04-17-2006, 02:47 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I have always been a "do-it-my-ownself" kinda guy. I started tying flies when I was about 7 years old and have graduated over the years into making all kinds of lures, building rods, etc. I learned early how to tie loops and snells, to make my own pier fishing rigs as a youngster in southern California. In fact, I used to make extra money by tieing up dropper rigs for the bait shops on the piers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As many BFTers know by now, I pour and paint a wide variety of jig heads (almost 40 different molds). The one thing I try to get across to everybody is that if you take up tacklecraft to save money, you may be disappointed. It can cost a few bucks before you ever turn out your first jig. But...the real benefit is being able to get exactly what you want, for the type of fishing you do, without having to settle for what the tackle supplier says you want.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The same is true of making leaders and wire rigs. Conditions can change and the needs for anglers (and fish preferences) can change too. By knowing what the possible needs might be, and having your own "premade rigs"...or the materials to make your own...you can sometimes be catching fish while others are zipping.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As many BFTers know by now, I pour and paint a wide variety of jig heads (almost 40 different molds). The one thing I try to get across to everybody is that if you take up tacklecraft to save money, you may be disappointed. It can cost a few bucks before you ever turn out your first jig. But...the real benefit is being able to get exactly what you want, for the type of fishing you do, without having to settle for what the tackle supplier says you want.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The same is true of making leaders and wire rigs. Conditions can change and the needs for anglers (and fish preferences) can change too. By knowing what the possible needs might be, and having your own "premade rigs"...or the materials to make your own...you can sometimes be catching fish while others are zipping.[/#0000ff]
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