NEWBIE JIG MOLDS QUESTIONS - Hilts/Do-It

[shredmandan]

Just getting into casting /pouring jigs and sinkers. To that end I have some older molds from HILTS and am wondering what hooks will work with them. Is there a chart somewhere that tells me what hooks and/or what wire (for sinkers) do I need and where can I obtain these?

I also need help with an Erie Dearie Do-It mold for 3/4 and 1 ounce jigs I need to find out a source for the hooks (which ones) and the other wire hardware I need to make up the jig. Maybe I should start a thread just on that mold?

Thanks much

Dan

 

[Fatman]

Look inside the molds and they should tell you what sizes to use - Eagle Claw and Mustad should fit fine - not sure on the Matzuo's, but they are designed for 90 degree jig hooks.

I get a lot of my jig hooks from Capt Hooks Discount Warehouse
https://www.captainhookswarehouse.com/

Posted info on your other thread on the Erie Dearie mold.

 

[LedHed]

Hilt's web site is still up - might be able to get hook size & hardware info there also.

Lots of hook styles & manufacturers out there. Matzuo's should work fine as well as VMCs - Barbarians are a great hook. Another factor is what species you are targeting - heavy duty - light wire - gap..........

 

[shredmandan]

Hilt's web site is still up - might be able to get hook size & hardware info there also.

Lots of hook styles & manufacturers out there. Matzuo's should work fine as well as VMCs - Barbarians are a great hook. Another factor is what species you are targeting - heavy duty - light wire - gap..........

So I don't necessarily have to use the hook recommended for the mold? So I can use anything close to the recommended hook?

 

[LedHed]

Correct - you can use different sizes as well. Watch out for Matzuo's - QC is questionable - leg length can vary.

 

[Hawnjigs]

Collar head molds are finicky about precise hook fits that allow hook shanks to position straight thru the middle of the collar. Sometimes, not always, a hook size above or below recommended MIGHT fit the same mold cavity.

No collar molds, like ball heads, are more forgiving of swapping hook brands and sizes since it doesn't functionally matter what angle the hook shank exits the head.

 

[LedHed]

Really have to be careful with custom chub molds also - where Matzuo's inconsistency with leg length - really is a pain in the butt. Sometimes a small tweak/mod to the mold can align a new or different size hook. Usually you can elongate the eye slot on the mold. If you do - do it slow and a little bit at time.

 

[shredmandan]

Lots of great info - I appreciate everyone's input very much! I'm soaking it up like a sponge.