LedHed

Definitely a gold mine. Ditto Sagacious on doing it in large bulk and fluxing. Just be extra careful with the fluxing.

HJ “Is the VMC 8631PS a 60* EC 413 equivalent?” No - it would be the 635, like the perma steel finish better than the sea guard finish. The VMC 8631 is similar to the VMC 9131 – different points (think its cone vs. cutting point). Otdrzman The 32786BLN is really popular out here in So Cal for swimbaits. The gap is a lot bigger than the 630/635.

Don’t think Turnner’s has a web site – awhile back someone had posted contact information. Do-It has the semi pro series molds; No collar ~$120 Item #64 – 1/64th 10 cavity 10/12 hook Item #80 – 1/80th 10 cavity 10/12 hook Item #100 – 1/100th 10 cavity 10/12 hook Collar ~$150 Item #65 - 1/64th 10 cavity 10/12 hook Item #81 - 1/80th 10 cavity 10/12 hook Hilt’s has roundhead no collar that list for ~$35; 100-trout-4 1/100th 4 cavity mold 80-trout-4 1/80th 4 cavity mold 64-trout-4 1/64th 4 cavity mold

Make a jig using two nails (diameter the width of your bend) and a board. Space the nails apart at the length of the wire form and secure the nails to the board. Bend the wire around the nails and trim.

Otdrzman Take out the center pin in your mold with a dremel or a file and try the Mustad (bang for the buck) 32786 BLN or Gamakatsu 604 (very good mid priced). You can also use Owner (high dollar) 5319-159 5/0 or 5317-148 4/0. If you can find it - the VMC 8631PS is a top notch hook (not offered in the US anymore). Barlow’s and Stamina are good for smaller orders. You might find other TU members to split larger bulk lots….

BLT Is that a new item from Component Sys.? Don't remember seeing paint pens. Hope to see your report on how they do - soon. Stream Stalker & BLT Are the Elmer's or CS pens enamel or acrylic?

Are you talking about ice jigs that you solder hooks to blades or ultra-lite round head jigs (1/80th or 1/100th, Hilt's has both molds)? Turnner's has a jig that is 1/128th and 1/256th with a #12 hook. You see the heads on eBay every once in awhile. Also the molds for soldering hooks to blades come up every once in awhile.

Nice looking flies mickalo. bc Another good source for wire (different colors) is from small electrical motors (AC and DC). Now days - you can find all kinds of wire from the usual fly tying material outlets also.

Maltrout A lot of jig makers, especially for saltwater, use Devcon 2T for a protective overcoat or to secure 3-D eyes to the jig. You can use thinned down 2T (with glitter mixed in)) on thread wraps for a very tough finish. You can use both FP (fingernail polish – both acrylic and enamel) and Devcon 2T. Not only does it add protection to the lure/eyes it also enhances the colors and brings out the luster in glitters, especially when you use illusion powder paint - almost a 3-D effect. I tape my jigs to the section dividers that come with plastic storage boxes. Mix up a batch of 2T, apply, and stick the dividers in the box to let cure. The stuff levels out well enough on its own. I have a picture posted in the jig section of the Gallery of some of the saltwater jigs drying. Or, like BV posted earlier – use a drying wheel.

Excellent work pikeman..

For markers - Sharpie works really well.

Careful with chemicals - when you heat up the mold - they can smell and smoke. Steel wool if the rust is in the cavaties. WD-40 on the outside or surface. Reading Instrument molds are cast iron and rust easier than some Ament steel molds. You really have to watch out for the ebay "deals". Collecting old stuff isn't bad but when you are trying to get functional newer molds - buyer beware - and you might be better off buying new.

jamie - interesting tool. TJ - Excellent idea. Where you @ in Riverside?

Isn’t the Pili popper (great lure BTW) made out of acrylic?

Lbifisherman429 Have made dubbing tools before but have found store bought tools better serving (i.e. dubbing needle – a shaft with micro barbs all over it). It’s pretty much the same for bobbins. Have found, in the long run, that high end ceramic bobbins are great to tie with but aren’t necessary. You can find inexpensive bobbins and kits on ebay. Most major tackle stores offer kits as well. Sometimes you have to be creative, like bassrecord, and make a tool for a certain job. A really good resource for home made fly tying tools is old issues of the Fly Tyer magazines. The fly tying tip section is awesome.

livelybalits Would like to see some of your jigs posted - not alot of pompano out here. If you are interested in a jig swap - PM me. JSC has some of my jigs - wasn't sure of the color combos you guys use...

diemai What a very cool site - thnx. Real eye opener - wish it was posted in English also.

It's kind of expensive for jigs - devcon 2T is cheaper and works really well. Good way to get rid of your old stock.

My Bad - double post

Florida Don Isn't moving to Michigan going backwards? Grimsbane That river looks very inviting - you don't see that in So Cal....

Benjamin Have both molds but never poured them with BLNs - should work fine. I use the BLNs with Shad 9s and they work great for saltwater. Like the Gammies a little better but not the price. livelybaits Have some pictures of saltwater jigs posted in the gallery.

What mold are you using? Like using Mustad BLN for saltwater. Gamakatsu and Owner make some higher end hooks also. If you can find them - VMC perma steel.

Thnx SmokeyJ also - nice tips - GY is a top notch operation (great customer service).