About 2 years ago BC (before Covid) CowboyPirate and Cookie graciously provided their garage for a show and tell on Making Fligs. I think we had about a dozen or so potential “fligologists” show up for the session. Since then I have had a few requests to hold another class…and since I got my GoPro camera I have had even more requests to make a video. I posted up a video last week on “Fligs Catch Fish”…with a lot of fish porn. Since then I have been working on this video for “MAKE YOUR OWN FLIGS”. As with the previous video, I have had to rely on using a lot of photos taken over the years to help put this together. If I had tried to shoot “how to” video of all the different aspects of making fligs it would have become an unendurably lengthy production. The actual video ended up just under 39 minutes…with no popcorn. Apologies for some of the quality problems in transferring photos to the computer screen and then shooting with the GoPro. But it was about the best I could do with what I have to work with. I think I have at least captured the most important aspects for anyone who wants to venture into “Fligville”. I really don’t do group sessions anymore. But as more than a few BFTers will verify, I am always willing to do one-on-one classes with any sincere member who really wants to learn any aspect of tackle craft. So, if you are left with unanswered questions…or need up close and personal visual tutoring, let me know and I will try to set up a personal tutorial.
Been reading your posts on here for years about fligs and now know how you make them. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and walk us through the process step-by-step.
I appreciate your appreciation. If you like my stuff, there are quite a few little "how to" videos I can make to share. As a lot of you know, I have a bunch of PDF writeups on various aspects of tacklecraft. Most of those could easily be turned into videos. Thinking about such topics as "Making Leadhead Jigs", "Basic Fly Tying", "Rod Building and Repair", "Working With Wire...Making Spinners And Other Lures With Wire", etc.
Looks like Mama Nature is going to get a bit weathery for awhile...and it won't be long until I can't launch my tube through the ice. So I am likely to have some more time on my hands. Might as well share some of the good stuff I have learned from others over the years. And now that I have my GoPro it will be easier.
If anyone has any special interests that I might be able to help with, I am open to requests.
I have downloaded your pdf files that you have posted here for years so thank you for those write-ups also. I for one will be watching any video you make. Understanding how to do something is much easier when I can see the build process in action.
(10-15-2021, 06:09 PM)joatmon Wrote: Thanks Pat. This video has inspired me to try and make a few. Thanks for sharing wealth of knowledge!
Welcome, sir. If you and Craig ever want to come by for a show and tell session that might shorten your learning curve. Craig has been here before so he knows the way.
I'm well started on my video for Flig Rigging, Baits and Techniques. That should help with knowing what to do with the darned things once you make some.
(10-15-2021, 06:09 PM)joatmon Wrote: Thanks Pat. This video has inspired me to try and make a few. Thanks for sharing wealth of knowledge!
Welcome, sir. If you and Craig ever want to come by for a show and tell session that might shorten your learning curve. Craig has been here before so he knows the way.
I'm well started on my video for Flig Rigging, Baits and Techniques. That should help with knowing what to do with the darned things once you make some.
I'm meeting Craig in a couple of hours to work on his boat and I'll ask him. Hopefully we can get him running and out on the lake. And yes, I was wondering about the rigging. I've tried a few of Northland's floating jigs under the ice, and didn't see much luck there (maybe I'm not patient enough or wasn't holding my right...). So any thoughts on rigging fligs under the ice would be much appreciated.
(10-15-2021, 07:58 PM)joatmon Wrote: I'm meeting Craig in a couple of hours to work on his boat and I'll ask him. Hopefully we can get him running and out on the lake. And yes, I was wondering about the rigging. I've tried a few of Northland's floating jigs under the ice, and didn't see much luck there (maybe I'm not patient enough or wasn't holding my right...). So any thoughts on rigging fligs under the ice would be much appreciated.
This last year was the first for making and trying fligs under the ice. I don't ice fish anymore but had a few other adventurous souls try some with encouraging results.
Here is the PDF file I put together as a guideline. The two or three main factors are flig size, rigging and bait. Hopefully this will give you some ideas on how to make them work for you.
Thanks Pat, that will be useful. I have been trying to gather/find the "ingredients" and have a few questions:
What do you use for the bit to cut plugs? You mentioned rod blanks, but I don't have any of those. Also, what do you add to neck it down to fit in a drill chuck and be stable?
Is there a "go by" for determining length and diameter of plugs relative to hook gap and length? I assume you don't want to fill the hook gap?
Is there a place to buy Matzuo sickle jig hooks? I can't seem to find any online. Are the Eagle Claw or Mustad sickle jig hooks comparable? I do have some #6 aberdeen jig hooks left over from tying balanced leach flies for ice fishing last winter and may start with those for "practice" on some ice fligs.
(10-21-2021, 04:43 PM)joatmon Wrote: Thanks Pat, that will be useful. I have been trying to gather/find the "ingredients" and have a few questions:
What do you use for the bit to cut plugs? You mentioned rod blanks, but I don't have any of those. Also, what do you add to neck it down to fit in a drill chuck and be stable? If you guys are able to come up, I will help you make a couple of plug cutters. I usually use a piece of 1/4" wood dowel...wrapped with masking tape to fit snugly. Since I have been building and repairing rods for many years, I have a whole bunch of rod blank pieces.
Is there a "go by" for determining length and diameter of plugs relative to hook gap and length? I assume you don't want to fill the hook gap? Definitely wanna leave plenty of hook gap to grab "inquiring" fish. You can generally get a good feel just by placing hooks next to the plug. But I can make suggestions or help you with a sizing chart.
Is there a place to buy Matzuo sickle jig hooks? I can't seem to find any online. Are the Eagle Claw or Mustad sickle jig hooks comparable? I do have some #6 aberdeen jig hooks left over from tying balanced leach flies for ice fishing last winter and may start with those for "practice" on some ice fligs. Matzuo USA closed shop a couple of years ago and their hooks have only been available sporadically on Ebay or similar. The good news is that I bought a bunch before the hoarders got there and I can supply you with most of the sizes you need...at least in small quantities. The Eagle Claw "Nasties" have the sickle shape but the hook wire is wimpy and bends easily. You can use any hooks you want. Most of those available online use Mustad hooks...but most of them are not really good strong hooks.
right...). So any thoughts on rigging fligs under the ice would be much appreciated.