Spike-A-Pike

Just because I'm not sure of how permanent this hyper-link is, I converted it to a stand alone file on valve.pdf valve.pdf valve.pdf valve.pdf valve.pdf valve.pdf valve.pdf valve.pdf valve.pdf

Welcome to the Tackleunderground, the custom tackle creative center of the universe. I think it is only fair to warn you that tackle making, in all of it's many formats, is extremely addictive. Several members have banned together to develop a 12 step recovery program, but progress has been slow... anytime you put two or more tackle junkies together, they stop working on the recovery program and discussing new ideas for constructing quality custom tackle and the next thing they're looking for a new air brush, or taking apart microwave ovens for low RPM motors to make new lure drying wheel. So again, Welcome On Board... and for the sake of your family and loved ones, make sure you take great pains to vent any odors, hide any feathers, hair, or thread, and NEVER swipe your wife or girlfriends nail polish, hair drier, or deep frier to feed your tackle junkie addiction, because its never pretty and could leave them lasting scares.

The ice fishing in North Central Wisconsin was pretty sad for the kids and I Saturday. Nothing on the tip up, nothing jigging, and 4 misses via tip downs. My son foolishly loaned me the use of his quad runner and I had a blast on the ice. My first, my son was on the back and about 25 feet into the run, he jumped off because the minnow bucket lost its top. I got all the back to shore, about 3/4 of a mile before discovered he wasn't there... So back I went and he said to go on back and get his sister, better known on TU as fish face. She was about 100 meters behind him. As I got closer to her, I drove a little wide right and did a great 180 degree power slide coming right next to her. In the past, I had logged over 32,000 miles on motorcycles, but zero on a quad before Saturday. I just wish I could find words to describe the look on her face ; I think she thought her moments on earth could be measured on one hand. All said and done, it was a great day fishing with the kids. Just like the ones we shared 22 years ago... Only that was fishing in Spring, Summer, and Fall on open water, with biting bugs, sun burn, and me getting to fish in between baiting hooks, untangling knotted fishing line, and settling any number of different arguments. On a positive note, at least they throw fish guts at each other. I think we're all looking forward to warmer weather for our next fishing trip.

reel doctor - I've noticed that before with stirrup clevises and I use them so the longer arm is facing the line tie. It seems to help the blade get spinning a little more freely. IMHO As a rule, I don't use the folded clevises. I had a few with the folded ends were crushed (from Herter's - like 25 or 30 years ago) and have avoided the type ever since. Oops; I hope I didn't just date myself too badly!

It maybe its time for some help from above... Evergreen International's Boeing 747 Fire Fighter or the US Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) I checked and Australia flies the Lockheed C-130 Hercules that the MAFFS was designed for. MAFFS 2 is the next-generation roll-on, roll-off firefighting system designed to air-drop fire-retardant chemicals used in fighting forest fires. MAFFS 2 is an integral tool for battling large wildfires. Any time there are such difficult areas with large bush fires like the US West Coast, Australia, Spain, France, etc., it would be great to see these types of systems deployed where they are needed, when they are needed.

It always seems like an up hill, one sided battle to put something new on the market. Between patents, copyrights, and the 10% federal excise tax, it's a wonder anyone ever tries to make or sell a new idea or dream. I have seen Cowgirls and their clones for years, and was surprised last fall to see a new musky spinner in the Rothschild, WI Gander Mountain designed and build in Weston, WI. I don't know why this really surprised me, Antigo, WI has that little spinner bait company called Mepps. I guess dreams can come true and you may be at a point to figure out if there is any interest in your bait at some of the local tackle shops; there are any number of them in small Wisconsin towns. With the economy in the shape its in, this may be a perfect time to find a small manufacturer who is will to work with you to help turn out your baits and keep a few of his guys off the unemployment line. I guess it all boils down to how much do you believe in your dream? Good luck and tight lines.

The previously mentioned, a Member Submitted Tutorial on Hardbait Stencils, by Birdman, was just posted. It makes good use of old plastic milk cartons... I would recommend making extra blank stencils so when a new paint scheme comes to mind, you're ready to go.

Ron, Thanks for taking the time to share your methods for constructing stencils. When completed, they should last for years! Bruce

Your skills continue to surprise and amaze those of us with less. You always seem to push the envelope to the next level. Congrats.

Man, there is a ton of thought in your design; thanks you for sharing it in its raw form. It is truly a beautiful work of art. Keep us posted as development continues.

Milia, While the encouragement from others helps, it's when you run into a problem you just cannot figure out on your own where the membership rises to the occasion. Pete, Watch the sewing machine cracks... Every guy should know how to tailor their own trousers.

