Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: chukar hunter on December 31, 2014, 08:18:56 AM

Title: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: chukar hunter on December 31, 2014, 08:18:56 AM: Like to tie my own jigs, but having a hard time finding any places with bulk quantities(dozen or more). Most only have three to four per package. Almost cheaper to by the whole jig when on sale, but not nearly as rewarding.
Title: Re: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: Bullkllr on December 31, 2014, 09:58:11 AM: Interesting question. I've been making steelhead jigs since the '80s. I agree that getting hooks and jig-heads has been a problem.

With the increase in jig popularity, more manufacturers are selling pre-made jig-heads, but the small packs they sell them in are way over-priced.

I don't know any retail store locally that sells jig-heads designed for steelhead in bulk or at what I consider a reasonable price. You can get them online cheaper, often.

The long-term solution is to buy bulk jig hooks (without heads). Make sure you get quality hooks- at least 1x strong.Local places (Sportco, Sportsmans', Sunbirds, Cabela's, etc) usually have them in 25 packs at a big discount from the small packs of pre-made heads. You can find them on-line even cheaper.

One you have the hooks you will need to put a head on them. You do have options here:

1) Long-term solution is to get a lead mold and pour your own, then paint and away you go. Fair amount of work and equipment involved, but worth in the long-run, imo.

2) Use a "bead-head" jig like this:
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.salmonfly.net%2FMartin%2Fshell_shrimp_tail.jpg&hash=637b9a593d61d526b509d11ab40a63aec243a988)
You need solid brass beads (quarter inch or so) and a sewing pin. Pin the bead and tie the pin to the hook shank and away you go. That was the way the originaL "Leo Jigs" were made and it stills works well. Actually my favorite way to make them.

Hope this helps. I haven't bought many materials on-line lately, but I'll do a search later and see what kind of deals I can recommend.
Title: Re: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: PolarBear on December 31, 2014, 10:03:59 AM: :yeah:
I tie and pour all of my own jigs (and worms and fake eggs). There is a little up front expense but it is well worth it in the long run. Cabelas has jig head molds in standard steelhead sizes and can accommodate the larger hooks. I buy my hooks online in 50 packs and save as well. Once you get set up, you can pour several dozen jig heads in a very short time. Powder coating is super simple as well.
Title: Re: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: bankwalker on December 31, 2014, 01:42:36 PM: Riverbend jigs. They'll sell you poured jigs and also painted. Their paint is top notch and almost indestructible. They use mustad hooks 1x or 2x strength.
I switched to mustad 5 years ago and never looked back. Imo they're sharper than owners and twice as strong. I've never bent out a 1x or 2x mustad on a fish. Even fishing size 4 jigs
Title: Re: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: Damnimissed on December 31, 2014, 10:00:56 PM: Mustads are great, and way cheaper than Gami's and Owners. I use them for anything smaller than #1 otherwise I go with Gami's. Definitely worth it to pour your own heads. I can't believe what they're charging for pre-poured heads. You'll make your money back in no time pouring your own.
Title: Re: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: Button Nubbs on January 01, 2015, 12:52:13 AM: Pour your own! Gammy 2x hooks wont fit in the standard do it mold. Line the 2x hooks up in the mold, close it and beat the crap out of it with a deadblow. Problem solved.
Title: Re: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: offdahook on January 01, 2015, 09:03:48 AM: slevad.com
Title: Re: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: 7mmfan on January 01, 2015, 09:18:16 AM: I used a dremel tool and made careful adjustments to my mold so that I could fit heavier hooks into the channels. I can now easily pour with 2x heavy jig hooks. Its a little work and frustrating that you have to do it with a really expensive mold, but it made a huge difference.
Title: Re: Where to buy bulk Steelhead Jigs?
Post by: BigGoonTuna on January 01, 2015, 12:09:01 PM: there's a few guys selling really good quality jigheads on ebay with mustad hooks, at least there was the last time i needed some. i think i paid around $12 for a 50 pack of 1/8oz jigs with 1/0 hooks. the mustads are every bit as good as the owners or gamakatsus in that application.