cadman

Bluebasser86, You have a Pm.

Yes you can use a 5317 hook in a Brush jig mold. It's cheaper to buy your Do-It molds from anywhere except Do-It. I buy all of my molds from Zeiners or Lure parts on line.

Very Nice Allen

Very nice tutorial. Thank You for the step by step and yes everything goes better with "Dropout" BTW the red silicone. When that cures in the mold, does it come out easily without any residue so you can re-use the mold as it was originally designed?

Now here is someone that reads and listens. Frankford Arsenal's "Dropout" is the best product for easier pours.

I rarely clean my pot. When I pour which is at least 2 to 3 times a week, I just scrape down the sides on the inside all the way to the bottom with a spoon. Then I mix the bottom of the pot with a spoon, and many times all the crud will float up to the top. Then I just spoon it off. I will regularly put wax in the pot and light the flame. This cleans all the lead crust on top. Once the flame is gone, I spoon out all the garbage on top and my lead is clean on top.

It will always drip most of the time. However you can clean the pot and maybe make the situation better. The reason I say better, is because every Lee IV pot I had, each of them leaked at some time or other. What I do is start the pot up, so the lead is fluid. Empty all the lead, and unplug the pot. Un-assemble the plunger, and let it cool then take some steel wool, and clean off the entire plunger. While the pot is still warm to hot, put on a pair of leather gloves, and steel wool all the sides of the pot on the inside. When it comes to the spout, steel wool that carefully, so you don't damage it as it is brass. Once done, empty all steel wool traces, and it should be better, as the plunger will seat better in the hole.

Man all you guys with these nice fish. Job well done. I've been so busy at work, can't get the boat out yet. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. Keep posting those pics.

I put ZPI bearing on my (3) Revo Premier gen 1 baitcasters, and noticed a substantial difference. First and foremost have your reel cleaned properly and then decide. You may not need new bearings.

I'm an Abu fan as well. 3 Revo Premiers Gen 1 baitcasters and this year I bought (3) MGX's (baitcasters) for over 1/2 off each. I'll see how the MGx's perform for me. I've been happy with Abu Revo's so far

It's going to be for a baitcaster.

I am looking to pick up some of this line in 10 lb test. I have been using Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Berkley XL with no issues. I just want to try something different. This will be used for jig fishing with a Revo MGX reel on a St. Croix Medium 6'8" LTB rod. Anybody use it and what are your likes and dislikes. Thanks in advance.

I have (8) Johnny Morris Signature Series rods some older and some newer and they are the best rods for the money. I never broke one either and are comfortable to fish. Like mentioned above, the hook keeper should have been put on the bottom of the rod. I cut mine off as well, as it catches line. But overall an excellent choice.

I use the Do-It Snootie Jig mold. It Goes down to an 1/8 oz jig and uses a 1/0 Mustad 32786 hook. Need more info PM me.

Hey guys Thanks for the replies. St. Croix it is.

I acquired a brand new MGX baitcasting reel, and I would like to get a good balanced rod for it. Here are the parameters: Rod to be 6'6 - 6'8" Medium or Medium Heavy? Rod cost no more than $200 - $300 I would like to use this combo for skipping under docks. Line would be 10 lb Trilene XL Using 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigs with a paca chunk trailer. How about a Johnny Morris Signature Series? What would you guys recommend? Thanks in advance

A bottom pour pot is easier to use and safer than pouring with the "Hot Pot II". Don't worry about the explosion part, just be cautious with every move you make so, you don't get burned. The reason there are so many concerns, is that lead is very hot, and if you get burned, it is not like getting sunburn on your hand, it is serious. I don't know how old you are, but just use some common sense and you will be fine. Most of all enjoy the pouring part. Then you will have to paint the jigs and skirt them. Once you get past your few, you will be fine.

I sent you an e-mail per your request. Check for it, it may go to spam.

While you are pouring lead, just make sure of your surroundings and what you are doing. Don't be in a rush and everything will be fine. I pour in my garage, without a respirator. Like smalljaw mentioned above, the only way you will get lead poisoning is through your mouth and or when lead is boiling. Your pot will never get that hot for the lead to boil. If you want to wear a respirator that is fine as well. Ventilation is always good. Put a small fan around your pot to draw away any fumes if you are worried. Just don't aim the fan at the pot, otherwise you will be cooling your pot and it will never get hot. The lead you ordered is excellent. I mentioned buying good lead, because many guys want to go the cheap route when they start pouring and use free weights they get from the local tire shop. The local tire shop lead is mixed with all kind of garbage, and if you get really hard lead it is going to be difficult for a beginner to pour. BTW the 99% pure lead from Do-It will be soft lead and excellent for pouring. What kind of pot did you get?

There are only several ways lead will explode and if you take precautions then it will newer happen: #1. Buy your lead from a reliable source, and make sure the lead is dry. When you start off do not use tire weights with clips, lead weight belts (Divers use), or any lead that has been sitting in water or outside in the rain. The reason being water and lead do not mix. #2. You will be sweating in the summertime. Do not let your sweat drip into a hot lead pot. Another recipe for disaster. #3. You will also be thirsty. Put your water or beverage far away from your lead pot, so the two don't come in contact. Also don't drink alcohol while pouring, for the obvious reasons. #4. You will attract flies and flying insects if you are pouring at night. Try not to pour at night, reason being is any bugs that fly into the pot might make the lead explode, as bugs have moisture in their bodies. #5. When you add lead to your existing pot, put it in slowly, so you steam off any moisture, The above items are the things to look out for and why lead would explode. Finally if anything wear eye protection and a face shield. If you burn your hand(s) that will recover. if you burn your eyes, well that is a whole lot worse. Not trying to scare you but, take as many precautions as possible and enjoy the hobby.

The biggest thing I always tell anyone who wants to pour is this. Make sure you are organized and focused. By organized I mean, make sure you have all of your tools that you need while you're pouring at hand, and don't go searching around for anything. By focused, I mean take your time and since you're new to this, focus on what you are doing every step of the way. Don't rush to get things done. The more proficient you get at pouring, you will then pick up speed. Also make sure you do not get distracted, keep all kids, pets away from your work area. Don't answer phone calls, and tell everyone in your house that you will be pouring and to leave you alone. Too many distractions, and you may have a mishap. Don't leave your area when you have a pot full of hot lead, someone can walk by and touch it and get burned. Be very vigilant about what you are doing and your surroundings. Finally, being a little nervous is good, as this will keep you on your toes and keep you focused. If you have further questions, I have some tutorials I can e-mail you. You can PM me if you like.

Cheaper is a relative term. In order to really save on skirt costs, you will have to buy them by the 100 pack of a particular color. So if you want 6 colors mixed, you will have to buy 6 colors of (100) count each. The 100 count is where the next price break is. Also remember you have to pay for shipping as well. If you are looking to make 10 or 20 skirts, there is really no savings, unless you like to tinker or make exactly what you want. It would be best to have someone make you the skirt with the colors you want, if someone happens to have that color.

I can probably make them for you. PM sent

I may hit the show in Schaumburg, IL. I am staying busy with all the jigs I have to pour and reels I have to clean for family, friends and club members. Good time to do this since I can't fish.

Constant good lead you can buy from Roto-Metals and skirts from fishingskirts.com