Jig Tying Question

Corkie Monster · 12-01-2003, 09:45 AM

I just started to tie my own jigs about a week ago. Looked on First Cast Jigs site for the do it yourself kits and am kinda confused on what sizes and weights to get. I'm looking for the most popular weights and hook sizes for the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers. I would like a good all around jig weight and size for all flows. Below is what First Cast has to offer.

Heads:
Brass or Nickel
7/32", 9/32", 11/32", 3/8"

Hooks and sizes:
Owner: #1, #1/0, #2/0
Gamakatsu: #1, #2/0

Thankyou
CM

Corkie Monster · 12-01-2003, 10:40 AM

ttt

ampersat · 12-01-2003, 10:48 AM

Think size of the presentation, not weight. If you're running a slider, add split shot above the jig to achieve proper balance. The jig only needs to be heavy enough to sit comfortably at the bottom of your rig.

I run a fixed float these days and tied up some jigs using plastic and glass beads instead of nickel or brass. They fish like bait. They never hang up either. The problem is that because they are close to weightless, they don't hang straight below the float. I tested this in clear water by casting above the boat and letting them float by me. A wary steelie could pick it up and drop it before the float even twitched. I've started tying in lead wire to the base jig to get them level and a little heavier. Haven't had a chance to try them out though. Hopefully, this week I'll get to test them.

For your purposes, the weight of the head needs to balance the weight of the hook so that you get a close to level presentation. I emailed Mark once about it and he gave me his general guidelines. Don't know what I did with that info though.

float2ber · 12-01-2003, 01:35 PM

1/4 oz. lead head painted red with 1/0 Owner hooks. Other hooks straighten out.

First Bite · 12-01-2003, 02:59 PM

Corkie

I just replied to your e-mail but I'll say it here too. The 11/32" brass beads are similar in weight to the 1/8th oz jigs. A 1/0 Owner hook would be a good match.

Mark

LazerFisher · 12-01-2003, 03:12 PM

I agree with First Cast and would add that you can paint the jig head darker for overcast days and leave it brass for sunny weather, at least that has worked for me.

Twitchs_Tackle · 12-01-2003, 03:24 PM

Mark's bead jig heads can also be powder coated any color you prefer, you just have to be careful when heating if they are already secured to the hook shank. I leave 80 % of mine the natural brass or nickle finish though. :smile:

Trophy · 12-01-2003, 03:32 PM

Mark, what size beadhead would equal a 1/4 oz jig?

Corkie Monster · 12-01-2003, 05:08 PM

Thanks for the info everyone. I got your email too mark.

Thanks
CM

First Bite · 12-01-2003, 06:35 PM

Trophy

The largest brass bead I use is 3/8" This weight is slightly less then a 1/4 oz jig. I use the largest brass beads in heavier water.

Mark

FastAction · 12-01-2003, 09:09 PM

I would go buy a jig head lead mold and all the accessories to do it your self. I like the double beaded jigs like the SMJ 2 that beau mac makes, but they are weeny hookes. I met a guy on the wilson who had Fisher Jigs.. Sweetest beaded jigs around with owner hooks.. you can also get the owner jig heads at GI Joes and tie up your own maribou style jigs, they have 1\8th and 1\4 OZ heads.. I tied some up and I swear by the owner hooks.. I just use nail polish on the heads, people say its fuemy but it works for me!

sparkleboy · 12-01-2003, 11:08 PM

I use 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4 ounce lead jigheads. The heavier they are, the more they will hang down directly underneath the float. There isn't one size that is an all year, every flow type of jig. High winter flows you'd want to use 1/4 or even 3/8 oz, but low clear summer water, I primarily use 1/16, and a lot of people use 1/32 oz heads. If I had to tell you what weight to use to get the closest to what you're looking for, I'd tell you to tie them on 1/8 oz jig heads. I've never tied jigs on Mark's materials, because I like to color my jig heads. I have a few contacts I can give you if you want lead head jigs.

Corkie Monster · 12-01-2003, 11:38 PM

The way First cast seems to measure their jig heads is by size, not weight. That is the answer I'm looking for. What size of jig head to get.

Thanks
CM

sparkleboy · 12-01-2003, 11:59 PM

Forgive me for any misunderstanding, I was explaining lead headed jigs, just as another option.
From what you originally posted, it looks like for high and colored flows, you'd want a 3/8" head, and for an all around jig, I'd either go with the 11/32" or the 9/32" jig head. I really don't think the hook size is crucial, but I'd go with Owner.