Can you save money, Yes. Will you save money, probably not. I am a bean counter so I ran some numbers.
At Bass Pro Shops Football jigs cost $3.49 each, Swim jigs $4.29 and Flipping jigs $4.99. If you buy 10 that is $34.90, $42.90 or $49.90 respectively.
If you buy your jig heads from a lure parts supplier like Lure Parts Online, and use wire to tie on the skirts, Painted Football jigs cost $6.70 for 5, Swim $2.60 for 3 and Flipping 4.89 for three in 3/8 oz. Then you need three skirt strips at $3.70 for 10. This makes the total for each jig Football $2.45, Swim $1.98 and Flipping $2.74. If you make 10 that is $24.50, $19.77 and $27.40 respectively. You are saving money. But remember every jig head or skirt strip you are not using is wasted money.
Now lets look at pouring your jig heads. A do-it mold will cost you $38.50. 100 hooks $22.50. 1 lb lead, enough for 42 jigs, $2.99. Powder paint 6.99. Jig skirts $3.70 for 10. Total cost to make 10 jigs is $82.53, 20 jigs is $93.63, 30 jigs is $104.73, 40 jigs is $115.83 and 50 jigs is $129.92. Notice that this does not include the cost of something to melt the lead with, pour the lead with or harden the powder paint. Even without these costs you do not break-even until you make at least 30 jigs of the same style and same color vs when purchasing your jig heads already painted. You do not break-even until you have made 50 jigs of the same style and color. You also have to have someplace to pour your jig heads (not in the house!). Which makes pouring them in the winter rather hard.
But how many of us fish just one jig head and jig color? That is where you start losing money. Buying more molds, different hooks, additional paint, and multiple colors/styles of jig skirt strips.
