Jig Making?

[TexasRigger21]

I have become a strong jig fisherman over the past few months. Over time,  I've noticed that jigs are becoming more and more expensive. I am  16 and even with a job, I'm not raking in the money. So... I was wondering if it was worth my time and money to start tying my own. I've researched it and know whats involved.But is it worth it?

[PondBoss]

You will get mixed answers, but if you can save long enough to get the mold of the jig you usually use in the size you like, I say go for it.  I got my mold on ebay for $30, 500 hooks for $12, paint is cheap at wal-mart and you can epoxy the heads.  Or get the powder paint, it's a bit steep, but lasts for ever.  Skirt material isn't really bad either.  The hardest thing will be finding good lead.  Check local tire shops for the lead weights they use to balance tires they may just give you the old weights that are on the shop floor.  Just know there is some initial upfront costs, but personally I think it's worth it.  It's gratifying to know you are catching fish on the jig that you made.

[Comfortably Numb]

Get finished heads from Barlows for around a buck a piece. Get silicone tabs, collars, and the cheap skirt tool there as well as fishingskirts.com

 

No mess and jigs should cost you under $2 each.

[Teal]

Seibert outdoors jigs are very inexpensive. Jigs for 2.50 each. Heavy duty big O jigs for 3.50. Outstanding color selection.

But if you wana try yyour hand at jig making you can buy the finished jig heads from mike at seiberts for a little over a buck each. Then buy the skirt tabs at fishingskirts .com.

I would suggest buying finished heads first and then if you are satisfied,you can always buy molds and hooks that you like.

[Jig Man]

Seibert outdoors jigs are very inexpensive. Jigs for 2.50 each. Heavy duty big O jigs for 3.50. Outstanding color selection.

But if you wana try yyour hand at jig making you can buy the finished jig heads from mike at seiberts for a little over a buck each. Then buy the skirt tabs at fishingskirts .com.

I would suggest buying finished heads first and then if you are satisfied,you can always buy molds and hooks that you like.

That is good advice.  However, you will need to look for skirts someplace other than fishing skirts as they are having trouble with their manufacturer right now.

[smalljaw67]

The best advise I could give you is to add up what you think you will use in a year and then figure out the cost to make the same amount you lose. For example, if you loose 20 jigs a year and you are paying $3.00 per jig, well you know that is $60.00 so buy getting the same amount of heads unpainted, powder paint, and skirt material along with bands and a tool or wire if you want to tie, well it will be close but you may want to wait until you have some money put away to buy in bulk so you save over the long run. The other thing is if you want to do this to make a jig with a better hook and it colors you can't find then it is well worth it but if you are happy with what you are buying then stick to it because if you get into pouring it is going to cost a minimum of $200.00 just to get started and that figure is by cutting corners. If you need to get cheap hooks to pour your own, well it isn't worth it, if you want to buy 10 heads already painted and then get skirt material to tie, well try that first and see if you like doing it. Good luck on your decision.

[Downeaster2010]

You are 16, so that is a plus.  Yes by all means get into pouring, painting, and tying your own.  You will begin catching

fish immediately once you start to fish your jigs.  I started to pour my own over 40 years ago.  Real good jigs did not

exist at that time like they do now.  Get a Do-It catalog, and pick out a jig you want, then buy 25 to 50 hooks for it.

Powder paint is the best but a little expensive.  That is what I use now.  Watch some youtube videos on how to do it,

if you want to go this route.  I started with just dipping lures in Rustoleum paint, then hanging them to dry.  I caught a

ton of bass with them.  You will need a Fly tyiers vice, and a fly tyiers line holder.  If you can buy the biggest line

holder,  You should make a Bodkin.  Google it, and use a pin in a small dowel.  Once you have the parts, you are home

free for the rest of your life if you still like fishing.  Think about getting a different mold every year, and soon you will

have just what you need for cheap fishing.  I have 6 molds now, and looking for another this winter.  I haven't purchased

a jig in 30 years, and have a tackle box full of different colors and a jig sizes.  Fish some without rubber with a craw

lure.  Then add rubber and fish it with a trailer of what ever you want.  Can't go wrong.

[TexasRigger21]

Thanks for all the advise. I think I'll try my hand at tying.