Jig Molds?

[love2fish]

I've been looking for some jig molds to feed my new addiction.....bottomfish. Does anyone know where you can find them in the area? I was thinking about 2, 4, 6, and 8 ounce size.

Thanks,

love2fish

[Nofish]

Englunds should have the jig molds...at least they did a year or so ago.
Nofish

[love2fish]

Thanks Nofish,
Can anyone tell me where Englunds is in Newport?

love2fish

[Mello-Yello]

Yep, Englund's in Charleston has them. Cabela's has them, and I'm sure many online shopping folk's have them.

I'm planning on one day getting setup to make my own. I looked into it this past summer, but backed away once I started looking at the initial investment. One jig was around $30 and would make 3-4 jigs of various weights. In order to have the full spectrum of weights, one would likely need 2 or more jigs. Then, you need to buy the type of hooks that the jigs are made for, as other brand hooks don't typically fit in them. The hooks aren't cheap either. Then, you might as well get a lead pot for melting and pooring. A guy could easily go over $100 getting setup right.

Regardless, I'm sure a person would eventually break even.

My solution to needing more jigs was;
50# tuff-line
60# black plastic coated steel braid leader

You'll bend the hook before you'll break and the fish don't seem to mind the heavier setup.

[love2fish]

Thanks M-Y,
I checked some of the online sources, but I could only find the little jig molds. I'll try again tomorrow. I am also going to try your tip on the steel leader.

Thanks,
love2fish

[skein]

Love2fish,

Englund's has a good supply of all size molds. The fun (hard) part is getting the lead.

I've been molding my own for years in 1oz, 1 1/2 oz and 2oz. It makes 'em about 25 cents each and it's pretty easy. I bought my hooks by the hundred and saved some money there, plus you don't have to run back down to the store and hope they have them.

Have you ever poured jigs or anything like that before? There's a couple of tricks that will help you.

Englund's is right next to the Embarcadero. If you're coming in from the valley, turn left at the first stop light and drop down the hill past the Elk's club. When you get to the bottom, turn right and you are looking at the store on the left side of the road. Nice folks, too.

[Mark Mc]

Hey Y'all, here is a very good source:

dolphin sports / hilts molds

Just about every mold you could ever want.

[Deepslayer]

love2fish try these on line sources too. Softplastic makes his own plastic jigs and is a wealth of knowledge. He gave me one of these.
Lurecraft.com
do-itmolds.com
jannsnetcraft.com
luremaking.com
You can spend a whole bunch of money buying fun stuff at these places.
,\ed

[love2fish]

Thanks for all of the responses everyone, all of the suggestions should get me started.
Skein, I have a couple hundred pounds of lead in the garage, so I thought I'd put it to good use.

Thanks again,

love2fish

[Mello-Yello]

I sorta thought you might have a 'mother-load' of lead. That's usually what drives a person to start making their own. I do too. I've been packing it around through three moves. From Washington to Lebanon, OR and now down here. My wife says I should get rid of it. If I'm going to get rid of it, I'll do it 'a couple oz. at a time!'

[Slow Roll]

I would definetly reccomend the do-it brand of molds. We poured literally thousands of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 oz. heads for walleye fishing when I was younger in 2 do-it molds. They hardly ever mis-poured.
One thing to look at is how well the handles are attached and the overall quality of the mold. You definetly don't want an accidental leak in the middle of a pour. :shocked: Not a very fun experience. (I have a pair of lead coated boots from my brother and one of his "this was a really good price" mold) [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]
Pay for quality and you get quality and a lot less dressing of the jig heads after you get them poured.
Just my .02.

Paul B.