For most lure making you need the spring tempereed hardened wire I have a very good source but 250# coils are the minimum they sell. However, a quick search shows it available in 1# COILS ~223 feet http://tinyurl.com/qgcuhwp
Depending on how much is needed, you may want to do a google search for "Music Wire, Type 302 SS, 18, 0.041 In"
I checked the search term and wonder of wonders even Wal Mart sells 1# coils http://tinyurl.com/ofofxhv
Hagen's $12.76 a pound for .041 stainless steel wire
Oh, and if you want tinned music wire, Hagen's only carries .035 .040 and .045 this comes in 25 lb coils and cost $150
Try looking at McMaster-Carr. They have lots of different wire available. Tolerances are within +/- .001" so even .040 wire is acceptable. Prices are really fair though the Hagens price quoted above is really good.
If you buy wire from within the tackle industry you are paying the 10% excise on it unless you have an exemption on file. Buy it outside of the tackle/sporting goods circles and you avoid the excise tax.
Thanks everyone, I did manage to find 500 ft last week. I appreciate the links I'm going to be needing couple hundred ft per week for a couple months. So the sources are fantactic.
Thanks again Bo
One thing I'll warn you about is if you pull it to straighten it, it will stretch a little bit. 1 or 2 thousandth of an inch or so. So don't tug on it too hard.
Thanks everyone I did finally find a source thru ebay. not a bad deal either 14" straight 500 for $25. FM I'll look into Mustang in the future for sure. Started doing a lot of custom wire spinners, buzz and straight lines in the last couple months. Here is a frog I bent the wires for a buddy.
The bass love them!