During the winter I had a conversation with GMAN about the lead ban MA will be implementing in 2012 which will ban lead sinkers and jigs less than 1 oz. I can see lead sinkers being banned, but I didn’t know how I would deal with the rising costs of non-toxic jigs I’ll be experiencing a year from now.
During our conversation, he was asking questions about the waters I fished, weights of jigs I used and general likes and dislikes of jig styles.
I got a PM a few days later from him asking me to try out his finesse jig he can make with non-toxic materials. I ended up purchasing a few of them and I’m glad I did.
I ended up buying some 3/8 oz jigs. The head is a little bigger than a standard 3/8 oz lead head, but you basically have to cast a ½ oz jig to get a 3/8 oz head to make up for the density and weight loss of lead with I’m assuming the alloy he used. I’m sure he can let you all know what that alloy is if need be.
The skirt was tied on with wire, so you never get the feeling that it will ever turn over or completely come off on you.
At the business end, you will find a Mustad Ultra point hook that will easily penetrate any fish’s mouth let alone a bass. You will feel confident that this will not only hook a fish, but won’t straighten out on you.
I was able to get out and fish this jig. I paired it with an Xcite Raptor Tail Jr. Craw and fished brush, thick weeds and over chunk rock. Not a chip on the durable painted head after coming thru the rocks and is by far the easiest jig I’ve used coming through weeds and brush.
I’m glad I had that friendly conversation with him over the winter. He recommended a jig that he knew would flat out work for me.
Thanks GMAN, I’m sure I’ll be stocking up on these non-toxic jigs for next year and will have to get some of these made with standard lead for the remainder of this year.