Custom Jigs Made Easy

I have tied my own jigs since I was a kid and have always enjoyed sitting down and refilling my jig box every year. I recently did just that and took a bunch of photos of the process.

Years ago, jig tying was a pretty basic thing. You had your choice between a handful of different heads in various weights and sizes. Now there is a plethora of head designs, skirt colors and materials; different hook set ups, different weed guards - the list is a mile long. There are also a million different jig companies out there, with some standing far above the rest. However, I still prefer to make my own.

Here's my process:

First off you have to sit down and order everything.

There are a two suppliers that I prefer: Stamina, now "Lure parts online", and Netcraft. I have been using both suppliers for years now and both are easy companies to deal with that have a lot of products for tying your own jigs.

I first pick my heads and weights and I recommend you buy in bulk to save money. Think ahead for next year - the investment may cost you a little more up front but when it comes time to replenish your jig box you'll be glad you have more supplies on hand.

At this point you should choose whether or not you are going to buy pre-painted jig heads or custom paint them yourself. If you finish them yourself there are a few options: you can powder coat them, dip them in vinyl or other finish, or spray with a number of different paints. I have switched to painting them with vinyl paint I feel it holds up the best on the lead. Powder coating eventually chips off as the lead dents, where the vinyl is a softer finish and seems to stay on longer as the jig head gets beat up.

Note: Most vinyl finishes are really thick and will need to be thinned to spray out of an airbrush. 

Now for the skirt material and colors:

I used to use all rubber, but I switched to round rubber when that came out, and I recently made the switch to silicone skirts. The color selection is endless and I really think color is one of the most important things in a jig. As far as colors go, I have my favorites that I have used for years but I am always trying to match crawdads and forage from lakes whenever I get the opportunity.

 

Above: Here's a color model from a local lake. Below: As I paint my jig heads I prefer to first coat them in white vinyl paint.

I use straws to keep the paint off of my weed guards.

I will just hang the jigs upside down by the hooks as I paint them.Once the primer coat is on the skies the limit as to what you can do.

This is a 1/2 ounce shad colored swim jig head.

After the heads are all painted it's time to start laying out your colors. I try to use a lot of colors and material on my jig for a full-bodied bait. This is, of course, all personal opinion and the main reason I tie my own jigs to begin with.

I like to lay everything out before starting in batches.

I use the very simple method of tying my jig skirts with a pointy jig skirt tool and a silicone band.

Once the skirt is tied up its ready to slide on your jig.

After its done you can see how all the colors melt together into a perfect harmony of fish-catching goodness.

One of my swim jigs also shown with a Little Creeper swimbait trailer I matched it to.

Tying your own jigs can be a fun and rewarding thing, it can also save you hundreds of dollars at the register of your local tackle store. Have fun!