Problem solved! Had nothing to do with the mold afterall. Nothing to do with the pot either. Had everything to do with US! LOL! We were just too slow between our hook placement and actual pouring. The faster we got, the better the mold results. Apparently, keeping that mold hot is paramount. I don't remember having that kind of a problem several years ago when we last poured some jigs....but then again....we were much younger back then!

Thank you all very much for the suggestions.