dollarbill300

Obviously, I've gotten wrong info about gar. When I first looked these things up, I read that they were a half breed of an alligator. I've also been told that by people when I ask them about gar.

I have a question about these things. Since these are half breeds of an alligator, does that mean there are alligators in this lake. If not, how would a gar population get into this lake?

This is the first gar I have ever seen up close. I was fishing in my brothers marina and this thing was dead and floating. Something bit this thing towards the tail. It was about 3 feet long. I have never seen one before.

Outstanding line...seriously? I used that stuff once and had nothing but problems with it.

I have the 7'10" cranking rod. I like it. I got it for $149.

I have and am currently using that rod. I really like it. I use it for small cranks, spinners and traps. If the lure is too heavy it just doesn't feel right.

Lake wylie area here, close to the buster boyd bridge in clover.

It's not on their website. Are you talking about at your local store?

I don't have split ring pliers, so I used a push pin and that worked fine.

I bought some hooks to replace and I am having trouble getting them off the ring. Should I remove the ring first and then change it? Also, does the size of the treble hook you are putting on matter. On larger, deeper diving cranks I will match the size. On smaller ones, do I need to match the size. I bought size 6 hooks.

Thanks for the response. Yeah, it does stink. So, I shouldn't try and scrape it off the bottom. What if that stuff starts to build up over time? I made a new batch of jigs this morning and put them into an oven to make the powder paint more durable. I bought a cheapo toaster oven. The bake setting has a temperature of anywhere from 400-425 degrees, which I cannot control. The jars of pro-tec say to cure at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Since the setting for temps was at 400-425, I shortened the time to 15 minutes. The only way I can set a temp of 350 was to put it on toast. Not long after they were in the oven, the paint started to bubble up on most of them. Some of them were very small runs just below the eyelet, barely noticeable. But one of them had a large run that left a big bubble of paint hanging down. Did I do something wrong? Even with these small bumps, will that be ok to use them to fish.

Ok, I am a new to making my own jigs and have some questions. When I melt the lead, I have noticed a multi color, thick sludge on the top. I read somewhere that that is normal for soft lead. Should I leave it, or scoop that part out? Even when the hot pot was still plugged in and very hot, this sludge dried up and became very hard, covering the bottom of the pot. How do I get this off? I have read on here that some people use copper wire to tie on their skirts. I changed some light fixtures in my house and ripped out all the copper wire that was in those fixtures. I stripped them down to just the wire and noticed they are several individual threads braided together. Do I separate these wires, or just use the braided wires? Thanks.

Thanks for the responses. The skirts came from barlows tackle. It was a do-it jig skirt kit. I figured that would be good to start with. When I get better at making these and can zero in on what the fish want, then I will go out and buy specific colors.

Just finished putting together the first batch of jigs I have ever made. Melted the lead, powder painted and put the skirts together. Definitely made some mistakes along the way, which should improve with practice. Trying to come up with skirt color combo's is confusing. I am happy with the way they came out, since this is the first time and can't wait to catch something on one of them.

nice jigs. I have recently started making my own as well. Finishing up the first batch, I will post pictures soon. Where did you get your skirt material from. It looks thicker than what I am using. How many strands are on each one. The 2 big problems I am having right now are trying to get full coverage after pouring the melted lead, and how to keep the hole open for the weedguards. I ended up having to take a 1/8th drill bit to them.After i get the skirts made with the band, I am having trouble pushing them up the hook and onto the jig head. The band is moving and so is the skirt material. I was thinking of putting a little baby oil on the hook and jig head so hopefully it will slide on easier.