First Cast Jigs...Winter Steelhead Specials

First Bite · 11-11-2003, 07:20 AM

We are excited to offer several Holiday Specials for Winter Steelhead. These can make great gifts for yourself or the special angler in your life. To see our Holiday Specials go to our on-line store at First Cast Jigs Store

Happy Holidays from Mark & Cindy

FishSniffer · 11-11-2003, 07:48 AM

I've heard so many good things about these jigs I just can't wait till mine get here.

Tight lines!

Greg

Salmon Stryker · 11-11-2003, 01:14 PM

Mark, can you make a few recommendations for chasing the winter steelies? I'm pretty new to the jig fishing scene.

RichH · 11-11-2003, 06:09 PM

Scott,

Pink worms!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Use First Cast jig with those great owner hooks. I'll make a believer of you yet.

First Bite · 11-11-2003, 06:27 PM

Salmon Stryker

Winter steelhead will take a large variety of jigs in various color patterns. On the top of the list would be pink/white. Any shade of pink combined with white will get you into fish. Other productive colors that I always carry with me are purple/cerise, orange/white, red/white, and several other combinations. Jig fishing is more then just using bare feathers too. As Rich H mentioned, the pink worm is absolutely deadly for winter steelhead. I like to thread a 3" section of pink worm onto a white or purple feather jig. Add a little scent and hang on. The takes are usually deliberate and vicious. On my How-To tips page I show in detail how to do this.

Tipping a jig with a sand shrimp tail is also another steelhead favorite. A like to use the medium size tail only and run the hook through the bottom side of the tail and then turn it over and run the hook through the top until it comes out by the tail. This will securely hold the tail in place and allow you to cast over and over without the tail coming off.

Mark

Salmon Stryker · 11-11-2003, 07:06 PM

Thanks. Rich told me that your jigs work and I'm sure they do but the day I fished with Rich I lost his pink one in a tree. It was a vicious take and that owner hook really stuck. :grin:
I'll order a few....I'm thinking meduim size...is that about right. Thanks again.

Rich, I'm gonna give you a shout when the steelies come in.

Chromatic · 11-11-2003, 09:22 PM

Salmon Stryker (and Mark):

I found out today how good First Cast Jigs are fishing the Wilson. I pulled in a beautiful winter steelhead hen, 7lbs and 24", that had first bit on a pink and white 1/8oz, 1/0 jig (I lost her then, didn't set the hook fast enough), then later I came back to the same hole and hooked her on a red and white jig. I thought for sure that the first bite would have spooked her, but I guess the lure was just too irresistable.

This was my first steelhead landed the Wilson and on a bobber and jig, so thank you First Cast!!!

Airborne · 11-12-2003, 04:07 PM

Mark, Is your christmas ornament a special jig that you keep for emergencys when needed break and fish immediatley? not sure if the wife would go for it on the tree however might look kinda cool hanging from the rear view mirror... your stuff is quality all the way.

steelhooked · 11-12-2003, 07:10 PM

just placed an order for the deluxe pack. i've never done this before and can't wait to try it on the siletz. just curious about how deep to run it?

First Bite · 11-12-2003, 08:53 PM

Chromatic

Way to go on the Winter Chrome. That is a good sign.

Airborne

Cindy and I thought about attaching a note that says "Break glass for emergency" It's the same jig we sell just placed inside a clear glass ornament.

steelhooked

Winter steelhead generally lay a couple feet off of the bottom. So run your jig in this vicinity and you'll be into fish.

Mark

Thumper · 11-17-2003, 05:00 AM

About once in a lifetime does someone come up with the ultimate product. In my Dad's lifetime it was the P-51 Mustang. In my lifetime it has been the First Cast jig. They are that good.

Hummingbird · 11-17-2003, 05:17 AM

Hi Mark,
I was wondering if you might be thinking of making a video on your Jigging Techniques? I think alot of people would buy it. I for one would definitely buy one. I bought several of your jigs a couple years back and have yet to really get into a steelie using them. I think my presentation skills need honing.
Are you planning any Jig Clinics this fall? One right before Turkey -Day would probably be a big success and you would probably sell a lot of your Jigs and other stuff. Just wishin.

