Who Do-It's themselves?

[happyshad]

Coming into the fall - it is time to start pouring jigs and I was just wondering besides me, who makes some of their own jigs? Also - Would like to see pictures.

[cdj711]

Hi Tommy.

doing your own, you mean just leadhead on the hook or also bucktail?

i did lot of these (smaller ones that is) for fly fishing, but this was long ago when i was a student and had time for these things.
now i sometimes make some jig heads, but tying is reduced to a couple flies just the day/night before a trip.

best,
wolfgang

[tamefish1]

I have the molds, but lack in will and time.. Still make time to pour my own tails as they are the most important part of the jig for me. I mostly jig for flounder - but end up w/ reds, snook and trout all the time. As well as yummy flounder. Biggest for me last season was 9.5. This year I will break the 10lb mark!!

[omigosh]

I pour my own sinkers and a friend pours jigs then we trade as needed.

[shadrap712]

I pour my own jigs, sinkers, spoons, and blade baits. I tie half the jigs with hair. This is the only way I stay sane through the winter.

[nathanha]

I dont pour my own jigs (Its something I want to do some day), but I do tie my own jigs with craft fur, bucktail,Marabou ect. It's just something I do for fun in the winter. I also put together my own worm harnesses, and have been thinking of making inline spinners. I will try to post some photos this weekend, they turn out ok the fish dont mind.

I am a member on another site and we have an entire section devoted to folks who make their own fishing items like jigs. In fact I just took part in a jig exchange very cool to see what others are making. If anyone is intrested pm and I can share the website. Like here the members are great people who love fishing and helping each other out.

[edgecrusher]

How do you guys handle the lead?
Do you use bottom pour melters, ladles, home made melters?
Do you use any protective equipment for the fumes and/or lead dust.

I've been looking into making spinnerbaits - they are the go to for Murray Cod in Australia, however those points have been my concerns. Along with the lack of availability of Lead Melting Equipment (we are on 240v instead of 110v)

[Jason]

Nov 7, 2012 22:24:54 GMT -4 edgecrusher said:

How do you guys handle the lead?
Do you use bottom pour melters, ladles, home made melters?
Do you use any protective equipment for the fumes and/or lead dust.

I've been looking into making spinnerbaits - they are the go to for Murray Cod in Australia, however those points have been my concerns. Along with the lack of availability of Lead Melting Equipment (we are on 240v instead of 110v)

I make my own lead balls for Ocean Salmon fishing. I dont use any special equipment. Just were gloves, and melt it outdoors so the fumes disapate. Ive got a melting pot and laddle. And I just use my turkey fryer burner for heat. Runs off of propane.

[cdj711]

hi all.
i use an old stainless steel pot and an old portable stove.
just as Jason said i usually do it outside, but since here is not california and it gets cold and rainy in the winter (when there may be some time to do this instead of going fishing); for the ones (jig heads) i did last weekend, i went in the garage and left the door open.
of course its better not to melt lead and inhale the fumes, but a (fisher)man got to do what he got to do ...

best,
wolfgang

[omigosh]

I also work in the garage. I use a fan to make sure all the fumes go out the door. Make sure that you wash your hands after working with the lead. There is no cure for lead poisoning. It attacks the brain. I need to keep all the brain cells I can. Age is getting them fast enough, I don't need to help it along. Also make very sure that you don't have any water close to the melting pot. One drop of water falling into the lead can cause an explosion of sorts. Flying hot lead does not sound like my kind of fun. Do not store your lead outside where it can get wet. The water can soak into pockets in the lead and you have flying hot lead.
I wear safety glasses and long sleeves. Thick work gloves are also helpful. It may sound like I'm overly cautious but "once burned, twice shy".

[cdj711]

hi all,

first of all, yes it is very dangerous to get water in molten lead. but at the same time, i always keep a bucket with cold water besides my workbench when melting lead, because in case of a burn, nothing is better then lots of cold water. this is just in case of emergency and i can only emphasize again to be very careful when melting lead.

best,
wolfgang

[007fishfingers]

ive been making lead bodies or almon spinners for decades, i just use an old saucepan and a gas gas burner, set it up out side and wear gloves and glasses, simple as that, happy moulding

[happyshad]

I use a Lee Hot Pot for melting lead and pouring jigs. Also make certain I do this in a very well ventilated area - usually in the garage in winter - so heavy clothing like Carhartt coveralls not only protect - they keep me warm as well.

Some day when I get to "the list" I want to add an adequate vent hood and fan to the shop - just need more time and $$$$!!!

[shadrap712]

I use a Lee bottom pour for melting and pouring. I work in the garage with the exhaust fans going and wear a mask. A good pair of gloves and your set.