offshore trolling skirts - The Hull Truth

yzfpilot · 10-24-2009, 08:49 PM

Does anyone else have a problem with the skirts on your trolling lures getting tacky and sticking together after you use them (in saltwater)?

I always clean them with fresh water, no soap,and let them hang to dry after every trip. But, it seems no matter what I do they still get tacky and the tenticles on the skirt stick together.

Unless this goes away as soon as I drop the lure back in salt water I am sure it kills the lures action.

I use Black Bart replacement skirts almost exclusively. Could it be the brand of skirt I use or do you see this on your lures as well? Do you have a brand of skirt you use that does not have this problem?

Thanks in advance for your help...

aftergolf · 10-25-2009, 06:46 AM

Islander makes a skirt spray that I used on several that are like that and works well.

Sam Salmon · 10-25-2009, 11:45 AM

Food grade silicon spray-or email Bart and ask him about it he's a friendly knowledgeable guy.

oldguy · 10-25-2009, 12:08 PM

Purchase food grade silicone in the pump bottle from a local dive shop. It works well. DO NOT use the stuff in a spray can. The propellant is hydrocarbon based and will destroy your tackle (as well as weather striping around car doors, masks, fins, etc.)

yzfpilot · 10-25-2009, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I will give the silicone a try and let you know how it goes.

Talk to you soon.

Patudo · 10-25-2009, 03:53 PM

I've seen something like this happen before on a few different brand skirts. Maybe the plasticiser migrates to the surface and causes the skirts to stick together. I don't really think it's an issue - is it really likely to have an effect on lure action?

yzfpilot · 10-25-2009, 04:35 PM

I can't say with authority that if affects the action but it seems like it would be the equivalent of taking a brand new lure and tying a rubberband around the end of the skirt. That is essentially what you have when they are all stuck together.

As a sort of related question, where do you buy your replacement skirts? Do you get them online or at the local tackle shop? I am trying to find a good source for skirts without the white eyes painted on them.

Patudo · 10-25-2009, 05:08 PM

From what I've seen of the Ocean Lure skirts that Bart uses, they don't seem to stick together that bad. The skirts may cling to each other somewhat but can be separated fairly easily, not like tying a rubberband around the end of the skirt. Have you any photos of what your lures are looking like, when they're dry and when they come out of the water? Heat and humidity in storage could be a factor. I find most good skirt brands are pretty good in that respect nowadays though... the ones I used to have trouble with gumming up and going tended to be the cheap and cheerful ones. Bart's tail pieces are tailored to fit the Ocean skirts and he would probably recommend you stick with them, but if you're having a lot of trouble with them and really feel it is affecting your catch rate you could try another brand such as Big T.

Most of my larger lures are skirted with naugahyde type glitter vinyl which I cut myself by hand, but for those heads that I prefer skirting with commercial skirts, I keep an eye out for good-looking skirts everywhere I go (pun not intended). They aren't always easy to find this side of the Atlantic.

yzfpilot · 10-26-2009, 07:37 PM

I agree with what you are saying. It may be more mental than anything else. Confidence is a fraaaaaagile thing isnt it. I spend so much time making sure that everything is perfect. I guess I just want to leave no stone unturned.

I asked the folks at Black Bart today and in all honesty (and full disclosure), I fish their lures almost exclusively and use their replacement skirts as well. They told me that they see this sometimes and they do what has been recommended here - either put food grade silicone on them or unscented pledge.

I will give that a shot so we can solve this little "problem" once and for all...so I can find something else to worry about.

canyongear · 10-27-2009, 10:59 AM

We have a few..OLC's in the rigging shop. Somewhere around 3,000.

Teaser Tails -30, 40, 45, 50, 60 - 23 Colors

Octopus Tails - 60, 70 - 11 Colors

Should be up on the site for purchase in a few weeks as we expand the product line, on-line to include more rigging items like line, hooks, tools crimps, etc.

Id be a little wary using a foreign substance on the skirts from a scent perspective, vegtable oil would be my choice.

When skirting, we use windex, as it is very slippery and evaporates so no sticky residue. IMHO.

WAtomcat · 10-27-2009, 10:27 PM

Now,if theres not a skirt there that suits I'd be surprised