M-D

Got the calipers out when I got home from work...looks like the pro model jig uses the 0.021 diameter and the premier pro model uses the 0.024 diameter. I really like the 0.024 for fishing the heavy cover.

what strand diameter does strike king uses on their jigs? I know it is not the 0.018 diameter. I'm thinking its the 0.024.

Awesome looking jigs!

Not foolish to change things up...that's how we learn! My 1st thought would be the braid...swap out the line and see what happens.

Palomar and Improved Clinch knots are 2 of my favorites. I'll second thoroughly wetting the knot before tightening it down and then take a good look at the finished knot to make sure it is correctly done.

+3 on the jig retirement procedures!

I absolutely agree this is more about the fisherman than the fish. I have never done it but am convinced I could catch as many fish on an unfinished jig head as one painted up nicely. I guess I just want to try my hand at it. I just want to do a basic black with blue fleck. If I am understanding correctly, I can get black powder coat paint and add blue fleck to it?

Very nice, thanks for the post!

Thanks for the info!! I will give that a go.

If I wanted to practice on an old rod, is there a proper method of removing old finishes and eyes?

One of my favorite jig colors is black / blue. How do you get a black with blue fleck powder coat finish?

Thanks for the thoughts fellas!! Can you guys tell me of any additional custom guys besides Siebert? Nothing against Siebert and I will contact him, I just want multiple options.

I want to start making my own jigs but until I can allocate the funds for molds and lead melting / pouring equipment, I will have to purchase the poured lead heads. It seems to me that almost all of the unpainted jig heads out there have the weed guard installed. Is it possible to powder coat paint these heads with the weed guard in and not mess up the weed guard? If so how and also how do you keep the paint off of the weed guard?

You are correct in that the original pro model rattle is fused to the shank where the premiere pro model is as the pic shows which I like better as there is more length along the shank for the plastic to ride. I think the premiere model has a wee bit wider gap between the rattle & hook too. Only recently have I been researching lure making and hope to get into lure making in the near future. So do you agree that this rattle is epoxied in like the weed guard is? If this is the case and I wanted to copy this style would I have to take a jig mold to a competent machinist to create the round rattle attachment opening or?

I only retie when the knot or line is damaged.

Neat accessory River Rat, thanks!

I prefer to have the net in the water laying flat against the side of the boat, bring the fish along the boat and scoop the fish up with the net. Stabbing at a fish is a BIG no no IMHO.

Can't go wrong with 3/8oz jigs in black / blue, green or brown combos. Texas rigged 6-7 inch plastic worms with 1/4 to 3/8oz bullet weights. Red shad, grape, junebug, watermelon are a few good colors to start with.

For those who make jigs, am i correct to think that these rattles are glued in after the jig head is poured and painted? If I wanted to make something similar, is it just a matter of modify the mold and installing a pin like you do for the weed guard?

I should probably try more different lines... Trilene XL or Vanish for my spinning rods depending on water clarity. Vanish or Pline CXX for my baitcasters.

In my boat probably 12, as a non-boater probably 6...

Re-wrapping an old rod, now that's a great idea, thanks! I have several of those laying around.

it take for you to feel like you had the process down and were making a quality rod? I have been reading with much interest about building but I have to believe one will make a few before it all comes together. Your thoughts PLEASE.

Head out early on the lake when a major tournament is going on and just cruise around to see what everyone is doing.

How does everyone keep their trailers in the correct position on their jigs? I have pretty much always used the Strike King jigs with the rattles...using the rattles to help hold the trailer in place. I want to try other jigs and would like to know your methods.