08-27-2008, 05:28 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I get my crane swivels from either Barlows or Janns. They both sell in quantity and the prices are reasonable. And, they are properly sized to fit pony head jig molds.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]No need to get too creative with long shank hooks. Most of the standard jig hooks work fine for plastics or for "dressing" with other materials. However, one of the things that pouring your own allows is to change the ratio of head size to hook size. I fish a lot of shallow water for big fish, using large plastics. I make a lot of jigs with 3//0 hooks on 1/16 oz. heads. Normally a hook that size would be on a 1/4 oz head, but you would be constantly snagged in the rocks where I fish if you use the heavier heads.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The flip side is true also. Sometimes I like to put a 1/4 oz. head on a size 4 hook, especially for ice fishing or other vertical presentations in deeper water...especially when I want to maintain better feel or get the baited jig down faster.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are always specialized situations that require a balance of size and weight to get the right presentation. That is a fun part of creating your own stuff.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]No need to get too creative with long shank hooks. Most of the standard jig hooks work fine for plastics or for "dressing" with other materials. However, one of the things that pouring your own allows is to change the ratio of head size to hook size. I fish a lot of shallow water for big fish, using large plastics. I make a lot of jigs with 3//0 hooks on 1/16 oz. heads. Normally a hook that size would be on a 1/4 oz head, but you would be constantly snagged in the rocks where I fish if you use the heavier heads.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The flip side is true also. Sometimes I like to put a 1/4 oz. head on a size 4 hook, especially for ice fishing or other vertical presentations in deeper water...especially when I want to maintain better feel or get the baited jig down faster.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are always specialized situations that require a balance of size and weight to get the right presentation. That is a fun part of creating your own stuff.[/#0000ff]
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