Swing jig.

[Billmo]

do you guys think these swing jigs are big enough for the MD5?

[Justin9j]

Bill you can put what ever hook you want.  I made one with a 6/0 hook.  Weight biggest is 7-16.  Is that heavy enough to hold it on the bottom or close to the bottom while reeling it in?  It would be close.   
That's how biffle fishes the hard head. Cranks it just fast enough to hit stumps and rocks. 

I fished it Sunday and you can swim it jig it. Drag it. Fish it how every you want.   
I know it looks good bouncing off rocks while cranking it. The bait really swings side to side.   
Hope this helps.

[Billmo]

Thanks Justin... Might have to hit up someone to send me a couple on the board.. Would rather support you guys than big box.

[Justin9j]

Bill let me know. If you want a some. Let me know what hook size you would like.

[kipbass]

I'm having difficulty with this mold. Cant seem to keep the hooks in place and with larger hooks, I get flashing too around the hook.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Kip, on the flashing, check to make sure the mold is closing completely with the hook in it.  If the hook's wire diameter is a little too heavy, the mold won''t be able to close around the hook.

[kipbass]

Kip, on the flashing, check to make sure the mold is closing completely with the hook in it.  If the hook's wire diameter is a little too heavy, the mold won''t be able to close around the hook.

If you look at the pics provided on page two, there are no slots to hold the hook in place. Larger hooks hang off the mold and that causes the hook eye to not sit properly. I tried using a butter knife to hold it in place when I close the mold, but even that is too thick.

[Justin9j]

Kip. Angle the hook in the mold.

[pjmcla]

I have not poured the mold; but I have played with the inserts and hooks fit in the mold.  If the hook hangs below the mold there is a tendency for the wire insert to come out of place.   As mentioned; angling the hook as much as possible without getting the hook / insert connection out of the slot will enhance complete mold closure.  Sometimes the angle intrudes over onto the next cavities "space".  On large hooks you may have to pour one cavity at a time due to the need to support the hook in the slot with the insert in it's proper position.  Oiling the hinges well and closing the mold slowly helps keep the inserts & hooks in the correct slots as well. 
Just make sure that the mold is closed completely before pouring.  650 degree plus lead pouring out the bottom of a partially closed mold is not good.   

[kipbass]

Just make sure that the mold is closed completely before pouring.  650 degree plus lead pouring out the bottom of a partially closed mold is not good.

Which is why I wear leather shoes...lol Thanks I'll try it again soon. need more hooks.

Kip. Angle the hook in the mold.

Thanks.Justin9j

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Roger on'nat, Kip.  I think I can picture the problem and solution, given the replies.  This cel only showed me 2 pics when I went to Full Version, that only showed the poured head with no hook then a hook-and-wire-form unpoured.  This cel isn't very webpage-friendly.  Warm Molds and Complete Pours to You Sir.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Just putting this on the table for a snack...

One thing I've done to Football heads, and will be doing this to a few of the FSJs when I get to finishing them.  With the Flush-Cut Nippers that I use to cut lead, I'll cut the tips of the Football off, then with a fine file, file the ends flat and at least semi-symmetrical.  This will slightly reduce the weight and give me good flats to put eyes on.

[Denny Welch]

You are also one of those who thinks outside of the box, Gary.  Good goin'.

[Justin9j]

Ok kip. I have problems with the 6/0 and bigger hooks. Angling them don't help that big. 

I found I could hold with one hand and close.   What I may do is melt some glue from a hot glue gun stick and see if that little dab will hold the hook in there.  I use this trick on my spinnerbait mold.  Dab it in the lower half of the mold.   

[ctom]

Find yourself a  small, flat, magnet and super glue it to the outside of the mold right over the hook channel. Magnets also work for keeping hooks and wire keepers in place while loading the molds.