Alabama Rig

[slimshad09]

Why the secret? Just post your ideas. I have made over fifty and its simple. .035 or .040 stainless tig wire, JB weld(the stick kind), and some paint. Done! You can mold them into any shape or size that you want. I didn't think you would need lead cause the baits will be heavy enuf already. I have made them look and feel as good or better than any store bought ones! Good luck guys! Thinking about making some with smaller diameter wire for crappie jigs??? I just hate to see the working man have to pay $25 for a bait that still needs hooks! The very first one i bought, I had around $45 in it. NOT anymore!!!

[artcarney_agr]

Why the secret? Just post your ideas.

No secrets here.

Pretty much the same process you have, except I use a heavier gauge stainless wire that doesn't break after bending it a lot. Also, I use a button sleeve to hold my wires together instead of JB Weld - have also used pieces of copper tubing, but it was a little too soft than what I cared for, but still worked just fine. Just slide the wires through the sleeve or piece of tubing and smack it with a hammer.

Button Sleeve:
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...l.ex?sku=43399
About $0.70 ea.

Wire:
http://store.weldersource.com/erststtigwew.html
I get the 1/16" size
1 lb. will make you at least 16 rigs

The sleeves and wire make up a cost of about $1.50 per rig.
If you go with the pieces of copper tubing method, that will drop the cost significantly.
Add in your swivels and you're good to go - with the wire being a heavier gauge, there is no need to sleeve it for the swivels, just curl it up and roll with it.

Depending on what swivels you use, you're total cost should be right at or below $3 ea.

[slimshad09]

I used the JB weld to hold it together but also make a cool shaped heads. Made wedge shape, Round, even made the shape look like a small crankbait. Painted them pearl with some accents. Pretty cool to make your own baits. No wrong way to make them as long as they can hold up!