Shimano Lucanus jigs are renowned for their exceptional performance, attracting anglers with their effectiveness. However, even the highest-quality lures can suffer damage during use, from bent hooks to lost skirts, impacting their performance and longevity. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to effectively repair your damaged Shimano Lucanus jigs, bringing them back to peak fishing condition. We'll cover common issues like replacing bent or missing hooks, reinstalling a worn skirt, and re-rigging assist hooks with durable Kevlar cord.This detailed tutorial will empower you to extend the life of your valuable lures and save money on replacements. Whether you're dealing with a simple bent hook or a more extensive repair involving the skirt and hook assembly, we'll walk you through the entire process using readily available materials and tools. Learn to correctly tie eyed and eyeless hooks, and master the techniques needed to ensure a secure and tangle-free final product. With careful attention to detail, your repaired Lucanus jigs will perform as well as new, ensuring countless successful fishing trips.
Pros And Cons
- Excellent paintwork
- Effective at catching big snapper
- Hooks can bend or break
- Difficult to replace the plastic retainer ring without heating it
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Identifying the Problem and Disassembly
The Shimano Lucanus jigs are renowned for their performance, but damage is inevitable. Bent hooks and missing hooks are common issues, often resulting from snags or aggressive fish fights. The first step in repairing your lure is to identify the damage. This tutorial focuses on addressing bent and missing hooks.
Carefully inspect your jig for any damage. Once the damage is identified, carefully remove the assist hook. This usually involves pushing the assist cord up from the bottom, revealing a solid ring which holds the hook assembly. Pull this ring out and the entire hook assembly should slide out.
Replacing the Skirt and Retaining Ring
The skirt is a critical component of the Lucanus jig's action and appearance. Replacing a damaged or worn skirt is straightforward. Replacement skirts are readily available and affordable.
Before installing a new skirt, remove the old retaining ring. This can be challenging, but heating the ring with hot water softens the plastic, making removal much easier. Once the ring is removed, simply replace it with the new skirt.
Re-rigging the Assist Hooks
Re-rigging the assist hooks is crucial for restoring the jig's effectiveness. Use a high-quality Kevlar cord for increased durability. This guide demonstrates how to tie both eyed and eyeless hooks.
Cut a 24-centimeter piece of Kevlar cord. Tie the cord through the eye of the hook using an overhand knot, or for eyeless hooks, create a secure loop around the hook shank using a similar knotting method. Ensure the knot is tight and secure.
Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Once the hooks are tied, stagger them to prevent tangling and optimize their presentation. A small amount of tack glue can add extra security to the knots.
Feed the assist cord back through the jig's body, then secure it with the retaining ring. The jig is now ready to fish.
Conclusion
Repairing your Shimano Lucanus jigs is a relatively simple process, requiring only a few basic tools and materials. Following these steps, you can revive your lures and ensure they continue to be effective fishing tools.
Remember, taking your time and paying attention to detail will produce a quality repair. The ability to restore these high-performance lures extends their lifespan, saving you money and ensuring you have reliable fishing gear.