rfdong

Not looking for a short shank per se but I started with spinnerbait hooks which are mostly extra long so when you go to a 5/0 it’s pretty long. Wanting something more regular shank but stouter than regular worm hook. Anyone know what hook is in the Jackhammer?

So looking for some ideas. Would love to find the Jackhammer hook but not sure it exists in the wild except small packs of the Game heavy cover flipping hook. But for guys who are pouring their own bladed jigs, what hook and size are you using? I started with the standard spinnerbait hooks but would like to find shorter shank and wider gap hook. TIA Rob

Thanks

Can anyone point me in the direction of where to buy this hook? I’ve heard Facebook but I’m not on FB so looking for the source? Or a link to the FB page? Thanks

I have a few molds that I modded that have similar issues. What I do, is heat the lead as hot as you can so it flows better. I try to put the Lee spout as close to the pour hole as I can and angle it so the lead pours straight down into the mold. Lastly, open the spout full so the lead flows as fast as it can. You may over pour a few until you get your timing down but unless you’re doing large numbers doesn’t matter. Hope that helps your problem.

Anyone know a source for just the hook, no keeper? Clearly they make the hook but I can’t find anywhere not pre made with keeper for a pretty penny. For that matter doesn’t seem like anyone sells flipping hook no keeper? I know both owner and Gami make straight shank but I’m unsure if the hook gap and wire gauge is the same? Thanks Rob

Tape it exactly where you want it, close tightly And hit it with a hammer on both sides. I’ve done it many times for hooks. yes you can use JB WELD to close/repair areas. Done this too and it’s lasted years

These are some swim jigs I made. The top one is the poison tail....

You can find the information you’re looking for by doing a search. Lots of threads out there about molds, modifying, opening hooks or using figure 8 links. The poison tail has what you are looking for if you want to modify. The aluminum molds can literally be modified with a hammer, I modify mine by starting with a hammer and refining with dremel. You can’t buy the coffin style from any tackle or component supplier, you might want to try an auction site..... The other route is the D and M swim jig, you can open the eye and attach a blade very easily, comes out looking a lot like their old piranha bladed jig. .

I just put them in a vise, clamp tight and bend with my thumb as far towards the vise as I can. Bends nicely and crisply. I don’t put a big bend generally so works well.

Heat them with a torch but away from the blue flame slowly they will turn bluish/blk

Thoughts on why the sparkie head is better Jeff? They seem pretty similar. Thanks

Any thoughts on whether the thickness of the blade makes a difference? I have a few of the old Phoenix baits, and a few coffin blades from Barlow’s when they used to sell them. It’s noticable in terms of how thick the Barlow’s ones are compared to the old Phoenix blades. Got me wondering if that would make a difference? Could see a lighter blade vibrating faster??? Vs maybe flexing under load/retrieve? Any thoughts? Or overthinking it?

Couple of questions. Of the blades available now, what's the difference in action between the shakee with or without holes? When does the Z man patent expire? Anyone know? and thirdly, anyone got any old stock coffin style blades they want to sell? If so email me rfdong@sbcglobal.net thanks Rob

I use the ones from Jann's seem a bit sturdier to me. But others use the Barlow ones without problems. I use size 2 and have caught fish to 9.5lbs on them.

I use the Jann's fig 8's as the ones from Barlow did seem like a lighter wire. Not saying they don't work but the Jann's seemed stouter and have held up well on some big fish. Just my .02

Anyone use these in Do-it flat eye football mold? Will it fit or fit with min modification? Thanks

Looking to buy some, anyone use it? Thoughts on it? Cheaper than pro tec but looking to see if it's any good, not get what you pay for....thanks

I use Kevlar thread so I can wrap faster, then epoxy. But I like it really clean. shrink wrap is ok but comes out bulkier to me.

You can use piano wire (ss) from music store or 60-80 lb mono or fluoro depending on which direction you want to go. I've used both, currently 80lb fluoro, but depends on what kind of cover you're fishing......

Thanks, I'll contact them but all the coffin style for open sale now are the larger size which I don't think is covered by the patent........

May I ask why you think so (about to change...)? I'm curious, I have a few of the old coffin style left, and value them as they do give off a different vibration than the rounded for sure. I did see Phenix is now using a modified coffin which my guess is different enough to get around the patent. They want $15 for 6 though........

Anyone figure out how to take shine off tungsten weights? Don't really need to color per se just want some of the shine off. Powdercoat can be a bit of a mess, pita for what I want. Vinegar doesn't seem to do it like lead. Thanks

Thanks guys! Some really great info

Thanks, some great info. I only refer to other mftr as a starting point. Not sure I am ever gonna get to the 102 different baits but you give me some great starting points. Any general tips about blade spacing? I really am going to stay with willow and Indiana blades to start. Again, thanks! Keep it coming! :-)