cadman

Brad, not poking fun, just thought it was a catchy name since it rhymed. As I've mentioned before as well, your photograohy is superior.

bkohlman, I already have a color scheme for you. If the colors are as listed in that order. Then I would do ylw/chart bottom, copper sides w/black glitter. If the colors are mixed differently, then we can change that around. Definitely a 2 or 3 color process, and then fill in the skirt strands with the colors you want to dominate and then the ones you want to be subdued. Or maybe a copper color with the black like you and I spoke about will look really good. Samples are on there way. Good choice of colors.

Very good article and information. I do know that young children are very susceptible of getting lead poisoning. This artcle reads as this guy re-melted lead in this house, and the site before that was a ammunition melting company. I would bet that all these high levels of lead in the soil are from the ammunition company prior to the 23 years he has been doing it, as 30 + years ago there was not enough info on how lead affects people along with any kind of goverment regulation.. The site was unkempt and the new landlord just added to what was already there. I would like to know how the soil was was lead poisoned. Maybe they kept lead outside and it leached into the soil. Yes, you have to be very aware of what you are doing with lead and how you dispose of the dross . Thanks for sharing the article and keeping us all aware of the dangers that lead could pose to us all.

I don't want to sound like a d$$K but I do not believe that all of his neighbors were affected from his pouring. The reason I'm saying this is because I have done extensive research on lead poisoning and you can only get lead poisoning from injesting it (by eating or swallowing lead) or by lead vapors. Now before you say it was vapors. The only way lead vapors get airborn is by boiling lead. With that said unless you boil your lead, there are currently no pots that I know of that you and I buy that will boil lead. One other thing how is it possible to contaminate your neighbors when the lead fumes(not vapors) dissipate at your general location. You would have to have all of these people in an enclosed room with boiling lead. I just don't buy the concept that these people got lead poisoning from him. Not trying to start an arguement. Just my opinion.

Brad, Good post for the beginners. I too have myu lead levels checked every year. It is well worth the money (like you said) if you pour a lot.

The best chatterbaits out there in my opinion are by Bohonk baits. Heavy hook, strong and durable, custom made. If you're interested, I can give you his e-mail. You can PM me if you like.

Brad very nice as always. I got a better name for the bad shad. You should call it Brad Shad.

I use 2 for myself, but most of the guys that buy from me like 2-1/2 tabs. If you want to slow down the fall rate you can use 3 tabs. It is a persoanl choice.

Tom, Thanks for the info. Boy that would be the best tool to have for sure.

Bluebasser, The 38109 (45 degree flat eye) hook will fit in the following sizes In the 1/8 oz cavity a 2/0 - 4/0 will work In the 3/6 oz cavity a 2/0 - 4/0 will work In the 1/4 oz cavity a 2/0 - 4/0 will work

Tom who makes that and how much is it????????

Bluebasser, Yes a 38109 (45 degree flat eye) hook will fit in there just like smalljaw mentioned. Let me know what cavity you want to put what size hook in. If you need a pic I can take one for you as well. You do not have to mod the mold. I use these hooks in the mold all the time as well and they will conform to the existing cavity profile with no problem.

I can't vouch for it but the Mustad 32724 NP is a 28° hook which I am sure will fit in the mold which is for a 30° hook. 2° on such a small distance won't be a factor as far as fit goes. I do know that the 32724 hooks are thinner in diameter than the 32886 hooks. Hope this helps. There aren't many variables unless you go to a thinner 60° hook and bend the hook eye. However I wouldn't recommend that as you may stress the hook eye and it might break.

Nice looking bait Mumpy. Sometimes making something different than the ordinary gets more bites.

Like Skeeterman said small engraving tools and a steady hand. I would advise against doing this yourself unless your a machinist and have the correct tools to cut and clamp the molds. I like my molds to be accurate, and no matter how good you are you will never get it cut as good as a machinist who puts it in a vice. Simple holes are fine in a drill press. As Skeeterman mentioned one slip and your mold could be junk. Bits used should be carbide or cobalt and you can buy small end mills or round mills that will fit in a dremel.

Everyone that gets into this always has high expectations. My first piece of advice is to take it slow and be safe. Pouring lead is not for everyone. Also there will be a big learning curve in pouring jigs, followed by a bigger learning curve in painting them. This will all take a lot of time, patience, practice and persistance. So don't rush it and ask questions. Finally you will need at least a couple of hundred dollars just to start up. That would be a melting pot, lead, mold or two, hooks, powder paint etc. Have fun and stay safe.

Smalljaw, I like all the jigs. However the one that's got the bunny strip is my fav. When in water it looks like a real leach. Job well done.

I make them, and I use custom cut wire and form them myself. The molds are Do-It molds and the wire is expensive because you need long lengths. I also buy custom torsion straightened stainless steel wire.

In the long run, you will have to only make one jig and I believe the profit doesn't come for a couple of years. Yes you can buy a pot, molds and the free lead. However, now you have to buy hooks and lastly, you have to get the knack of getting good pours and then painting your jigs. I've seen a lot of guys start out and then are overwhelmed with everything they need to learn. They loose interest really fast. It takes some time to learn all of this. It's more of a hobby and a passion to make jigs. You have to want to do this and enjoy it. If you don't want to spend the time to pour and paint then buy your jigs like you have been, and walk away from the rest. I'm not trying to dissuade you from doing what you want, just giving you the facts. Also some days when you have a bad day, pouring jigs does get old but then again it's a passion for some of us to succeed.

I like it as well. Simple and clean cut work.

For a reasonable price and a good one without breaking the bank is a Odyssey Spyder vice by Griffin. It's about $125.00 and it will take the bigger hooks that you use for bass jigs

Pretty cool.

Everyone here gave you excellent advice. Best of all don't loan your expensive stuff to people. No-one takes care of it as good as you do. One thing you can also try. Is take a propane torch and aim it in the pot. The heat from the torch will dry out any water and will eveaporate as the lead starts to heat up. Just remember even with this process, always wear safety gear all of the time. Glasses, face shield, gloves. long sleeve shirt, long pants and shoes.

X2 on what Skeeterman said. Start out simple and ask a lot of questions. Then go and try it out to see what works for your type of presentation.

Wow Skeeterman, that looks really good?