SteelheadJones Posted March 1, 2014 Posted March 1, 2014 Hey everyone, I want to get into jigs this year however my state passed a non-lead sinker/jig law. I was hoping to get some thoughts on what jigs folks are using that are in similar situations. I was thinking about reaching out to Siebert. Any advice on what head I should learn to use( arky, football, brush, etc) would help as well. I would like to get comfortable with 1 or 2 first. Thanks everyone. Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted March 1, 2014 Super User Posted March 1, 2014 You could always make your own "jig" with this rig, which is essentially a texas rigged plastic with a shirt in front. Here's the rig, from the main line to the hook:- A stopper (I use a uni-knot made from left over braided line) most commercially sold stoppers works well.- A small bead to keep the knot from slipping through the weight.- A 1/2 oz tungsten weight- a Boss Punch Hub - this is placed inside the skirt collar- The skirt of your choice- A parasite clip (optional, but does help prevent the plastic from sliding down the hook)- A 5/0 Owner wide gap plus EWG hook (#5139 - very stout, I love this hook)- Your favorite soft plastic - pictured is a Power Bait Beast Hope this helps Good Luck A-Jay Quote
hoosierbass07 Posted March 1, 2014 Posted March 1, 2014 Hey everyone, I want to get into jigs this year however my state passed a non-lead sinker/jig law. I was hoping to get some thoughts on what jigs folks are using that are in similar situations. I was thinking about reaching out to Siebert. Any advice on what head I should learn to use( arky, football, brush, etc) would help as well. I would like to get comfortable with 1 or 2 first. Thanks everyone. Non-lead sinker? What state is that? You mean I could not use little bullet weight led sinkers or little led BB split shot sinkers? Quote
SteelheadJones Posted March 1, 2014 Author Posted March 1, 2014 A-Jay, that thing looks awesome! Thanks. Quote
Super User WRB Posted March 1, 2014 Super User Posted March 1, 2014 The practical choices are tungsten or brass weights. A-Jays rig is called a punch rig. Tungsten jigs are available, about 50% more than lead jigs. Tom Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted March 1, 2014 Super User Posted March 1, 2014 Check out Eco Pro Tungsten's lineup. They use tungsten instead of lead in all their weights, spinnerbait heads, jigs, inline siinkers, etc, etc. Although it costs more than lead due to the manufacturing process, it provides some benefits that you don't get with lead. First off, it's non toxic to our lakes or fishermen. Secondly it's about twice as dense as lead so you get a weight that is about 1/2 the size of the same weight in a lead version. This will give your baits a much better and more natural action. Also, because it's more dense it transmits vibrations better and will give you an increased feel of the bottom. Lastly, it's harder than lead so it won't deform like many lead weights will start to after a few fish. Another advantage to Eco Pro Tungsten's line vs anyone other line is that their finished are great and very durable. Check them out! Quote
Super User Jigfishn10 Posted March 1, 2014 Super User Posted March 1, 2014 Hey everyone, I want to get into jigs this year however my state passed a non-lead sinker/jig law. I was hoping to get some thoughts on what jigs folks are using that are in similar situations. I was thinking about reaching out to Siebert. Any advice on what head I should learn to use( arky, football, brush, etc) would help as well. I would like to get comfortable with 1 or 2 first. Thanks everyone. Siebert has unleaded jigs and offers them in a variety of head designs. I live in the Baystate and have the same laws. We have a lot of weedy waters so I use more of a bullet head style. Good luck. Quote
Super User WRB Posted March 1, 2014 Super User Posted March 1, 2014 Siebert has a line of tungsten jigs and punch weights. Tom Quote
SteelheadJones Posted March 1, 2014 Author Posted March 1, 2014 Thank you for all your feedback. I appreciate it. Quote
frogflogger Posted March 2, 2014 Posted March 2, 2014 I think you'll find that tungsten jigs are very effective - Quote
Super User iceintheveins Posted March 5, 2014 Super User Posted March 5, 2014 Glad I live in a red state. No kidding. I live in a blue state (Colorado) where the biologists here are ruled by an extremist environmentalist agenda and cannot be trusted to be honest, they have zero integrity. In fact they hate bass in most places and have actively tried to kill them in a few. However even in this crazy state they haven't tried to ban lead sinkers and jigheads yet. If they did I would be getting a rope. Quote
