cadman

I keep mine full about an 1" from the top. I thought I read that it was better for the pot to be full than 1/2 or 3/4 full. But don't quote me. Also keeping it full keeps the inner liner from rusting more on the sides. JMO

Jig Man, I'm not saying you should do this, but for the last 5-6 years I've been buying my lead from Roto-Metals. 99.9% pure and then antimony to make my lead harder. I just have faith in their lead that it comes in clean with no other foreign impurities. So far so good. It cost a little more, but I have not had any major issues since I've done this. On your lead, just try to be more selective if that is even possible. Glad you got it cleaned out.

I have had mine for about 8 years and have never cleaned it. I probably should but I don't have any problems with it yet.

Well thanks for the update. Definitely some good info. I would have never thought that Drop-Out would stick to red RTV. I'm just really surprised.

Well that is a good question, I've never thought of that. My first impulse would be to spray over everything, because I don't think the drop out will stick to the silicone thus leaving it wet. With that said, the wet drop-out will probably be messy but you can probably wipe it off the silicone. However if it were me, I would probably tape off the silicone. I am curious though if what I said above would be true. Can you try a sample and give us feedback? Very much appreciated.

On smaller jigs 1/4 oz and less I use 2 tabs (44 strands). On larger jigs I use 2-1/2 tabs. There are also many customer requests, which I do what they want. Less strands and the jig sinks faster, more strands and the jig sinks slower. Also more strands blow out more in the water which makes it look bigger. The choice is up to you.

I've gotten weedguards from two places, fishingskirts.com (Boss) and Kayser Lure. The Boss ones I've gotten about a year ago had a longer hub than the ones I received 6 months ago. I think something in their manufacturing process has changed or could be a bad batch or poor quality control. Either way they still work. Just stick the other end of the weedguard in the hole and trim the fused end.

By cut, depending on where it is, you can take a small x-acto and cut along any straight lines and then lift it up. Sometimes when you do that, you can pull a small section out.

I have not found a way to reshape cured silicone. Once it sets, all you can do is cut it or dig it out.

I have never seen that either . However, you will get fisheyes if the jig had small divots in there before powder painting. It almost looks like the paint is too hot, or could be a paint issue. You have a PM from me.

It looks similar to a Poison Tail Jig from the top view.

You can also get a Harbor Freight one as well for $16.97. It looks like they have it on clearance for $8.97 dual heat https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/heat-guns-knives-seamers/heat-guns.html

A buddy of mine use to buy his rods from BPS. They were Ugly Stick catfish rods and he loved the. As far as I know he never broke one.

That look really good. Job well done

I have been using the Snootie jig for over 12 years, and I love the fact that it goes through cover effortlessly and doesn't pick up weeds. Really good jig.