Thread: New Hobby

When jigging walleye, I prefer a Matzua Sickle hook. The second photo shows the hook. The bend allows for perfect placement of a stinger hook. I also prefer a 3/4 oz jig as we are fishing heavy current. For a light bite I like a 3/0 hook, and when the fish are on, I prefer a 4/0 hook.

Some days, the round hook is the way to go. For those, I prefer a Mustad Lazer point. These are simply things you cannot get in a standard off the shelf jig. All of these jigs are built with "hard" lead. It has other alloys making them tougher to pour but also way stronger than a standard "soft" lead jig. I also utilize powder paint. After baking, you can drop these jigs on solid concrete and they will not dent or chip.

Another thing that is hard to get (in bulk) is multi colored jigs (for this weight size). Guys simply do not want to take the time to create them. I do not use an air brush. I sprinkle powder coat over my base and then re-heat to blend the color. I also, mix my paints and create other colors.

The lower Detroit river (Trenton channel) is chocked full of snags. Some days you feel like you are donating lead. You gotta have a lot of jigs on board. I also hate to be the guy that doesn't have the color that the fish are biting on. Instead, I like to be the only one that has the color fish are hitting on. Why do I have it? Cause I created it!

You sure did a fantastic job on those. I sure wish I could learn to do the 2 tone as good as yours. You can probably sell enough of those around there to pay for your habit. I just pour and paint for myself but it sure is fun.

They look really good Rich...

Those look great!

Thanks guys,

Cray, it is actually pretty simple. I dip the jig in one color. As it is cooling, i use a small paint brush. I dip it in my powder paint and lightly sprinkle it on the jig. It will melt at first, then just dust. I get it close to the way i want it and then put it infront of the heat gun to melt the powder.

Less is more. Just takes a little practice with the amount of powder paint you put on the brush and how hard you tap it with your finger to sprinkle it.

They look good

Rich, what mold # are you using (3/4 oz.)? I cast my own .44 handgun bullets and have a lot of extra lead (hard) available to me, seems a likely step for me to cast my own jigs too.

I have been looking everywhere for sickle hook jigs for crappie fishing. The store ones don't seem to come in the hook sizes i like either or colors. I will definitely be cooking up an orderfor you if that is ok?