CatDaddy says twice a year he gathers up all of his lead, cleans it up and does a fresh pour so he has plenty of tackle for the year. While you can just go purchase all of your sinkers, jigs and more at the store, pouring your own allows you to save money and create exactly what you want in bulk. CatDaddy says that he likes to use Do-It Molds and he notes they also sell Lee pots, which he says are best pots out there for melting and pouring lead. Plumbers lead is his lead of choice, although CatDaddy notes that any lead will work, including that found in wheel weights. CatDaddy says he is pouring a lot of sinkers: no roll sinkers, egg sinkers, flat bank sinkers and more. The affordability can’t be overlooked. CatDaddy says when spoonbilling he uses 10, 12 and even 16 ounce weights which run $2-3 a piece. On an average spoonbill trip CatDaddy uses 40 to 50 weights and that’s a decent amount of money for a bunch of lead. To mitigate that cost, CatDaddy says that pouring his own weights is ideal. He also makes his own boat anchors with lead noting that they can cost you a couple hundred dollars or more in store. By heating up lead, pouring it in a stainless steel bowl, putting a rod down the center and letting it cool he is able to create his own highly effective and cost efficient anchors.
The only caveat to making your own tackle is that working with molten lead is dangerous. You have to be very careful, he says, and use all the proper safety equipment - glasses, gloves, etc. The presence of any water in your pot can spell disaster if it causes molten lead to splatter and spew screaming hot lead everywhere. As long as you are careful, CatDaddy says that pouring your own weights and more is a fun project that can be achieved with a modest investment in some good molds and equipment.
Listen in as CatDaddy, guide and pro at CatDaddy’s Catfishin’ Adventures joins The Revolution with some DIY savvy tips for making your own tackle.
Trav