Thin copper wire is as flexible as thread.

Brass wire is not so good; it is stiffer, and too conspicuous in the water.
At the shank end a stout string is attached in the middle of its length.
Then the wire is placed against the rod, lying flat upon it for about six inches.

The strings are now wound round tightly in opposite directions, binding it to the stick, so that at the top the ends cross and are in position to tie in the slight notch cut for the purpose.

A loop that will allow four fingers to enter together is about large enough, though of course it must be varied according to the size of the jack in view.

Heavy jacks are not often wired, and scarcely ever in brooks.
For jack the shape of the loop should be circular; for trout it should be oval, and considerably larger in proportion to the apparent bulk of the fish.