Bending Darter Loops
 

I suck bending wire. Took me some time to figure this out. Thought it might help someone else.

First bend a U shape around a drill bit in a vise. Pic 1

Next, grab the wire with your round nose pliers and make an outside bend of about 45 degrees in the standing wire. Pic 2

Next re-grasp the loop with your pliers and bend the tag end back parallel with the standing end. Pic 3

Next pinch the loop down with pliers (you can crush it to get it flatter if you like).

Next trim to about an inch.

Wire and epoxy in place (very important with darters).

The further back up the slope, the deeper it digs and wider it swings. The height of the loop also can change the angle of pull and have a similar effect.
I like them low, flat, and just about even with the brow (subdued action shallow water), but haven't experimented all that much.

Moving the loop, or tweaking it to get it centered can salvage a bad plug. You gotta epoxy it to keep it centered. If you need to free it, heat it with a soldering iron and the epoxy will soften.
Don't use grommets, the loop will twist and roll out follow.

i found the high hoop made a big difference for me...



"Don't use grommets, the loop will twist and roll out follow"....what do you mean by this??...sorry, thought about for a second...you mean nose grommet...absolutely true.......never mind

George next time i get a chance i will make you a wire bender that will make that loop in a snap.

I made one a couple months ago. I'll show him Friday and see if he wants one. 5 seconds and it's done.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Should be ready by midsummer 2024 :biglaugh:

Lu's slower than me.:alright:

Not possible.


were not slow we just like to make you guys appreciate us more:uhuh:

HE HE HE HE :biglaugh: Im still waiting

I can lend you mine Chuck:uhuh:

:rotf2:

Not for long.