M-D

Update... I pulled the trigger on the mold and 400 of the Gami 2014 4/0 hooks. Got them all poured over Memorial Day weekend and very happy with the results. I kept 40 or so of 3 different sizes and the rest have already been bought up buy club members and friends! THANKS again for all the help fellas! This is an awesome site!

Think I will just stick with the Gamakatsu for now and maybe play around with the EC's later on down the road. THANKS again for all of the help guys!!

THANKS so much for taking the time to post up these photos JBarlow!! Looks like the EC is maybe a 1/16" longer which would probably not be a deal breaker but the fact that it does not fit a couple of the cavities is not good. Which cavity besides the 3/8 OZ does it not fit?

Thanks for that great detail Barlow! Can you post a photo of the hooks with the ruler showing the length? Looks like the 3/0 EC is close to the 4/0 Gama. I cannot use a hook any longer than the Gamakatsu 4/0 or it will be too long for the tube.

THANKS Again!!

I was hoping you would chime in smalljaw! Thanks for the intel, I think I will roll with the EC 111BP. It has been awhile since I priced molds and hooks, any thoughts on best places to purchase?

I am wanting to start making the tapered tube jig heads to fish tube jigs with using the do-it TUBE-TX mold. http://store.do-itmolds.com/Tapered-Tube-Skirt-JigbrSz-18-316-14-516-38brHk-410-or-413brCollar-None_p_1031.html In regards to the hooks, I am wanting to use a wide gap hook and am looking at the Eagle Claw L111BP and the Gamakatsu 2014. I do not have the hooks on hand to compare. I have been using some of the Stupid Tube jig heads and I believe they are using the gamakatsu hook. When I look at the images of both online, it seems to me that they are some variations between the two around the bend of the hook and the angle of the hook point in relation to the eye of the hook. Can anyone confirm this? I really like the Gama hooks but I like the EC hook prices much better. I may be making a big deal of nothing but I just have never rigged one of the jig heads with the EC hook and am worried that it may not rig as well as the Gama does. Also, will I have to make any mods to the mold to accept either of these hooks? THANKS in advance for your thoughts!!

LOL

LOL...I will have to arrange a time share option with her.

I hope your fishing picks up! The cold fronts around here have been really messing up the fishing. One last tournament this upcoming weekend and I will be trading the boat in for the archery equipment!

Hello cadman and thanks for the thoughts!! How's the fishing been buddy?

I have learned so much from all the good folks on this board and thought i would share something I did today that worked really well I thought. I cannot recall seeing this posted before. I recall folks talking about keeping the mold and hooks warm to help make the pours go good. I was wondering how I was going to warm the hooks when I recalled my wife's candle warmer so I snatched it out of the house when she wasn't looking, put 1 to 2 dozen hooks on it and covered it with a pie pan to hold the heat in as it was breezy today. Worked like a charm! Hooks were just too warm to hold for long periods with my bare hands but with a cotton glove it was no problem.

Thanks smalljaw!!

I am wanting to pour a bunch of jigs while the weather is still good and then powder coat them when I have more time this winter. Seems I recall discussions about lead oxidizing and powder coat paint not adhering very well, am I correct to recall this fact? If so, how long can you let the raw lead sit before it becomes a problem? Can I put the raw jig heads in Ziploc bags or vac seal them or some other method to prevent them from oxidizing?

I have just started on my first build. I used these plans, http://www.rodbuildi...y/buildjig.html and modified it to what I thought would be a good version. (not 100% finished in this photo) rodbuilding.org is a great site for the details you seek. Good luck!

DOH...snap ring pliers, now why didn't I think of that! I will give that a try, thanks!

I have the basic skirt making tool and sliding the bands up the nose cone piece takes some work and the rattle bands more often then not are all twisted when I get them on. I have been wetting the cone with saliva and it helps but was wondering what the veteran skirt makers would suggest to make this step smoother?

Can anyone tell me what type of paint I can use to repair the paint finish on a Spro bronze eye popper frog? Specifically the all white frogs, one trip out and the paint is wearing off from the bass eating it. I know the fish probably don't care but I sure would feel better! For the price of these lures one sure would think a more durable finish could be done? A followup question, can I make my own hollow body frogs? If so, can anyone point me to some info? Thanks!

Thanks for the tip cadman! I have it sitting upside down awaiting my next session at the bench.

I never knew they made baits for different "manufacturers"...guess I should have known better as it is the norm for many products these days.

I have been filling the WG hole nearly to the top and putting the loose end of the WG in the hole. Maybe I should back down how much I am putting in the hole? I do get quite a bit of glue coming out after I insert the WG...

Hello all! Newb here, love the site and many thanks to Cadman for helping me get here. I am a longtime bass fishin fool but I'm a new luremaker, starting out with Arky style bass jigs. I have been using the super glue gel .14 OZ bottle and I have gotten about 50 WG's glued in and the bottle is acting like its out. Is this about right?

Neat video, thanks for sharing!