With winter quickly approaching, cabin fever is just around the corner. A great way to spend your spare time this winter is to make your own baits. I bet any of the guys who make their own baits, like myself, sat on the sidelines for a long time and wishes they started earlier. You don't have to whittle a crankbait or buy an airbrush; you can start by making jigs, which the components are readily available and cheap. There is also an excellent post by Jigman on how to make a soft plastic mold for next to nothing. Buying a gallon or so of soft plastic isn't a big investment, and you will really enjoy making your own baits. I started with jigs and crankbaits because that is what I throw most of the time, but pouring your own plastics is easy and rewarding. Making your own baits brings out the kid in you and makes you realize why arts and crafts ruled in school (whether you admit it or not!). Come on in...the water is fine

great post, Natural.  I'm thinking of shifting gears and pouring some baits as well as dusting off the woodworking stuff to make a few swimbaits.  

I want to echo the message above and add that if you have ever wanted to build your own rod, there is plenty of info and people available to answer questions and help out.  And just like making baits, the entry cost is minimal.  You can make most of the tools and jigs you need for VERY little money.  I made all but 2 things (and you only need 1 of the 2) out of scrap wood in my garage.  My first 5 or 6 rods were built for with less than $30 in tools.

Thanks guys, I'll definitely be looking into tacklemaking this winter. I'll start with jigs  

oooo boy...another hobby. My kind wonderful understanding wife...would kill me.

Good post.

I have started getting supplies rounded up for jigs and cranks.

This is going to be a joint venture for myself, and my two older boys.

None of us have done this before and are very excited to get started.

The garage is already being transformed!(courtesy of the oldest) ;D

I been thinking about getting into it also for the last couple of years. I think I am going to jump in now  

Welcome aboard!

8-)

Flechro makes a great point, you do not need to send a ton of money to get started in most tacklecrafting. I'll bet most guys already have the simple handtools they need to get started. ASK QUESTIONS

you do not need to send a ton of money to get started in most tacklecrafting.

True, but once your addicted you will be ordering a lot of supplies.  If you thought the bait monkey was bad wait till you meet the tackle monkey! LOL

I would never join you guys. There are 3 reasons you suck.

1- You all make crap (some of the best looking stuff I have ever seen).

2- I don't have time to waste looking at your crap (I spend to much time looking and then in the secret lab/garage trying to make my own)

3- and mostly I think ya'll are just stupid (I wish I had not discovered this section last winter and spent all that money on molds and plastics and rod wrappers and expoy and, and, and, and, who knows what I going to spend this winter.

Hey jigmakers!

How about posting or starting a thread on where you get your materials, types of stuff you use, cost etc...?? Kind of a reference thread for those that are just getting started........

Just a thought.

Hey jigmakers!

How about posting or starting a thread on where you get your materials, types of stuff you use, cost etc...?? Kind of a reference thread for those that are just getting started........

Just a thought.

great idea I second that motion ;D

** MODERATOR NOTE **

Please post questions and suggestions in the "Tacklemaking" section.

This thread is intended as a heads-up to get you over there.

-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior

Global Moderator

I'm making inline spinners this winter.

I'll be peeking in there soon.

** MODERATOR NOTE **

Please post questions and suggestions in the "Tacklemaking" section.

This thread is intended as a heads-up to get you over there.

-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior

Global Moderator

10-4.......I'm gonna go over and start one on the hopes it catches on.