Dumb Question on Bucktails...

[Drewman]

I keep reading about people tying bucktails to coils rather than the hook shank. Ok, well, then what?! How do you position this coil in relation to the treble or single point hook?
Do you just slide it on the wire after the brass body and finish with another wire loop. Then split ring on your treble?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Southshore]

Another question: where can one buy the coils ?

[MRoberts]

I prefer making and using bucktails with coil rather than hair on the hook, because if you get a deeply hooked fish and have to cut the hooks the bucktial isn’t ruined. You just split ring a new hook on and you are ready to go. When you cut the hook on a hair tied hook bucktail, it is done.

When I build a coiled tail I put the brass and blade together then the tail then usually a weight to balance the bait then I either split ring a hook on a loop or attach the hook directly to the loop. With direct attachment if you ever have to cut the hook you can then just cut the hook off the loop and split ring a new hook to the tail.

It is easiest to build the tail from the bottom up. Start with your first loop down add the weight, the hair, your preferred lure body, the blade, then bend you second loop at the top. If you start the other way it can be very hard to bend that second loop working through the hair. Just a suggestion.

I usually get my bucktail making stuff form Moore's Lures you can call 715-356-6834 for a catalog, they have everything you need at a very reasonble cost.

Good Luck

Nail A Pig!

Mike

Let 'em go, Let 'em Grow

[Drewman]

Thanks much...all is clear now. Are you using an egg type lead weight or some form of crimp on. How much do you typically have to use?

[Gambler]

Drew,

Just a followup to MRoberts Post. You can buy weighted or unweighted wire coils 1 1/2" to 3" from Moore's Lures. I tie about 75% on weighted coils. For a lighter weight use either a bell or egg sinker, I counter bore the hole, in the sinker, so that I can screw the sinker onto the wire wrap at the loop. Then the bucktail, beads/lure body, clevis/blade, top bead and top loop.

Best price on 12" .051 wire shafts is Jann's Netcraft. Rienke in Milwaukee also has a good selection of supplies for making bucktails.

good luck with your project.

[MRoberts]

Drew, I usually us egg sinkers in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 ounce size depending on the type of tail I am making.

You may have to play around with weights, depending on your bait, to get the right action out of your tails. The wrong weight could affect the way the blade spins.

Nail A Pig!

Mike

Let 'em go, Let 'em Grow

[Drewman]

Thanks for all the replys and excellent info. Waiting for a wire delivery and then I will be trying out these tips and techniques. I have already made about a dozen...ranging in weight from 1.5 Oz to 2.5 Oz.
After making your own it becomes readily apparent that it is easy to surpass the quality of Mepps. I just hope they catch as well!