Jigs - Anyone Using/making This Combo?

[rps]

This last year I began to simplify what I carry in the boat to use. For example, I have carried Big O type baits for over 30 years. I haven't used one with any success on TR since I moved here. They were great on the murky Oklahoma lakes and ponds I used to fish. Using a criteria of what has worked for me here and what you all report frequently, I pared my gear down to half of its former bulk. In this process I decided to rely more and more on jigs with soft plastics - finesse worms, regular worms, grubs, and craw creatures. Jewel jigs are great, Techo, but the way the lake eats them I am looking for simpler, cheaper alternatives. Bought some bulk jigs from Crenshaw on ebay and had success during the fall. But he makes light wire jigs.

I would like to try a football,Arkie, or Sparkie type jig made with the Owner reverse sproat hook.

Anyone using/making something similar? Of course since we are talking TR, I am not interested in the 5 packs available at most vendors. Comments? Advice?

[Ham]

I have used VMC barbarian hooks and I am very happy with them. I have not used that Owmer hook, but I have every confidence that it would work well also.

Not to get in the way of your quest, but the lake does not have to eat LOTS of your jigs. You shouldn't be losing more than 1 or 2 a day. I have not lost a jig the last two full days of fishing. I was throwning jigs MOST of the day. I get hung in the rocks and wood a lot, but that doesn't have to be a lost jig.

Be alert / Don't wedge it worse than you have to. Don't pull anymore once you know you are stuck / Go to the backside of the jig and give a gentle tug. MOST of the time this is all that is needed.

I use a hound dog to knock the jig off of wood snags. You'll need at least 50 foot of cord.

Yes, you will still lose a jig every now and then and unfortunately I do miss a fish or two because I'm making sure it is a fish not a rock before I set the hook. Sometimes hooksets are NOT FREE.

[Dutch]

I don't quite understand your cheaper alternative. Are you wanting to make some jigs with that hook or maybe buy some with that hook?

[rps]

Dutch:

I re-read my post,and you are right. I was not clear.

If I find someone making bare jigs in bulk, they will be much cheaper than finished jigs or even painted ones in blister packs. On the other hand, if no one seems to make what I want, I have made spinner baits and have that equipment. All I would need would be to find the mold most likely to fit with the hook and do a minimal modification.

Ham:

I use your behind the hang technique, but not the knocker. Maybe I should try one. Still, it would be fun to try this idea out.

[shaker]

If you have already cast some I would suggest buying a mold and hooks of choice and make your own. I started doing this years ago fishing for hybrids cause nobody made a suitable jig with a good enough hook to hold these fish. Now I cast all my own jigs mostly crappie, white bass, hybrids and walleye stuff. Plus it's fun at least to me to catch fish on things that I make myself. I find it somewhat amusing to have someone ask me where did you get that jig at? I made it! Would you sell any of those? Nope! Barlowstackle.com is a good place to look for supplies.

[Ham]

I have worked with Steve Day to get some custom jigs made. I find his prices to be very reasonable if bought in bulk. He has a lot of experience with different hooks etc and can help you make sure you have the right hook for what you're trying to do. Elken Lures

He's on the left coast, but I try to overlook that.

[Dutch]

rps what do you call bulk? What sizes are you wanting to use? I have lots of molds which I have collected over the years including banana, football, arke, poison tail and others. Maybe we can get together on something. PM me a phone # and we can talk.