Modify Ultra Minnow Jig Mold

[jdr418]

In order to get the head weights I want for spinner baits without buying two Ultra Minnow spinner bait molds, I was thinking about getting the jig head mold that cast 1/8 to 5/8 oz heads and modifying it to take the spinner bait wires. Has anyone else done this modification and how did it work?

[cadman]

Unless you want to make a 1/8 oz Ultra-Minnow Spinnerbait, I personally do not think it's worth all the effort to modify a mold when you can buy them all ready to pour. Not only do you have to put a slot in for the wire form, but you also have to modify the area where the hook shank sits, because the jig mold is made for a 570 hook which is much smaller in diameter than a spinnerbait hook, which will probably be a Mustad 32608N hook. Also you will have to cut off the lead hook eye on the spinnerbait, that will be formed from the original location of the old hook unless you fill it. Finally you will have to check if the new hooks will clear on the bottom of the mold and if the wireforms will clear at the top of the mold. Just some things to check before you start cutting. In all honesty everything is do-able if you have the time and plan it out.

[jdr418]

Cadman

I considered those problems and know that they likley could be resolved so long as the size of the head cavity is the same or close to that of the Ultra Minnow spinnerbait mold. I dont care about the 1/8 oz size so much. What I was after is 5/8oz. in the same mold with 3/8 and 1/2oz. These three weights are probably the most popular in my part of Texas. Lots of people throwing 5/8 in deep grass in clear water lakes. I can handle the mods to the mold in my shop. My thought process was to try and avoid buying two molds to get all the head sizes I wanted.

[ROWINGADUBAY]

I did the same thing you are doing with the 2oz size mold I would do it again because the extra lead is easy to take off and it is easier to make a spinnerbait out of a jig than the other way so you get a two for one

Granted I had a whole lot more room for error in the 2 oz than you will just measur twice and take your time cutting slo

Hope I could help

George

[clamboni]

I did the same thing you are doing with the 2oz size mold I would do it again because the extra lead is easy to take off and it is easier to make a spinnerbait out of a jig than the other way so you get a two for one

Granted I had a whole lot more room for error in the 2 oz than you will just measur twice and take your time cutting slo

Hope I could help

George

FWIW, i think a 1/8 ultra minnow would be EXTREMELY hard to get full castings out of with a wire form and hook eye inside the head. It's already a finicky mold when using the 1/4 oz & up, I just don't think a 1/8 would pour well at all.

[CarverGLX]

I did the same thing to a bucktail jig mold by cutting a slot for the wire using a small file set. Works great and easy to do. Just place the hook and wire in the mold and adjust to where u want it... look where it exits the cavity and then where it exits the mold and cut. Close the mold and mark the outside at the exit point and line this up with the same place of the cavity of the opposite mold face. Easy and fast, just check periodically to make sure that there is still friction on the wire to hold it in place.

If possible make the wire exit the mold at a more acute angle... keeps it out of the way of your pot and helps it stay in place.

[jdr418]

Thanks alot for all the input on my question. It is nice to have a knowledge base as large as this one to pull from. I have been casting lures and jig heads for years and have a good collection of molds, both commercial and custom. Sometimes in the past it was a matter of trial and error but input from other lure makers with experience helps in the decision making process,

[headstails]

In order to get the head weights I want for spinner baits without buying two Ultra Minnow spinner bait molds, I was thinking about getting the jig head mold that cast 1/8 to 5/8 oz heads and modifying it to take the spinner bait wires. Has anyone else done this modification and how did it work?

Hey JRD,

I know this is a pretty old post but wanted to share my input.

I have also taken the UM Jig mold and modified it for spinnerbaits. The wire comes out at the same angle and the heads pour great. We only use aluminum molds for models but for what you are doing there really is no need to spend the extra money for another mold. Small file, steady hand, and about 10-15 minutes and you have a spinnerbait mold. If you have not already done so...you can see the heads we produce on our site. shop.htlureco.com They are under the 'spinnerbait heads' catagory.

Best of luck