2 replies to this topic

[Crymdawg]

I recent Fishing magazine had a article about what to do with old spinnerbaits that might have a busted wire too short to make into another spinner bait. The author suggested cutting the wire shaft coming out of the body then turning it into a circle and making a "Chatter type" bait out of it. If I wanted to do this from the start with a mold, what diameter wire would be suggested and about how long past the head should I keep the wire. I'm tired of trying to put snap rings thru hook eyes then the metal blades of the bait !! If this would work I could save time, money (using spinner bait hooks already owned) and not have to wrestle with those damn snap rings !!! Any thoughts ??

[Tony Maxwell]

I have been using .040 SS Wire, from Jann's or Barlow's. I leave about 1/2" sticking out of the jig head. This depends on what you will use to make the loop. Practice on a straightened paperclip first, measuring before and after.

Tony

[GeorgiaBlade]

I use black nickel Mustad hooks in my jig molds. After I pour the jig I use a small hand-held Butane torch to anneal (soften) the metal just enough to bend (using a round nose pliers ) the hook eye open enough to install the chatter bait blade. I then close the hook eye. The trick is to eat the elephant a bite at a time. Apply a small amount of heat at a time and each time try to bend the eye open. You do NOT want to make it cherry red. Another option is to buy the jigs with the hook eye already open so all you do is install the blade and bend the eye closed. These can be purchased from
Lure Parts Online - by Stamina Tackle Later GeorgiaBlade