Will Wetline Posted March 5, 2014 Posted March 5, 2014 In 2012, Massachusetts banned the use of lead sinkers and jigs weighing less than 1 oz. in inland waters. This decision was based on the work of a Ph.d biologist who did an extensive study on loons and determined that when these birds ingest a lead split shot they die an agonizing death. I'm a sportsman not a scientist and I'm not inclined to argue with the science of this study. However, when I contacted state authorities asking for a clarification of the extent of this ban - a 1/2 oz. fully dressed jig is quite a different animal from a small, shiny lead split shot - I got a runaround rather than anything approaching a convincing explanation. I don't doubt there's a large dollop of politics involved in this MA regulation. Be that as it may, I fish legally. I use tungsten bullet weights and have switched from lead to a bismuth/tin alloy for casting jigs. As has been mentioned, there are sources for tungsten jigs. So, to whomever "no lead" applies, swallow hard and make the adaptation. When you've got a hawg on the end of your lead-free presentation you won't be thinking about the expense and inconvenience. Quote
Super User Crestliner2008 Posted March 6, 2014 Super User Posted March 6, 2014 Cadman's Custom Fishing Tackle makes many different styles of jigs, weighted swimbait hooks and sinkers. All non-lead and none are the expensive tungsten. Very reasonable prices too. Contact Ted Cadman via email at: chodor@sbcglobal.net. Ask for their online catalog. You'll be amazed at the variety. And if you want something custom made, he can do that too. Quality moldings. Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with this company, except that they retrofitted all my gear with non-lead last year when Mass passed the lead ban. Quote
bass crazy Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 I live in mass but fish in NH because I am only 5 mins south of the NH border but will be definately buy non lead lures from now on. Kind of confused as to what is allowed and not . Also will be keeping the Maine laws in mind as I want to fish in Maine. From maine originally. Thanks for the info Crestliner. Are you still using the same size weights as you would for the lead. Seems like the bizmuth type weights would fall a little slower or does it make much of a differance ? Quote
Xyndifor Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 Non-lead sinker? What state is that? You mean I could not use little bullet weight led sinkers or little led BB split shot sinkers? Non-lead sinker? What state is that? You mean I could not use little bullet weight led sinkers or little led BB split shot sinkers? MA made lead sinkers illegal last year. There's some exceptions like if the weight is 1 oz or higher you can use it. It doesn't allow lead jigs however lead spinnerbaits are still okay. Quote
Xyndifor Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 I've been using Eagle Claw steel football jigs. They're available in my favorite colors (green pumpkin,black and blue, black and red, and white). I caught a few big ones on them last year so works for me. I think they were 3.99 at dicks. The tungsten ones I believe were $6 or $6.50. Quote
SteelheadJones Posted March 6, 2014 Author Posted March 6, 2014 Seems like we have a lot of New Englanders on this thread. You guys also seem to be experienced jig fisherman as you have already made adjustments for non-lead. Any advice for me starting out this year with jigs regarding type? From what I read arky and brush jigs are fairly versatile. Maybe I should start with them? Thanks for all the into on this thread. Quote
Xyndifor Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 This is what I have been using. It's tin not steel my mistake. I bought them at Dick's Sporting Goods. http://www.eagleclaw.com/blog/icast-2013-lead-alternative-bass-and-football-jigs They're cheap so if you lose one you don't feel so bad. When I tried tungsten got really frustrated because often times I'd lose my lure on my first or second cast because I really started targeting heavier cover last year. Quote
Super User iceintheveins Posted March 6, 2014 Super User Posted March 6, 2014 Enviro Marxists make me sick. Quote
Super User Crestliner2008 Posted March 6, 2014 Super User Posted March 6, 2014 I live in mass but fish in NH because I am only 5 mins south of the NH border but will be definately buy non lead lures from now on. Kind of confused as to what is allowed and not . Also will be keeping the Maine laws in mind as I want to fish in Maine. From maine originally. Thanks for the info Crestliner. Are you still using the same size weights as you would for the lead. Seems like the bizmuth type weights would fall a little slower or does it make much of a differance ? They are a tad lighter in weight when compared to lead. Consequently, the fall rate is a tad slower. I've not experienced any deficit from that characteristic yet though. It really would be insignificant unless you are a power fisherman. Quote
Bobby Uhrig Posted March 6, 2014 Posted March 6, 2014 Won best New Lure at ICAST 2006 -still sell them all day every day-Cabelas -tackle warehouse--I was green before anyone knew what green was -Evolution Jigs -call me 732780-7383 Quote
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