Shad Dart Aha !

Hawnjigs

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Mar 23, 2010
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Ogallala, NE
One of our members was kind enuf to send me many colors of eyelash yarn rather long ago which I saved for future applications. Well, it turned out to be PERFECT for adding a short minimal drag body to a flash dart for trout and salty panfish. This is my go-to size - 1/8 size dart actual weight 1/12 oz. cast in pure shiny tin #4 Ultra Point 2x hooks. First attempt version with white color yarn skirt over DNA Holoflash undertie - IMO darts need to be tied skinny to allow the head design to do it's thing. Multiple color variations to follow. I'm embarrased to admit forgetting who the gifter was - will the guilty party please post or PM me if shy.

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smalljaw

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Aug 25, 2012
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That is just fantastic!!!! It reminds me of a skirted swim jig with the flash trailer and the eye lash skirt, simply excellent!!
 

Pup

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Mar 24, 2010
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Indianapolis, IN
The eyelash yarn is Bernat Boa "Mocking Bird" #81104. Color is a variegated lime, white, and blue. I'm only guessing here. :huh:

Well done Hawn. :cool:
 

macon1

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Oct 30, 2012
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East Tennessee
If it's reflecting purplish blue from something nearby, could be the white I sent. Good to see you using it, either way....looks good...
Mac
 

Hawnjigs

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Aha, thanks Mac! You sent lots of colors too to indulge my artistic nature.
And, thanks to all for the back pats.
Tin weighs only 64% as much as lead so is advantageous for casting action heads like Cabela's Wobble Jigs and guessing shad darts. Bonus is the bright durable shine.
JJ1, I didn't pay much attention to a tie thread trailer until you posted that they make a difference.
Pup, the yarn skirt is pure white - are you having, um, flashbacks?
 

Bucho

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Mar 29, 2013
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Kiel, Germany
Thats a very good looking jig, guess the mold is that older, wider type? Nice to see the forwarded hook position you mentioned. Got an assortment of that hook, too, and I must say that was a very good piece of advice. Will give it a go with the tin, too - for the reasons you just mentioned. Just received a few samples of an up-side down wobble jig that I tied a few worms on - love the concept but a lighter cast and a propeller will sure do wonders ;)
can´t wait for the engraver to return from his summer vacation and mod my mold!
 

Hawnjigs

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Mar 23, 2010
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Yup, older wide face dart mold. For vert jigging, maybe a center balance hook eye is best, but for my shoreline horizontal retrieves I prefer forward eye set close to the head & 2x hooks for salty scrappers. Drill press mod adding new hook eye slots, but the 1/8 and 1/4 sizes required the glued in wood inserts to make the hook sit right. Kept the original eye slots just in case.

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Hawnjigs

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I remember seeing amazing colors - with eyes closed in the high time of my life. And, they say your past memories come back as you get older.

Bucho, yes, I'd be interested in knowing the effect of the prop. My 1/4 oz. #2 prop Wobble Boolies seem to track pretty straight. Do your upside down Wobbles have more action than right side up?
 
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