Most jigs have a fishing life of about 2 hours, if you are lucky, so I haven't been too concerned about the lifespan of the jighead coating. I also adjust the depth for every run, trying to get in the 2-12 inch range above the riverbed, this reduces wear. I have lost three jigs in three casts before, so if each one took me an hour to make I'd be pretty pissed. The "Testors" type paint wears quicker than fingernail polish and there is less color selection.

One trick I learned after painting 5 jig heads with that tiny brush was to take a glass candlestick holder, pour in the nail polish, then dip the heads. Using a brush takes way too long. The little cavity in the candlestick holder is the perfect size and because it is glass, it is easy to clean afterwards. Let the excess drip off into the candlestick well, then hook into a piece of styrofoam. After 30 seconds or 5 jigs I take that tiny brush and catch the little excess drips on the jigheads, conserving the nail polish. Let it dry for an hour or so, then dip again.

I spend about one to two minutes total on each jig, including the jig head painting. They are really easy to tie, and the ones pictured range from about 8-12 cents a piece my cost, without the time factor. The bigger bulk packs for your hooks have a big effect on the total cost. I'll be ordering a few 1,000 packs of Eagle Claw #630's in size 2 and 4 next time.

You do need some equipment, like a lead melting pot, (I would suggest the Lee production pot), a jig mold (available at Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas, a fly vise and basic fly tying kit (go for a better fly vise with a quick release jaw and rotation option), and a bullet ladle for transferring lead to the mold from the pot. Always work outside with molten lead, preferably on concrete.

The satisfaction comes from catching your first fish on a jig you tied, then your biggest fish. If you check the pictures of fish I have caught and posted pick of, you will see a lot of fish with the jigs pictured above.

Lastly, I add a drop or so of Smelly Jelly Shrimp Oil to the body of the jig.

Hey, anybody see my float??????