Flag Tails, How to Make?

[CaryGreene]

I discovered this flag tail on one of my Metal Lip Bunker Plugs and I really like the action on this plug and the way the tail flutters. Does anybody recognize what this flag is tied on? It isn't a piece of wire it seems like it's a lower building item of some sort perhaps what they make spinner blades on? I've heard of guys using the brass through wire that you would normally use when you make a cannonball sinker. But this very thin piece of metal is very straight and stiff and has almost no weight to it, which accounts for the way it flutters all over the place when you retrieve the plug. I have to tie a bunch of flags this weekend & and wondering how experienced plug builders our flag tyers approach flag tail making.

[Jersey Salt]

Expensive way- snip the buisness end off a siwash hook and tie as you like

 

Cheap way- get some ss wire and bend your own. Tie as you like

[bluerock]

Just cut the end off a vmc siwash.

[Kima]

Just cut the end off a vmc siwash.

Yep, if you like wasting money....

[chefchris401]

Plug wire cut offs is what I use.

 

That way you can make the loop as big or small as you'd like and can adjust the length.

 

I've use smaller vmc siwash hooks in the past like 1/0-2/0 size but not cheap.

[blackdogfish]

I just started tying my own last week. I saved the junky hooks off redfins and salt pros and cut the hook bends off. 12 ga copper wire would probably suffice as well.

[poopdeck]

I would leave the hook intact before I would cut the hook off. It looks like a wire to me.

[fshng2]

Looped Stainless Steel Wire Shafts.

Plenty on flea bay.

You could even use heavy mono. Tie snelled end first then put on bucktail then superglue thread work.

[CaryGreene]

Thank you for the many replies!! You are all very kind. I love this site, what a great community of good souls!

 

I have tried the Siwash hook method but have found the gauge of the shank to impede the action (I test in a current tank & observe) The tail I took pictures of flutters great and sure enough, it is indeed looped stainless steel shaft. Perfect for tying a flag tail on. Thank you again everyone!

[fshng2]

CaryGreene, where is the hook located and how many?

Could you post a picture of the entire lure?

[CaryGreene]

Sure fshng2. Here is the whole lure.

[CaryGreene]

Yesterday I ordered a package of 4" open looped strait stainless steel shafts which are for making Spinner Blades. The Item features a nice guage pre-straightened shaft and an open loop with a small tag. Once the first flag tail is tied on it, I'll slip it on to the back of a plug, twist fasten it with a special pair of pliers & get a picture up of what it looks like.

[massmike]

Hello Cary,

I 'll send you looped stainless flag stubs n/c. i have your address buddy. how many do you need?

 

Mike DiSanto

[fshng2]

You ordered exactly what you need.

Before you do the final wrap with finished flag fitted to the plug. Slip a properly sized drill bit shank in the shafts eye. This will help maintain the round shape on shaft eye while you do the finish wraps of the wire shaft.

Edited January 12, 2016 by fshng2

[MitchellNJ]

I use the cheapest wide eye hooks I can find and cut off the business end. Makes it much easier to tie in the vise. I'll either bend them on or use a split ring.