
 

Hawnjigs

KISS
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
4,226
Location
Ogallala, NE
For you lightweight ballers the Do-it STL-8S-A might be the only mold you need.

Altho designed for 2x hooks these molds will fit all kinds of hooks. I have the heavier heads bigger hooks mold and the 1/16 and 1/8 sizes I use pour exactly those weights lead free so they will pour heavier with lead. I like the 1/8 poured with tin 1/11 oz for shallow snaggy environments.
 

SPOONMINNOW

Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
211
I've found time and again that the jig weight you paid for is not what you got especially when hook size is larger or smaller. If the head of the jig seems smaller or larger, I keep those apart from those that are the right size though most times lure weight and size are the most important thing.
 

liftbyte1

New member
Joined
Apr 29, 2015
Messages
3
So, do you still thread the hook into the grub body with the straight pc of wire?
 

Hawnjigs

KISS
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
4,226
Location
Ogallala, NE
Right, the Do'it STL heads are visibly larger than the standard Do-it ball heads, in the sizes I use anyway. Sometimes the heavier versions are advantageous, sometime the lighter are best choice.
 

SPOONMINNOW

Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
211
So, do you still thread the hook into the grub body with the straight pc of wire?
I'm not sure I understand the question but I use the wire L for all jig head plastics Some examples:
1670446209505.png 1670447323871.png 1670446246967.png 1670446286101.png1670446333226.png

1670446368533.png 1670446659378.png 1670446724874.png

1670446389085.png 1670447184825.png
1670446447924.png 1670446482487.png

used with plastic worms:
1670446890293.png

Also use it with jigs added to spincast attachments:
1670446845210.png 1670447220070.png

Swimbaits
1670447120024.png
 
Last edited:

SPOONMINNOW

Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
211
The wire comes in handy to keep plastic trailers on skirted bass jigs:
Twist the wire once around as shown and bend the ends. Just be sure the loop has enough play for up-&-down trailer motion but isn't too loose to come off when a fish strikes:
1670447486757.png
Press the tips into the trailer:
1670447535856.png
 
Back
Top