Wal-mart US Headquarters is cutting 700 jobs and as I understand it, they only plan to pay their suppliers once every 90 days. They basically changed the 30 day posting to 90 days to save money and they're big enough to say if you don't like it, we'll replace your stuff for someone who does. I wonder if that played a role in D2T being dropped?

Pete, I'm not sure if everyone realizes that Australia is experiencing its worst drought in a century, while flooding is sweeping through the northern state of Queensland. Have the fires remained limited to Victoria state or have they spread? I also saw a report that claimed Australian police suspect that some of the 400 bushfires were caused by arson. If they can find those responsible, I hope they are charged for the murders and destruction caused. We'll keep you in our prayers. Bruce

I think we're going to have problems with this thread unless the rules are complied with... 1. The pictures in this thread should be linked from the gallery, not in the builder's forum. Basic members may meet a limit with the number of photos they can post - see Rule 3 2. The size of the photos posted is not supposed to be larger than 600 x 400 because TU wants to keep the site fast for all, including 56k (dial up) users.

There is a new tutorial that is just about ready to be published by birdman that shows a good method of making repeatable paint stencils. The nice thing is that after you've made them, they should last a while. Hang in there...

Phil, Is that the same knot you wouldn't show us at the meet last summer??? Maybe you can "not" show us again some time in the future; say the 2010 meet... I know I can't wait to "not" see your knot again as I forgot exactly how you "didn't" show to tie it last year. Did anyone take any photos of you "not" showing us???

Sounds like a question to go directly to the source... Here is their contact info: Hedron, Inc. 402 North Main Street Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 USA Phone: 651-430-9606 Fax: 651-430-9607 Email link: dm@hedroninc.com

Ted, There are so many good threads about making your own molds to pour your own plastics, it may be more rewarding to make your own mold and pour them yourself. That is the way a lot of guys have gotten started. Try a search on PoP molds to get you started.

Howard, The article you listed provides several things to be looked at like: How you space your blases, beads, spacers, etc. The type of clevis used to anchor your blade on the wire. The size of the blade(s). The length of the wire the blade is placed on. To say just any one of these items is the perfect fix may exaggerate the point. A case could also be made (if taken to extremes) that you can only use a reel with a 5.1:1 gear set with a 33" line retrieval at 18 RPM as opposed to a 6.1:1 gear set with a 28" line retrieval at 18 RPM or a 4.7:1 gear set with a 36" line retrieval at 17 RPM. The depth of the blade cup is one of countless variables that may or may not play a part in getting a slower retrieve. You might try varying your retrieve with a slight pause, let the rod tip dip slightly, and resume. Any time you're on the water, experiment with those things you can change that time. Just a few mental munchies to ponder...

I still think the answer to the original question is how much/often do you fish and hook up? If you don't go fishing that often, you are probably better off tying your flashabou or bucktails on. If you hit the water fairly often or hook up with a good number pike and musky, the materials will need to be replaced more often and a skirt band and skirt allow a quick change on the water. If the material is going to folded, either a wire tie or skirt band works well. There are several different thoughts on this topic; they all work... It's more a matter of filling your likes and dislikes.

We stayed at the USA Inn last and were pleasantly surprised. In addition to a good price, if you plan on bringing a boat to fish Truman, they have boat parking with electrical access. I don't know what the price is, but it's there if you need/want it. Just wish they had a breakfast bar in the morning.....

Did you tacklewarehouse???

Bear - Good luck with the surgery. I had nerve damage surgery last fall and it seems to be getting better all the time. The hard part is following up with the physical therapy and NOT pushing it too hard. Take of yourself and let others help when possible... Just heal right the first time. I'll let fishface know about it; I'm sure she'd wish you well too. You're in our prayers.

This is a question that comes up from time to time; but is varied depending on the fish you intend to target. The guys tying bucktails for Northerns and Muskys may use thin gauged wire, for bass and trout it could be fly tying thread, lure and jig wrapping thread, flat waxed thread, or braid. If your planning to add silicone skirts, you can use skirt bands or zip (wire) ties. And these are just some of the ways you may want to fasten materials to jigs. On a closing note, if you are planning to use a thread or braided tying material, you'll want to seal them with head cemment or nail polish, maybe even superglue or epoxy... Knotes can/do come apart if they're not sealed.

Regretfully, Jeannie and I may have to bow out this year... A family function, Grandma turning 90 years young, is probably going to prevent our attendance this year. Grandma is slowing down pretty quickly over the last 6 months and there is a growing fear that she won't with us much longer. So Nathan, I thought we might have had a chance for an early Birthday celebration until you switched the dates back... What if the projected time-line for the TU 2010 Meet??? Jerry, any chance of a live web-cam at this years meet??? That would be very, very cool. The very thought of not getting there this year is pretty depressing... Maybe pour a cold beer into the pond for the missing and forgotten this year:tipsy:.