A good lure head can last for years, but skirts take a beating. Teeth, sun, and saltwater shred and fade them, and a torn skirt changes how a lure swims. Re-skirting brings a lure back to life for a fraction of the cost of a new one and lets you experiment with colors.
When to replace a skirt
- Visible tears, cuts, or missing strands
- Faded color or a sticky, gummy feel
- The skirt slides back on the head or no longer seats snugly
- The lure no longer tracks straight
What you need
- Replacement skirts sized to the lure head. A trolling skirt set makes it easy to keep spares.
- A sharp knife or scissors
- Waxed thread or a small zip tie if your lure uses one
- Optional: a skirt-pulling tool or a smooth rod to help stretch the skirt over the head
Step by step
- Remove the old skirt. Cut any thread or ties holding it, then slide the skirt off. Clean the lure head where the skirt sat.
- Check the size. The new skirt's opening should fit snugly over the head's skirt shoulder. Too loose and it will slip; too tight and it may split.
- Turn the skirt inside out if your lure seats the skirt that way. Many offshore skirts are flipped so the collar seats over the shoulder.
- Stretch it over the head and work it evenly into place. A little soapy water can help it slide.
- Secure it with waxed thread or a tie if required.
- Trim if needed so the skirt ends just past the hook point when rigged.
Double skirts
Many offshore lures use two skirts: an inner skirt for color and bulk and an outer skirt for flash or contrast. Install the inner skirt first, then the outer. Popular pairings include a dark inner with a bright outer for contrast, or a flashy inner under a translucent outer.
Choosing colors
Re-skirting is the cheapest way to build a full color range. Keep light, bright, and dark options on hand. Our trolling lure color guide explains when each works.
Check the rig after
After re-skirting, check that the hook still lines up with the head and that the skirt does not cover the hook point. Then swim the lure boat-side before setting it in the spread.
For more lure care, see how to extend the life of your fishing lures.