Tight Lines, Tom

6horsekicker · 11-17-2003, 09:15 AM

Mark, what type of bobber do you use for winter steelhead?

6horse

Hummingbird · 11-17-2003, 12:46 PM

Thanks for the reply Mark,
I know you are a busy man. For us wanting to know, Could you draw a typical set- up? Tight lines, Tom

FishSniffer · 11-17-2003, 01:01 PM

And Mark, if you could, what's your favorite knot for tying these very nice jigs onto leader?

I'll look forward to that jig seminar.

Thanks

First Bite · 11-17-2003, 09:30 PM

Hummingbird

Here is how I like to fish jigs:

On the fixed float set-up, simply run your line through the cork and tie directly to the jig. Insert the orange plastic tab next to the line. Adjust your depth by sliding the cork up or down your line. Start off running shallow and then go deeper. Most of the time winter steelhead will be holding a couple feet off of the bottom.

For this sliding set-up, first put on a bobber stop. This is a simple nail knot that can be tied yourself or you can purchase them from my on-line store. Then put on a small red plastic bead. Next comes your float. I'm using a 1/2 oz West Coast Float in the picture. Some people like to put on a second bobber stop under the float. This will prevent losing your float if you happen to break off. In this picture I have an 1/4 oz in-line weight with swivels on each end. These can be purchased from my store too. Tie your mainline to one end of the weight. Then tie on about a two foot leader on the other end of the weight. Finish off by tying on a jig and you're done. The combination of both the 1/4 oz weight and the jig will make the float stand straight up in the water.

Some people think this is too much fuss and like to go with a fixed float. This is where your personal preference comes into play. One huge benefit of using a sliding set-up like I have here is the ability to cast long distances almost effortlessly. Also with the added weight, your offering gets down a lot quicker then with a bare jig. This will allow you to fish faster water much better.

Fishsniffer

My favorite knot is a modified version of the improved clinch knot. Simply run your line through the eye of the hook twice, wrap fives times around the loop end, insert tag end of line through loop, wet and pull tight. This knot has served me well over the years. Do a search on knots and you'll find other knots to use too.

Mark

First Bite · 11-17-2003, 11:49 PM

Jack, my friend, that is simply the nicest thing anyone has ever said about my product. Looking forward to hitting the NF with you this winter.

Hummingbird

Between my day job, running a business and attempting to sleep in between, my spare time is very limited but I would like to do a series of shows on jig fishing. A clinic should be in order sometime this winter. We'll see.

6horse

I use several different kinds of bobbers or floats as some people like to refer to them. When I'm running a fixed set-up, I like using round corks. Run your line thru the cork and tie at the jig. In faster moving water the corks slip under the surface simply by the fish closing its mouth on the jig.

For a sliding set-up I prefer the West Coast Floats incorporating an In-line 1/4 0z weight with a 2 foot leader of 10# test.

Mark

Hummingbird · 11-18-2003, 05:11 AM

Mark,
Thank you very much for the diagram and techniques!!

I think this will improve my Jigging success. Before my bobber would kind of set off a bit and it was difficult to see any soft bite or bobber hesitation. I will try the sliding weight set-up next time out. This kind of stuff is what makes this site a neat place to come to.I hope to see you on the wilson some day and give you a Barley Pop. Thanks again and Tight Lines!!

Tom

INK-FISH · 11-18-2003, 08:00 AM

I am still new to the board, but I can tell you this is not what I expected to see when I got here. This is great. I tried Jigs for the first time last winter and only got a couple chances to go out. I expect to get more time on the river this winter and will have to give these jigs a try.

I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but it wasn't this. Thank you. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Skilz · 11-19-2003, 12:34 PM

Mark, I'd like to purchase some jigs for winter steelhead and on your website you've listed the sizes as small, medium, and large. What would you recommend?

Thanks!

Kerry

First Bite · 11-20-2003, 08:55 AM

skilz

The medium size jigs are similar to an 1/8th oz and are the most popular size for winter steelhead.

Mark

GutZ · 11-25-2003, 02:14 PM

do you offer any quantity discounts?

