How you got into this?

[mikeb]

I like this thread,good idea!!!

I was a C.c bash in Jan.of this year.(VA forum crappie bashes):D
I had allready decided that using plastics did not compare to using a minner.
And one of the guys hand another one a bag of hand tyed jigs."How much I owe ya?" "nothing" was the reply...I said may I see them,"Yes sir" was the reply..My thought was these are good.I think I can do this.Got home started the searching process on the internet.Already was on C.c board so I looked on the jig forum.Ordered a cheap vice and material from Hooks and Hackle.
Brought a few jig from Wally world.looked at Utube.and the threads on the jig forum....and it was ON.:D.
Sold a few to guys at work,give a bunch away,sold some more,bought more and better supplies,sold a few more,bought some more supplies,sold a few more,,got a great vice from Laserdoc(Dave),bought some more stuff,sold a few more,brought some more stuff....oh well ya git the picture:D
I only wish my Dad was here to fish wit some of my jigs,,he was a crappie fisherman from way back.

Now I find a link about realistic flies and bugs people are tying just for show mostly,,but,,man o man, they are nice.
Ya'll visit me when my wife pits me in the insane home....P.S bring a vice and stuff wit ya..:D:D
mikeb

[magnum500]

Growing up in Michigan on the shores of Lake Huron fishing was just natural. I fished for everything that would bite in the lake. Perch, pike,walleye,catfish, smallmouth bass, trout,and salmon. But never crappie. Lake Huron is not a big crappie lake. Then I moved to South Carolina and started fishing for largemouth. I fished tournaments for years and just got burned out. Then I started crappie fishing.

I started learning how to fish for them and it seemed minnows were the best. But that got rather expensive. I then learned to jig fish and it was less expensive than minnows and for me more effective. I then learned how to make the jig bodies and the rest is history.

Making my own means that if I get low I just make more. I also don't have to worry if I can find the color I want. I just make that color.I also enjoy making them and as long as i don't count my time to make them it saves money.

[flatfish46]

Hey Led I've ran around in the same mountians You have was born in Sacramento way back when Cal. was stable got out fore I lost My sanity!

[Jiggin_Joe]

Cool Idea!! I just wish I had a cool story to share. Basically I started tying 1 1/2 years ago and what got me started was a group of guys that where using a calftail jig and out fishing others around them so I thought I would try some. well they worked so I bought 5 at 2 bucks a piece then after I looked at them close I said heck I can make these so i bought a vice and some supplies. luckly I found this site right around that time also and everyone here helped me learn quick. So thats my story nothing big I was just to cheap to pay 2 bucks for something I found out I could make for 20 cents

JJ

[fish_4_all]

I started tying about 14 years or so. I saw a fly that my buddies were using and catching a lot of fish on so I wanted to tie my own. Got a starter kit, bought some chenille, squirrel tails and bucktail and went to town. 3000 flies later I decided to start tying everything I ever used. I rarely if ever use a store bought jig/fly or other tie able anything anymore.

[sticksteer]

Started crappie fishing 3-4 years ago, mostly using tubes and grubs. I found this site and stumbled upon an add for Thump It Jigs. I had never seen such good looking jigs before so I ordered a batch from Skip. Me and my fish'n partner caught more fish than we ever had on them. Well, Skip offered to sell a tying kit to anyone interested so I got one. Thats when the addiction began!!! I tried to mimic Skips jigs and caught fish on them all. I gave some away and had people calling begging for more. So, I would say Skip was responsible for this addiction!! Thanks Skip.

[Fatman]

I started out making jigs and sinkers as a kid and got into tying bucktail jigs for smallies.

Moved to Vermont and took up the fly rod bug and learned to tie flies and that's the only equipment I'd use for a few years.

One day on a whim I was cleaning the closet and out came the molds and hooks and made a big batch of jigs got the spinning rods out and been back full bore!!!! Got some new molds and added to my lead supply through a couple of independent garages and I'm back into it full time again. Haven't picked up the fly rod for about a year and a half although I have tied a bunch of flies (I'll definately be ready when I go again)

Fatman

[AtticaFish]

Wanted to bump this just cause there are so many new guys and gals popping in to the board. Hope to hear some more stories.

[rtark]

I had a great last year on bass and wanted to get back into crappie fishing and I happened upon c.c. I just happened to notice the jig tying forum and read a few posts. I have never had a desire to tie jigs untill I read some of the post. Then I couldn't get it off my mind. Day and night. I know how I am and I couldn't shake it off so , just like my woodwork, my photography, my handmade knife making, my radio control airplane, my piano playing hobby, archery etc etc etc. I jumped in with both feet and here I am.

[PBUG2009]

mine is simple 4 years i was looking for some black and some brown jigs to trout fish with. couldnt find any so i made mine.