[BassSlayer]

I want to start tying my own jigs but I am not ready to work with lead yet. I have looked over the forum a good bit trying to find this info but haven't come across it yet. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction.
1.Can someone tell me where I could buy some bare lead jigheads with weedguards in various sizes and styles? I am partial to VMC hooks but will settle for others.
2.What is the most durable easiest/cheapest method of painting jig heads? I have seen the powderbed and paint method but can't decide which is easiest or most durable. My #1 problem with the current custom jigs I use is the paint chipping off.
3.Is there a step by step tutorial with pics or video on tying skirts onto jig heads? I have watched the guy who ties my custom jugs and it looks simple enough but I would need to practice the wrapping/knot a few times myself.
4. Where is the best place/person to buy skirts from?
5. Can someone recommend a good beginner's vise and tying kit with all the necessary tools?
Any help is greatly appreciated. I have a billion ideas for color combos like everybody else I guess, I just can't wait anymore. I am ready to take the plunge.

[Pickerel Pete]

BassSlayer:

The search function here will give an idea on most of these things.
Many have been discussed in the forums here.
Members know their stuff and are willing to share.

Garry

[Mac10]

You don't need the wrapping (whip finishing) knot....when you get to finishing the jig tie, a few half hitches thrown over the head will secure the thread collar. I use fingernail polish both on the jighead and on the thread. I fist paint the jig with craft paint, 44 cents at wal mart crafts, then overcoat with a similar color in nail polish and use the clear over the thread..... When it chips from use, I just re-touch. I don't think the fish care either way, whether chipped or not. Powder coat paint is much better, but easier to paint with the above. For tying jigs, I use a heavy thread, talk to the folks at a fly shop for that. Check Bass Pro for unpainted jigheads, also Cabelas.....both have heads with guards. If you are tying hair jigs, I'd suggest your local fly shop. Some of the chains have poor quality, others are very high priced. Really pays to shop around. Some finish a jig tie with a touch of super glue instead of head cement, or nail polish. I like to coat the threads, but with the super glue there wouldn't be a need.

[Mac10]

You mentioned a vice.........be careful, they get very expensive. Best to confer with folks who have and use them for jigs.....you'll need something sturdy. A small bench top vise from the hardware will work well, it just doesn't pivot to turn the jig over......you may want to pick one up just to use until you find a good deal. Shopping and patience really pay off. I've used a C clamp to clamp a pair of vice grips to the workbench for quite sometime before finding a good vice for a good price.

[cadman]

PM. sent

[jigmaster]

jigheads are readily available........in fact, we make them

what style are you looking for?

regards

jm

www.daimonlures.com

www.daimonlures.com/bassreview

[HookUp]

1.Can someone tell me where I could buy some bare lead jigheads with weedguards in various sizes and styles? I am partial to VMC hooks but will settle for others.

Best bet is get them where you can. Local pourer as one posted above, Wally world, BPS, Cabelas. I ended up find a guy who pours on quality hooks, then a few years later started pouring myself ony because finding Gamakatsu pours are expensive.

2.What is the most durable easiest/cheapest method of painting jig heads? I have seen the powderbed and paint method but can't decide which is easiest or most durable. My #1 problem with the current custom jigs I use is the paint chipping off.

Powder Paint, baked in a DEDICATED toaster over at the recommended temperatures on the directions. You don't want to be toasting up your family dinner in your paint jig baking oven.

3.Is there a step by step tutorial with pics or video on tying skirts onto jig heads? I have watched the guy who ties my custom jugs and it looks simple enough but I would need to practice the wrapping/knot a few times myself.


Goggle will turn up a few, but just practice, you'll get it.

4. Where is the best place/person to buy skirts from?

Janns Netcraft or Balows.

5. Can someone recommend a good beginner's vise and tying kit with all the necessary tools?

Both Janns and Barlows have vises. If you're doing jigs, get one that'll handle bigger hooks that a fly tying vice. Prices range from $25-$250 and up.