First Bite · 11-25-2003, 05:10 PM

GutZ

Shoot me an e-mail.

Mark

SKP · 11-26-2003, 10:25 AM

First Cast,

I just bought some First Cast Jigs at Fisherman's Marine. I'm trying them for the first time on Friday. I've only tried bobber/jig one other time a few years ago, for just a few minutes with no luck, so I'm a newbie with this. I've caught hundreds of salmon with bobber and bait, but zero steelhead with this method. I can't wait!

SKP

foxer · 11-26-2003, 10:31 AM

Will spraying scent on the feathers decrease the "action" of the lure?

First Bite · 11-26-2003, 03:52 PM

SKP

Good luck when you head out. I might as well warn you now. Once you catch a steelie on a jig you'll be hooked.

foxer

Spraying scent will not affect the action of the feathers. Stay away from pastes such as smelly jelly as they will have an adverse effect. I usually put scent on the jig head or directly on a shrimp tail and if scent happens to get on the feathers it's okay. You don't need more then a drop or two.

Mark

KingFisher85 · 11-26-2003, 10:44 PM

hey mark...the site seems to be down?

First Bite · 11-27-2003, 03:56 PM

King

The problem was taken care of this morning so the doors are open again.

Mark

Twitchs_Tackle · 11-28-2003, 06:54 PM

Mark,
Thanks for fixing the mix-up so quickly. As for the Deep Throat with the cutting point, I'm in favor of them. Tied up the ones I got from you and planned on chasing steelies. Instead hooked a Nook (which was quite entertaining on my modified 8 wt blank-built spinning rod w/ 10#) Landed it after a lengthy battle, hooked firmly through the tip of the snout.

Those hooks are freakishly sharp, but I'm guessing more expensive for the cutting point? :whazzup:

Anyway, Great products, great customer service, great communication and tip sharing. All around A+ operation! If you're ever wanting to fish the Alsea, there's room in our boats!

Eric

First Bite · 11-29-2003, 02:00 PM

Twitch

Thank you for the complements. This is the only way we do business and it's all good.

The experience I've had with those hooks is similar. They are almost too sharp for steelhead...if there is such a thing. They are also a little more spendy but for certain applications they would be nice.

Mark

Full Freezer · 12-03-2003, 08:21 PM

OK Mark, I've had enough. I've bent the last hook today. [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] Had a very large steelie close to the bank only to have the jig come flying back at me. [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] That was the last straw & I can't deal with it! Unfortunately I probably have close to 20 sub-par jigs in my box. Have any ideas on what to do with them?? :whazzup:

Hope you can get my order here fast cause I need 'em right quick! Their big, bright & HERE NOW!

Thanks,

Full Freezer

First Bite · 12-03-2003, 09:05 PM

Full Freezer

We are getting orders out with an average turn around time of less then two days...some are shipped the same day, so your order should be arriving any time.

Mark

trunwfisherman · 12-07-2003, 12:02 PM

Hey mark, they must be good because they are pretty expensive. But i planned to buy some before the next time i got out fishing! They better work good :-)

Kruechief · 12-07-2003, 04:01 PM

Mark,

Don't sweat what some people call "expensive"

because most of us are familiar with the cost of quality!

Also, if he does not catch fish I know it will not be because of your awesome products. :smile:

Keep up the good work and God bless. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Krue

12-07-2003, 07:59 PM

You want quality? You gotta pay for it!
Best hooks....
Best material....
Best workmanship....
Mark stands behind his product 100%
There are alot of cheap jigs out there and yes they even catch fish BUTwhen that big fish hits do you want to enjoy the battle or stress out about the hook bending out?
I hooked a lot of salmon this fall on First Cast Jigs but not one bent the hook out! Some were even hooked on the smaller steelhead size jigs.

kayakfisher · 12-11-2003, 08:03 PM

Mark,

Thanks for the package I got in the mail yesterday...I can hardly wait to try the stuff out...and give some to my kids for Christmas.

M.

BentMetal · 12-11-2003, 08:57 PM

I'd bought some jigs last spring, but haven't given them much work yet. I had a couple of questions on rigging and fishing.

