Does anyone make their own ice flies? I would like to try making some in my spare time. I would appreciate any tips if any one has any. Thanks.
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you should touch base with tubedude I hear he makes some killer ice flies
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[cool][#0000ff]Hey Clark, welcome aboard. There are quite a few of us on the Utah boards that make and use our own goodies. We have little "jig parties" once in awhile where we show how to pour, paint and decorate different kinds of jigs. Probably about time we had one for making ice fishing stuff. Anybody up for that?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Since you are new, you may not have had the chance to search out the [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?jump=forum%3D128"]LURE MAKING BOARD[/url]. Not just a Utah board, but both of us moderators are Utah guys. Lots of good stuff in there to help you either get started or to take it to the next level.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you already know how to pour jigs and/or to tie flies, making ice lures is easy. The good news is that even without a lot of experience or a big stock of materials, you can whup some up without too much time or expense. In the attached pictures, I am including a PDF file that gives a pictorial explanation of how to make some of the simplest and most effective ice jigs.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I do not do much SIMPLE anymore. Most of my ice goodies are all glittery and many include a coat of super spaceage glow powder that glows bright and lasts long. Much better than the liquid stuff you can buy for jig painting.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As you will note in the attached pics, I not only make standard jigs, in ice fishing sizes, but I also make what I call "PBJs"...painted body jigs. I wrap jig hooks with craft cord, paint, glow and glitter them, and they become long lasting lures...not just fragile jigs that get dirty or chewed up easily.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I also make some painted body ice flies...weightless...to use as droppers either above or below flashers or weighted jigs. These are glow also and really work well for "drop shotting" both under the ice and in open water too.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If we can't get a "party" together, I would be happy to have you over for a quick one-on-one "show and tell". I'm easy...cheap too.[/#0000ff]
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I'm ready for another party! The hard deck is here for a few months. So I would love to learn more on ice flies.
Thanks for the pics TD, you are always an asset.
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[cool][#0000ff]Richard was going to try to stop by for a session on using the glow powder. Maybe you two guys can rideshare and pick up some new ideas for ice goodies.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you want to have another party down there, get a couple more victims together and I will head south.[/#0000ff]
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Thanks, I have never poured any jigs before, but have tied plenty of flies. What are the basics of pouring? What supplies do i need and what are the most common sizes/shapes of the molds. Also have you ever done the type where you solder the lead piece onto the hook? Thanks for any future it advice.
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[cool][#0000ff]Glad to help where I can. I have never messed with the soldered hook jigs. Too much time and "foo foo" involved. If I want a flattened jig, I can make them flattened either horizontally (Glider Jigs) or vertically (Flatheads). Pics available.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Once you have a lead melter and a couple of basic molds, you need only a few hooks and you are in business. I am attaching a PDF file on jig molds, along with some on pouring and painting jig heads. If you are initially interested mostly in making ice jigs, then get a simple roundhead mold, with cavities down to about 1/32 oz. I have one with 8 cavities...4 each of 1/32 oz. and 1/16 oz. Of course I have and use a lot of others, but that is a good place to start.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The attached PDFs should keep you busy for a while. PM me if you have further questions or specific concerns...or if you want to come by for a demo pouring session.[/#0000ff]
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Beware of what you ask for
] The basic's seem to grow everytime I turn around. Simple list is a melter, jig mold, hooks, paint and brushes. Seems simple but can really strart to take off from there pretty fast.
Here is a link to a board with a lot of ideas for jigs down at the bottom.
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=184642;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread"]Link[/url]
Maybe after the first of the year if anyone in Utah county wants another jig party or ice jig party we can work something out.
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