Dropper Jigs & Wire Bending

[TubeDude]

I love these tutorials, Pat.  I keep printing them, and passing tm on to relatives, etc.

I'm just as happy to use small swivels to make the chains.  Far be it from me, but something about the stiffness of the wires when I did it your way gave me trouble with hook-ups.  I just like the flexible attachment better over all, but of course the wire has a lot more applications, can be used in all different lengths, etc....

I know I SHOULD buy better supplies, but I'm often making jig and lures in small quantity and short notice, and even the Dollar Store or craft store has a lot of the same stuff, IF you know what characteristics to look for, and I can replicate some of your designs quite well.  For instance, bare floral wire is a good substitute for some things you do with your jigs, but a terrible substitute for other applications. 

We should have a contest one here just for fun, where people design and make their own lures from the Dollar Store (minus hooks and lead)  and see what everybody comes up with.  I've made an effective version of a Flig with double sided foam tape and little applique gems kids use to add bling to their phone cases.  Probably not AS effective, but necessity is a mother.

Thanks.  Glad you find my "Heloise Hints" helpful.  When I post something it is not to show off how great I am, but to stimulate the creativity and ambition in others to be able to make their own goodies.  I know and appreciate the local and plentiful resources provided by hobby and craft stores.  Even though many of the materials I need and use are available only through storefront or online tackle suppliers, I still acquire a lot of goodies from Hobby Lobby and others of that ilk. 

I have been "messin' wit' it" and making a lot of my own flies and lures for several decades (too many).  I readily admit that some of my ideas were better in my dreams at 3 am than they turned out to be when introduced to the fishies.  But I am semi proud that I have also come up with some really good ideas...and I almost never fish with commercially made lures anymore.  When the stuff you make works better than store bought it provides a double dose of enjoys.  And...as lotsa fish of lotsa species have reinforced to me...it don't always gotta be purty to catch fish. 

So keep on keepin' on. And never apologize for the source of your materials...or the final appearance of your own creations.  Just putting in the time and effort to create your own goodies provides a lot of stimulation and entertainment.  Even better when your creations catch fish.  But...as with many things in life...it is more about the journey than the destination.