I retired this summer after 30 years on the road,now I'm looking for something to do on cold winter days.I'm thinking about making my own jigs,seeing as how I seem to have a high mortality rate,not to mention it hurts to leave $1-$2  a pop in a log on the bottom.Any thoughts?Is it worth the investment?Looked on Internet and it appears I can spend as much as I want.Thanks

If you have the time to do it I say go for it. I think the self-satisfaction of catching a fish on a jig that you made would be awesome. You might be able to make a couple bucks as well. Plus they’ll make good gifts for friends and family that fish. I think this winter im also going to try doing some jig’s and crank baits. Haven’t tried it before but sounds like fun. Good luck and if you do end up doing it post some pictures. I would like to see how it goes.

http://www.tacklemaking.com/
http://makelure.com/
http://www.luremaking.com/index.htm

I've been making my own jigs for over 30 years.  I have 4 different molds that I use for different style/size heads.  I mostly make them in 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 ounce with an occasional 3/8 ounce thrown in.  I buy my hooks in boxes of 1000, so they cost me less than 5 cents a piece, and I tie mostly deer tail jigs and between my family and friends I get plenty of them so I hardly ever have to buy them.  I dye them using RIT dye.  That's what I do to keep busy in winter months.  The raw materials to make a jig cost me less than 10 cents, and the satisfaction of catching a fish on something you created is worth the time invested.

I've always wanted to do the same thing but other things have always gotten in the way. I may have to really considedr it this year.

My advice to everyone thinking about starting, DO IT NOW! I wanted to start making my own jigs last season, I had all the gear lined up to buy and the money to buy it with, only to find out that starting this season my state was banning lead tackle under about 3/4 oz. So if you're interested in making your own jigs, do it before it's too late.

I've been pouring jigs for the better part of 15 years, mostly for Steelhead.  In '03 I changed over to lead free using solder I accumulated through samples from solder suppliers.  The price on the bar stock has really gone up, but is still a viable option for those with state restrictions which I don't have.  They are just a bit lighter, but the fish don't seem to mind.  I sell them for $4.50 each or $45 doz and have sold 20-40 doz per year over the past few years.  I field test quite a few over the winter as well and it is very rewarding to catch a fish on something you make.  This past year, I sent some jigs to a couple guys chasing Walleye, looking for the State record in WA.  They found a few over 18 lbs, but didn't find the record.  We'll try again this winter.


If I can help you get started, sell you some material, sell you some poured hooks, painted or plain, just let me know via PM.

JustDave