Looking for jig makers in Alton area

[jighead76]

I'm new here but I've been making jigs awhile as well as designing my own different lures/jigs. I would like to meet up with others to exchange Ideas and maybe trade services. I don't pour lead yet. I am also interested in maybe selling with someone else. I have lots of questions and I know a little bit to trade back if interested. Maybe we can get a cold one or something and trade ideas and show off our lures. A group would be great.
St Louis area or Alton Il area.

[mjm76]

I just started into jigs this winter. I've tied flies for trout fishing for years, so it hasn't been a huge leap. But I've just started pouring jigs heads and tying jigs, etc. this winter. Definetly would be nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of.

[jighead76]

I've got into it about 3 years ago. But from the look of my shelves it would look like I've been doing it all my life. Lol. I got it down to 3 or 4 styles I like and stick with now. This will be my first year where everything in my tackle box, except a few plastics, have all been made by me. I really want some one with advise on lead molds. Never poured and want to make a custom mold.

[mjm76]

I just started pouring. I initially wanted to make sinkers for catfishing, but then got a jig mold as well. I've actually used that more, I've been making some jigs with sickle hooks. The only "tips" I could pass along so far is it helps to have both the lead and mold hot. If either is too cold the lead might not fill the cavity all the way before it solidifies. It seems to be a bigger problem with smaller molds (ie crappie jigs)

[Bowhunter2]

I tie some for myself I could show ya or trade ya a few. Let me know.

[jighead76]

Good tips on the lead. My wife worries about lead and the kids, any info on that? Id rather pour in the basement since winter is the time I like to do my things. But if its bad for the kids I may have to do it outside.
I am interested in trading bowhunter, I put some pictures of mine up on my profile page.

[mjm76]

I do mine outside....it can put off some mysterious fumes.

[Bowhunter2]

Looks good. I'll try to post some of mine. My computers screwed up I don't have any pics on my iPod accept some hunting and fishing pics. I need to buy some more jig heads , maybe I could meet ya down at Bluff city bait shop or something.

[JUNGLEJIMJIGS]

I've been tying for over 15 years and pouring my own for 7 years. I have quite a few custom molds,some are one of a kind. I do a couple sport shows a year,Collinsville and the St.Louis show. I'll be with Al's Lures at the St.Louis show next week so if you are in the area stop by and check out some of my ties. You might find some new styles there that interest you.

[PullMyFinger]

A question for you guys that make jigs and lures. Do you have a favorite place where you buy your materials? There's a company in my town that has an internet presence. I figured it might be a good place to start. It's called Lure Parts Online. Can you recommend any periodicals or books for beginners? Since I'm retired and like to fish, I thought it might be a good hobby to get into. Maybe even make a few bucks somewhere down the road. Although that might be far fetched. I'd most likely just end up giving most of they away. LOL! Anyway, thanks for any help and comments.