Silicon vs Rubber Shirts

[Cy]

I have heard discussion, probably on TV about different jig skirts.  Some guys like silicon and others like rubber or living rubber shirts.  What the heck is the difference?  I would really like to know the pros and cons of each.

Thanks,

Cy

[GotstaFish]

I use Silicone for many reasons but the most important are color choices and the fact that they do not melt together in your tackle box on a hot day 

[Kzoduckman]

I started to use jigs with rubber skirts at the end of last year, and I really like the way the rubber moves in the water.  To me, it just looks more natural.  After thinking about it, and looking over my jig tackle box I realized that I was only using 4 basic colors of jigs, so the advantage of many colors of silicone is just not important to me.   Over the winter I have started to create my own rubber skirts on jigs.  For the most part I will be staying with my tried and true buzzbaits and spinnerbaits that have silicone skirts.  (I have 1 buzzbait and 3 spinnerbaits that I just always seem to use)

In my fishing, "Confidence" is a major factor in catching fish.  I think having confidence in a bait makes you fish that bait "better" because deep down in your heart you just know it will work.

I have that confidence in rubber skirt jigs.

[Hooksetter]

I don't throw a jig-n-pig alot but when I do I prefer the living rubber skirts. They have alot more movement than a silicone skirt. Me and my buddy dropped 2 jigs side by side in his pool and the one with the rubber skirt was moving all over the place. The silicone skirt just kinda layed there. Maybe in a finesse situation less movement would be better. Just my .02.

Willie

[fishinfiend]

Another thing that might be important is which type of skirt creates a bigger bubble trail as it descends.  I have no idea.

[McCarter]

if you really want a treat, try combining the two.  I really like a black living rubber skirt with a few strands of green pumpkin silicone in it.  A few other combos have worked well for me too.  My problem is putting the skirts together.  I have short, fat, sausage-like fingers and have a hard time getting the skirts back on the collar.  I was using needle nose for a bit but I break too many collars that way.  Isnt there a tool or something for doing this?

McCarter himself

[skeeterman190]

 Yeah McCarter theres a tool for making your own skirts for the collar. check out www.upnorthoutdoors.com/stamina As far a rubber vs silicone? Im a huge believer in the silicone I make all my own jigs and skirts. And ive been more than happy with what the results are. But as McCarter was saying try mixing both. thats something im putting togather now and have to check out.(hes got too many good ideas) -skeeterman-

[Cy]

Thanks guys.  I think I will try both materials and I will try mixing them as well.  Thanks the idea McCarter!  I am starting to make my own jigs that is why I am asking about skirt types. 

Ebond, try trying the skirts on using fly tying thread.  It doesn't degrade, at least as quickly as rubber.  It holds the skirt a lot tighter and helps it flair out more.  I learned this from Aaron Martens on some BASS show.

Cy

[Cheetam]

I knew someone would suggest permanently attaching the skirt. But the problem is I often change baits (both jigs and spinnerbaits) and skirts to match the conditions on short notice. So I want skirt collars that can last and skirts that can be swapped from bait to bait as needed. Has anyone found a collar that lasts? 

I had heard the Z-Man skirts held up pretty good, but haven't personally used them.  I think Jann's has them.

[Skulley]

I have always used both types of skirts.  I prefer rubber or living rubber when the water is cold............50 degrees or colder.  In the cold water rubber seems to look more natural.  Between 50 and 60 degrees I will use either or.  Over 60 degrees I tend to prefer silicone as they look more natural.  I keep both on hand as I feel each as there place in certain situations.

BD       

[dashaver63]

Any one ever used colored tinsel in their jig skirts? I've done that with red tinsel in green pumpkin jigs. Adds alot of flash in a clear water application, and helps in dirty water on bright days.

[Skulley]

I still have some tinsel type skirts.  They work pretty good in muddy water with blue bird skies.  That's when I have been successful using them.  They work good in the Hot Pond when the sun is out as the flash is what I think attracks them.

BD