Jig tying or molding?

[labsnslabs]

I haven't done either but want to start. I can't afford to jump into both right away. In your guy's opinion which one is better to start off in? I would really like to catch some fish off of jigs I have tied myself. But also use plastics the majority of the summer months. Any help or guidence would be much appreciated.

[JUNGLEJIMJIGS]

I'd suggest tying first and maybe later pour your own heads.You can get started fairly cheap but if you get addicted to tying it can get expensive.It's a great feeling when you catch fish on a bait you made yourself. Plenty of people on cc that can help get you started.

[OKSTATEjiggy]

labsnslabs,

I am kind of in the same boat. I can't really pour lead where I live, but I do tie a lot jigs. I think you should get into the tying- go somewhere and buy or order a starter kit, and then buy your jig heads from a C.C member. That's what I do. And sure, you can pour a lot of jig heads for the plastics, but those plastics don't last as long, and you probably won't have the same satisfaction from catching a fish on a plastic and your jig head as you would from catching a fish on a jig body and tail that you made. Plus when you buy your jig heads from a C.C member you give them some business. I think there are jig-specific kits out there, but if not, all you need is a cheap vise, a bobbin, small scissors, marabou, chenille, flashy stuff if you want it, hackle if you want it, kip tail, squirrel tail, and buck tail. But you might want to wait till you have figured out the marabou before you get into something else.

As deathb4disco put it, jig tying "is ridiculously easy."

[AtticaFish]

I would say that most on here prefer doing tying. Seems like a little more hands on and you can really tweak stuff, but I also don't know much about the plastic molding. Here is a forum... tackle underground... and they cover alot more on that, maybe check it out and see. At least I think that is what you are talking about in your post, maybe no one else???

You can get into tying fairly cheap, maybe $100 would get you making simple chenille/marrabou jigs. Stopping yourself before you spend way too much money is another thing.

[LedHed]

Pouring and tying will get you for your initial set up costs. In the long run plastics is cheaper. You can make either one as complicated as you want.
For plastics you will need heating source (hot plate/pot or microwave/Pyrex cup), plastic, and a mold. You can even make your own multiple molds with plaster of paris. Another plus is you can recycle your chewed up stuff.
Both are great hobbies and they both catch fish (and fisherpersons)….

[labsnslabs]

Thanks guys, I think I will start with tying first. Would cabela's or bass pro have all of the appropriate stuff to get started, or do I need to order online?

[Crappiekiller3]

Thanks guys, I think I will start with tying first. Would cabela's or bass pro have all of the appropriate stuff to get started, or do I need to order online?

I would go to Janns Netcraft to begin. They have all the blades, jigs, molds,
thread, fur, feathers and stuff you need for either tying or jig making, also
wood bodies.Their prices are very reasonable, but the shipping is a little high.
Delivery time is quick and they are very helpful if you have a question.
The web site is Jannsnetcraft.com You can order online or tell the person
what you want by calling 1-800-netcraft. Request a catalog, it will show
you sizes, colors and a jillion ideas.

Enjoy your new obsession!!!!

Crappiekiller3

[Fatman]

Lab

I do both only because I've been doing it so long. I also tie fly's for fly fishing so I had the materials. It's fun but YEAH it can get expensive. I hadn't ordered jig hooks or parts for my molds for years!!!!!! Well 6000 jig hooks later, split rings, 2 thousand blades, crane swivels and 7 new jars of powder paint and well over $375 bucks later I'm caught back up OH forgot just ordered 2 new molds for another $70.

But for me IT"S FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! and with the winters here in Vermont it's really nice having a hobby you can do indoors!!!!!!!!!

If you go with tying first check with the guys here and get your jig heads, you can paint them yourself and learn to tie. Take the basic course over at Fly Anglers OnLine, Your Complete Internet Flyfishing Resource. it will give you the basics and use U Tube they have some good ones also.

Don't be afraid to ask for help we were ALL BEGINNERS ONCE!!! and we'll be glad to help.

Kick back sometime and go all the way back to the beginning of the jig tying section and read all the way to the current threads, you'll get ideas for colors, tyiing materials and companies to get good reliable materials.

Welcome to the insanity but then again we're all just a bunch of nuts:p:p:p

Fatman

[Jiggin_Joe]

Tying for sure you can buy jig heads for around .07 each where I get them at. I'm not sure if you can make them for that after buying lead and hooks. and if you shop around you can get tying supplies that will make you 100's of jigs for a very reasonable price pm me and I will hook you up with the best deals I found.

JJ