Jig head tutorial: Splitshot and Bullet Heads

By SSSF Admin/sponsor Ed Fast

Hey, all!

The following is a cheap way to make your own jig heads. I do recommend buying your jigs from TTJN and Steelhead Stalkers. It is not expensive and they catch fish and most don't have time to make their own. However, some of us do like to make our own stuff when we have a little free time and it's fun to catch a fish on something you created! I find I like to relax after the family goes to bed by watching a little T.V., drink a beer and tie up flies, jigs and spinners. (when I'm not tying leaders, tuning up reels and making slinkies)

One of the cheapest and easiest methods is the 'split shot head'. Here's what it looks like:



First, buy some jig hooks in the size you want and a variety of plain, round split shots. You can make any size jig from tiny to large. Here they are:


Next, lightly crimp the shot on the hook at the bend with pliers:


Now, test for balance by runnin a thread, pin or hook point through the eye. Adjust the shot by moving it forward or backward, or tilting it up or down. When it's balanced, crimp it tight. You can super glue it if you want. I don't:


You are done unless you want a colored head. They do catch fish plain.

If you want a colored head, get out your little jar of powder paint you bought at the tackle store:


Now, hold the jig head over a candle or alcohol burner for 6 to 10 seconds:


Plunge it into the powder paint, pull it out and give it rap on the edge of the jar:


Hold it over the flame until it starts to melt. It will all of a sudden go slick. If it is too thin, put in the powder again and heat it 'til it melts:


here's what it looks like:


For the bullet heads, go to the bass aisle and buy some bullet sinkers. You can get non lead ones, as well:


They also come in colors, already done:


Stick pins through the holes, repeat the powder coat process and you get this:


To attach these to the hook, tie them on like this:


To balance the longer and heavier heads, you have to wrap lead wire down the hook shank until it is balanced, then wrap your thread down it to cover and secure it. :You can get lead wire in anywhere that sells fly tying supplies.

Here is a finished bullet head jig:


Give these methods a try, they are fun and easy!

Good luck,

Ed