Is there any kind of backing you can use to make a spool of 20 lb powerpro be extended to more than one rod. I read before that it is so thin that it will dig into any mono backing, I just was wondering about the braided stuff (a lot like flyline backing) that I currently back my mono with, if it would be coarse enough to prevent the mono from digging in?

I also bought the Thill fixed float that you sold online, and was wondering what the advantages to the add-on weight kit were. Is the thill set up as is to work with the medium, 1/8 oz jig?

Thanks for any help!

First Bite · 12-12-2003, 04:47 PM

kayak

You're welcome...good luck.

I put dacron on my spool first then Power Pro. Just enough so the braided will fill the rest of the spool.

The Add-on weight kit allows you to add extra weight to cast further much easier.

Mark

BuKuBass · 12-13-2003, 09:20 PM

Re: Distributing a single spool of braid between different reels.
I divide the braid (Tufline XP 6/20#) into 50 to 75 yard segments with mono used as an arbor to fill the spool. If you're concerned about the braid digging into the backing, seperate the two with a piece of electrican's tape. Another small piece of the tape placed across the spool slightly deeper into the braid than you can cast will stop a backlash from going further.
I use a twelve foot or so length of fluorocarbon leader (Seagar), replacing it when it is finally cut back to four feet. This saves your braid as well as resolving any preceived visibility issues. When the leading end of the braid becomes frayed, reverse it.
A single 300 yard spool divided amongst five different reels is going into its fourth season on most of them.

[ 12-13-2003, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: BuKuBass ]

SteelieSlammer · 12-18-2003, 07:48 AM

I just got my holiday special order. I can wait to test them out on the NFN this saturday!!! This will be the first time i have jig fished and i am determined to catch a steelhead on this trip.

Perfect Drift · 12-21-2003, 03:26 PM

Stopped off at Fishermans ( Delta Park ) today to pick up a few jigs and the rack was completely empty. HELP

First Bite · 12-22-2003, 04:54 PM

Perfect Drift

I dropped off a big box of jigs at Fisherman's this morning so they should be on the shelves soon.

Mark

First Bite · 12-27-2003, 02:55 PM

We have updated our Holiday Specials and now for a limited time we are offering a Pink Dirty Dozen Package for $24.95.

steelheadslayer · 12-27-2003, 10:17 PM

Mark, looking forward to getting my order. I've bought a few singles at FMS and haven't had any luck yet. I must be doing something wrong. Are you planning a possible jig clinic like you did last year? I missed it due to work and am hoping to maybe catch one at another time.

First Bite · 12-28-2003, 12:36 PM

steelheadslayer

I don't have any current plans on doing a clinic but I will be the guest speaker at the Sandy Steelheaders meeting on Wednesday January 7th.

Mark

River Ranger · 12-29-2003, 07:42 PM

Do you do any custom orders?Perhaps some of the beaded jigs with less material,smaller offering.
R.R.

First Bite · 12-29-2003, 08:26 PM

River Ranger

We can custom tie any size jig with pretty much and kind of feather. Just drop me an e-mail with specifics and we'll go from there.

Mark

wootersen · 12-30-2003, 06:55 PM

Mark,

Just bought some more jigs from you. My question is; is there anyway to clean scent out of maribou jigs. I've tried to keep the scent from getting on the maribou portion of the jig, but I think it's necessary to scent the jig head because that's where most of the human scent will be. Inevitably, some of it gets on the maribou and eventually the jig doesn't work right.

Can these jigs be cleaned with anything ? I didn't have much luck with Lemon Joy.

Also, where do you recommend I put my scent ? Should I continue to put it on the jig head ? Should I also put scent on the swivel ? What about shrimp tails, should I just scent them ?

First Bite · 12-30-2003, 08:47 PM

wootersen

Lemon joy is one thing to try. WD-40 is another option that some people have tried.

When I put scent on my jigs I usually only put a drop or two on the jig head itself. The jig might look like it's ruined but once you put it back in the water it usually fluffs back out.

Marabou feathers by their nature will clump easily and that is one reason why I like using schlappen and hackle.

Mark