Shitty Jigs
I'm a huge fan of vertical jigging for walleye. But if there is one thing that bugs the hell out of me, it's these crappy quality ball head jigs that seem to be the only game available. Matzuo makes some really nice ones actually, with ultra sharp red sickle hooks, but they only come in 3/8 oz or smaller, and the only place I can find any is at the local Canadian Tire store.
Here's a clue to all you jig makers out there. Do you really enjoy selling crappy jigs for like $0.30 a piece. Do you really think that's a good market to be in? Let me tell you something, I would love to pay a company $3.00 per jig if it was built with some top quality materials. Give me some 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz jigs with Gamakatsu sickle hooks for example.
Is anyone listening? I don't really want to start another company...
Here's a clue to all you jig makers out there. Do you really enjoy selling crappy jigs for like $0.30 a piece. Do you really think that's a good market to be in? Let me tell you something, I would love to pay a company $3.00 per jig if it was built with some top quality materials. Give me some 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz jigs with Gamakatsu sickle hooks for example.
Is anyone listening? I don't really want to start another company...
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8 Comments:
I work for a company that has a new development in a lure/jig. It is Patent pending and utilizes a metal process that allows scent to be impregnated in the porus structure of the lure by just soaking it for a short time. They are comming out soon with a 1/8 oz 1/2 oz and a 1 oz in brass, bronze and stainless steel.
Ikekite, I'll be buying some of those for sure.
Are they available online. Can you give me the URL of your company website?
This new lure sounds like a good start, but in my humble opinion, for walleye fishing, if your company is not using super sharp, top quality sickle hooks, it won't really matter that the ball helps attract fish. Power grub does the same thing. The problem lies in the quality of the hooks, everyone cheaps out on this, and I think it is one of the most crucial parts of jig design.
I found some interesting jigs by Lady Luck, with a tiny tiny spoon after the head. Good quality, and it was pretty good for walleye. I got maybe 4 or 5 in one day just with the jig and a worm.
but I agree with you. 30 cents jigs lose their paint on the first through, their eyes on the 2nd and by the end it's like fishing with a sinker.
keep us posted if you find other good jigs. Your blog is really nice.
Pat Z. Montreal
Marc, often the best way to get quality is to do it yourself. I had a terrible time too finding jigs that met the different conditions on the St Lawrence seaway (heavier for deep water and current), lake fishing on Lac St Louis and when we go up to La Verendrye in a variety of conditions. I found the best mold company is Do-It Molds and especially like their flat head jig mold around 3/8 oz to 1 oz. We use mostly 1/2 and 3/4 oz. Paint them a few weeks in advance to avoid smell.
http://www.do-itmolds.com/
I've been using the SPRO bucktails for a couple years now on Lake St-Francis and I find they do really well in the deep current because of their slimmer profile. They help you stay vertical and have that right "feel" for those current situations. They have really sharp hooks that need little to no honing too.
It sounds like you may be a fan of light wire hooks but my buddy's company makes a tournament walleye jig called the nuckleball jig (used to be called the Odd Ball jig when Bait Rigs private labeled it). Anyway, check it out, www.jigfish.com. It was developed on the Mississippi River south of the Twin Cities, it has some really interesting features like a 100% open gap for rock solid hooksets, a uniquely weighted head where these jigs stand up natually for the walleye to pick off the bottom. It actually drives me nuts how well it stands up, you need a deeper lure compartment to fit the jigs in.
He also has an awesome bass jig, the Title SHot jig. The pros are using it and I love it.
Marc, just be a bit more patient! Cabela's will arrive in the Grand Montreal area in 2008. The new store will be located in Mirabel. Here is an overview of the features of the Cabela's Montreal store:
* A huge mountain replica, the centerpiece of the store's open showroom, including trophy animals in re-creations of their distinct habitats. Similar mountains, each called Conservation Mountain, have been built in other Cabela's stores as monuments to wildlife and salutes to the sportsmen and women who support wildlife conservation.
* A gigantic freshwater aquarium stocked with fish native to the area.
* Museum-quality representations of many wild-game species.
* World-class Gun Library, providing gun collectors and aficionados the opportunity to browse through a collection of examples of the gun-making art.
* Indoor archery range where archers can test and fine-tune their equipment.
* Bargain Cave, featuring discount prices on returned and discontinued merchandise.
* A unique interior featuring ruggedly beautiful accents and furnishings.
It's just a question of time and my tackle box will be fill-up permanently with Matzuo Sickle Jigheads!
Looking forward to spend some quality fishing time with you at the Deer Horn Lodge on the Cabonga Reservoir next week.
Marc - use Matzuo and Owner jig heads and you can't go wrong. Problem is they're hard to find in the garden variety B&T - which I have great affection for.....will always support...... but cannot depend upon to get the special items that I think I need to be as effective a fisherman as I can be. On-line purchasing from BPS and Cabelas is you best bet Mon Ami!
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