Pouring your own jigs, Thoughts?

[Mr. S]

Well I'm on a information hunt. I'm considering pouring my own jigs, it's rather inexpensive to get into and I would be able to use the hook and head style I wan't. With all the options out there in jig head styles and hook combinations I still haven't found any that suits what I am looking for. So, my question is what is everyone's thoughts on the process, costs? I have the time, and since I work nights it would give me something to do in the cold months' to do when it's dark and too bad out to go fishing. I'm mainly thinking Crappie jigs at the moment but I have priced Bass jigs recently and it's ridiculous they want $5-$6 bucks for a jig. I remember paying $10 for a dozen.

 

[DonMojito]

Hi,

long story to answer...but let me try from my experience for walleys (just jigheads)

1.) Raw material
- lead should be easy to get from several locations
- hooks i never did my own, so mayby bying is cheaper

2.) Die
- one timers can be made from clay and baked in the oven, do multiple in one shot (push in hooks eye first before baking)
- better let someone with a milling machine do you 2-pice shell type die (Hook-letthrough is the toughest part)

3.) melting
- old pan and a gas burner can be used
- lead is poisonous - the fumes even more!
- if you recycle old garbadge material you do not know what might be in there aditional
- the dirt can be removed from the surface of meted material with a piece of wood easy

4.) casting
- pre heat die
- fill in right ammount of material
- after heat so the surface gets very even
- let cool and enjoy your homemade Jigheads

maybe looking for deals is cheaper and more healty but making it our own definitley is more fun

Don

 

[bassinbrian]

I pour my own bass jigs. Arky style and football heads. Lead is expensive if you buy from bass pro etc. Some tire shops will sell it cheap but it has to be melted and cleaned. I enjoy the whole process. I really enjoy catching a big Ole bass on my jig!

 

[sdfd29]

I pour a lot of different lures/jig heads. It can be a lot of fun, but can get to be expensive quickly as well. Look at the Tackle Underground http://www.tackleunderground.com/ for a lot of tutorials and solutions to problems that you will have. It also has a great post on the handling of lead.

I have poured 1/32 to 2 oz jigs and spinner baits. It becomes addictive. I use my own spinner baits at night and have caught a lot of fish on them. It is a good feeling like others have said.

If you have specific questions or concerns post them and I will try to help you out.

 

[chillerman69]

I assume you've looked at do-it molds. Their motto is "when pride is on the line" they never say anything about saving money making your own. It's cheaper to buy hooks a 100 at a time. Better to buy a 1000. If you get a million, the hooks are free, just pay shipping. As said above, a lot of satisfaction in catching on your homegrown. It gets expensive quick and if you have A.D.D. you'll have a bunch of stuff that you worked your butt off on and won't use.

 

[Corynichols_1]

Lead is getting hard to come by but it is fun

 

[oldsoldier]

Mr.S
If you do decide to do it, I have a Do It mold for arky heads and some hooks and maby weed guards that I would give you. I haven't even looked at them in years. PM me if interested.