Fishing Forum

I haven't cast the first jig head yet in the pony head jig mould I won in an auction, and already I've searned some things. I had some unknown nickel offbrand swivels in size 12 that wouldn't fit in the mould slot cut out for the swivel. I ordered some #12's from a discount fishing supply place and when they arrived, the were size 12, but the middle was too big and fat to fit in the mould also.
Lesson learned .... You can't use imported crap from china and make it work. All the import stuff is junk, and I have to use quality crane swivels in the Do-It mould.
I ordered swivels from Real-Pro's in Canada, and Do-it also recommends Rosco crane swivels. Do-It mould company recommends using nickel crane swivels in their moulds.

Lots of research and learning about jig hooks and components to make quality jigs !!!. I also want to try the long shank and 2X long shank jig hooks. A longer shank will hold more bait, or a longer plastic grub increasing the size/look of the bait, and maybe helping the bait to fall a bit slower, keeping the jig in the strike zone longer.
I'm looking forward to getting done soon. Jigs are my favorite bait to fish with.
Ohio Rusty ><((((o>
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[cool][#0000ff]I get my crane swivels from either Barlows or Janns. They both sell in quantity and the prices are reasonable. And, they are properly sized to fit pony head jig molds.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]No need to get too creative with long shank hooks. Most of the standard jig hooks work fine for plastics or for "dressing" with other materials. However, one of the things that pouring your own allows is to change the ratio of head size to hook size. I fish a lot of shallow water for big fish, using large plastics. I make a lot of jigs with 3//0 hooks on 1/16 oz. heads. Normally a hook that size would be on a 1/4 oz head, but you would be constantly snagged in the rocks where I fish if you use the heavier heads.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The flip side is true also. Sometimes I like to put a 1/4 oz. head on a size 4 hook, especially for ice fishing or other vertical presentations in deeper water...especially when I want to maintain better feel or get the baited jig down faster.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are always specialized situations that require a balance of size and weight to get the right presentation. That is a fun part of creating your own stuff.[/#0000ff]
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