Tying Steelhead jigs.

[TheHunt]

I want to get started.   I would like to get a pedestal vise but they seam to be rather expensive.  Which one are better?

So what for tying those big hook jigs with weights on them what should I be looking at?

Last Bobbins... Are one better then others?

[Wanttohuntmore]

There's a cheap Cabela's vise with a pedestal, and a c-clamp, kit, that comes in a wood box with other fly tying gear, for about $40 if I remember right.  From there up the sky is the limit.  I have been tying for years now, and keep wanting to get a better vise, but never seem to get one.  While using this vise, it seems fine.  Bobbin's, not sure which are good, I have some that are nice, some have too much tension. 

I find with jigs I do not need the rotary vise as much as I do when tying flies, spey flies, etc.  I think with jigs I'm pretty basic on the materials since I plan on losing a dozen/trip!

[TheHunt]

I just found this post.   Looks very good.

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=502242

[billythekidrock]

There's a cheap Cabela's vise with a pedestal, and a c-clamp, kit, that comes in a wood box with other fly tying gear, for about $40 if I remember right.  From there up the sky is the limit.  I have been tying for years now, and keep wanting to get a better vise, but never seem to get one.  While using this vise, it seems fine.  Bobbin's, not sure which are good, I have some that are nice, some have too much tension.  

I find with jigs I do not need the rotary vise as much as I do when tying flies, spey flies, etc.  I think with jigs I'm pretty basic on the materials since I plan on losing a dozen/trip!

I agree.
Though I have only ever tied a few flies, I have done hundreds of jigs and found that a low end kit was more than adequate.

[Wanttohuntmore]

One thing also to keep in mind, most of the pre poured jig heads suck, so you'll want to get a mold, use some of the 2x heavy Gami's, and paint yours to your liking.  I like the vinyl paints, but they are a mess to deal with, hard to clean the eyes out, etc.  I've used the powder paints, but they chip easier then the vinyl.  Not all vinyls are the same too.

Steelhead addictions are almost as bad as my hunting addiction!

[snocohunter]

I'd love to learn how to tie them as well as learn how to fish them. I've fished jigs under a float a handful of times, but would really like to learn to drift fish them. I'm clueless about it.

[ol_grayfeather]

The finer the thread you use the higher quality bobbin you'll want.  I use ceramic bobbins.  The less expensive steel bobbins without the ceramic insert can get burrs inside them and that will cut your thread.  I use 6/0 thread mostly and I can put enough pressure on the thread (without snapping it) to spin deer hair.

Search through the fly tying websites.  You should be able to find enough info to keep you busy for days.

Try www.Steelheader.net   A LOT of helpful guys over there that fly fish and tie their own jigs

[loaderboy]

Forget the jig head paints use plasti dip you can buy it at home depot. This stuff is awesome and will not chip off. I used the same jig  this winter on 9 steelhead and bounced plenty of rocks and the head looks like new. I dont know if they make it in different colors but I only use black anyway.

[TheHunt]

Anyone know how to tie this http://www.angelfire.com/wa/salmonid/martin1.html][url]http://www.angelfire.com/wa/salmonid/martin1.html[/url]

[boneaddict]

Tied hundreds of them.  You don't need a high end vise.  Its a pretty simple tye.   As for bobbins, a cheap one is fine as you generally use a larger thread. 

[TheHunt]

Anyone near Puyallup who knows how to tie that fly?