Make Your Own Small Bladed Swim Jigs

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Choosing the Right Blade
4. Selecting the Body Material
5. Understanding Hooks
6. Working with Wires
7. Tools for Wire Bending
8. Step-by-Step Tutorial
9. Best Practices for Making Swim Jigs
10. Tips for Fishing Swim Jigs

How to Make Small Bladed Swim Jigs

Are You tired of looking for small bladed swim jigs that are no longer available in the United States? Look no further! In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of making your own swim jigs with ease. Before we begin, please make sure to Gather all the necessary materials.

Materials Needed

To make your own small bladed swim jigs, you will need the following materials:

1. Blades - Count Bass blades are recommended for their excellent chatter and quality.
2. Body Material - Tungsten beads in various sizes and colors are ideal for achieving the desired weight and visibility.
3. Hooks - Choose hooks that are compatible with the size of your lure and offer the desired level of strength.
4. Wires - Stainless steel wires in .026 diameter are typically used for swim jigs.
5. Wire Cutters - Use wire cutters to trim and Shape the wires.
6. Wire Bending Pliers - These specialized pliers make it easy to shape and manipulate the wires.
7. Snap Clips - These clips help secure the blade to the jig.
8. Beadsmith Tools - Beadsmith brand tools are recommended for wire bending and shaping.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare the Blade

Begin by selecting a Count Bass blade and removing it from the packaging. These blades are known for their excellent chatter and performance in the Water. Avoid using blades that are too thick or dull as they may affect the swimming action of the jig.

Step 2: Choose the Body Material

Tungsten beads are the perfect choice for achieving the desired weight and visibility in your swim jigs. Select the appropriate size and color beads Based on your fishing needs. Fluorescent colors are recommended for increased visibility.

Step 3: Select the Right Hooks

Choose hooks that are compatible with the size of your lure and offer the desired level of strength. Drop shot hooks are a popular choice, but feel free to use any hooks that you prefer.

Step 4: Handling Wires

Stainless steel wires in .026 diameter are commonly used for swim jigs. It is important to select the right wire thickness based on your desired weight and swimming action. Be aware that thinner wires Create more action but may compromise strength.

Step 5: Use Wire Bending Pliers

Wire bending pliers make it easy to shape and manipulate the wires. Beadsmith brand tools are recommended for their quality and durability. These pliers allow you to create loops and bend the wires to achieve the desired shape of your swim jig.

Step 6: Assemble the Swim Jig

Follow the step-by-step instructions in the tutorial video provided to assemble your swim jig. Start by creating a loop for the hook, then attach the blade and secure it in place. Finally, wrap the wire around the shank of the hook to ensure a secure connection.

Step 7: Trim and Shape the Jig

Once the swim jig is assembled, use wire cutters to trim any excess wire and shape the jig to your desired form. Be careful when handling the cut wires, as they can be sharp.

Step 8: Finalize the Swim Jig

Make sure all components are secured and the swim jig is properly balanced. Test the jig in the water to ensure it achieves the desired swimming action before adding it to your tackle box.

Best Practices for Making Swim Jigs

• Experiment with different blade sizes and shapes to achieve different swimming actions.
• Pay Attention to the weight of your swim jig, as it affects the depth at which it will swim.
• Consider the visibility of your swim jig. Bright colors and fluorescent materials can attract more fish.
• Use high-quality hooks to ensure reliable hook sets and minimize the risk of losing fish.

Tips for Fishing Swim Jigs

• Cast your swim jig near structure, such as rocks, fallen trees, or weed beds, where fish are likely to be hiding.
• Retrieve your swim jig at a steady pace, allowing the blade to create vibrations that attract fish.
• Vary your retrieve speed and style to find what works best for the specific conditions and fish species you are targeting.
• Experiment with different trailers, such as soft plastics or hair, to add extra action and appeal to your swim jig.

With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to make your own small bladed swim jigs. Enjoy the process of creating custom lures tailored to your fishing needs and prepare for successful fishing trips ahead. Happy fishing!