IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: eriksat1 on Jan 13, 2011, 12:43 PM
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Back when I had a lot of spare time I used to make my own jigs, it wasn't hard. I had a lead melting pot and some molds. But how in the world do they make tungsten jigs? Lead melts at about 621° f and tungsten melts at about 6,192° f **censored** how do they do it without melting the hook? Or they really are not made out of tungsten?
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After some long searching I came upon this info. about tungsten jigs.
"blankity blank ** buys their jigs (the Fiskas) from an overseas source. The company marketing the Skandia jigs is doing the same thing. Fiskas/Skandia/etc. all source their tungsten jig heads from China. Every one of these companies buys cast tungsten heads from China, then solders in their hooks (typically Japanese Hyabusa or a similar brand), and paints or metal plates them. Fiskas does not cast their own tungsten - as mentioned before, it's a very specialized casting process. I've looked into the chinese foundries casting tungsten, and they are not interested in talking to you unless you are sourcing 10 thousand plus pieces as an initial order."
Yes the melting temp for lead is 621° F and the melting temp for tungsten is over 6,000° F
I guess this answers my own question about making my own tungsten jigs.
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I have often wondered the same thing. But as you are finding out, the folks that sell tunsten jigs are not actually casting it themselves and thus I have come to the conclusion that there are just a few specific companies that do the casting and the rest buy from them and then "finish" the product.
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Cheap tungsten jigs by cold pressing or casting, mixing with "other glue components".
As a disadvantage the average density of jig is a little more than lead ones.
So that's why those do not vibrate in water column well.
It's a key element in small jigs called marmishka.
You can buy proper tungsten jigs from Russia.
They have technologies to make jigs from solid tungsten.
They drill small holes in the body of jigs. And insert hooks into it. But not weld hook into.
They are world leaders in those technologies.
As a matter of fact tungsten jigs were invented in Russia by enthusiasts like we are.
Here is the website of one of their manufacturer.
http://tulskay-mormyshka.ru/mor.html
Russian even have jigs are made from osmium. Osmium has even much bigger density.
So jig vibrates much more naturally in the water column. And catches better fish. But it too expensive.
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Well, if you have $100 for research and development... that would be for 1 lb.
Here's a source for tungsten spheres:
http://www.tungsten-spheres.com/inventory.html (http://www.tungsten-spheres.com/inventory.html)
Then you can start drilling and soldering!
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I just ordered some Mormyshka tungsten jigs from Russia the one's with no hook eye the line goes straight through the jig head. Pricey but if they work good add it to long list of must have ice fishing stuff that I never want to tally up. 12 jigs $28.75 with shipping
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ericsat1, if you don;t mind me asking, how'd you order?
email?
phone call?
Just wondering the easiest way around the language barrier....
I was confused enough w/ the weights listed on their web site.
As for sizes, are they just listed in grams, or...ruskie-grains...or....??
Thanks
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It's probably one of the few things you can buy cheaper than you can make yourself.
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ericsat1, if you don;t mind me asking, how'd you order?
email?
phone call?
Just wondering the easiest way around the language barrier....
I was confused enough w/ the weights listed on their web site.
As for sizes, are they just listed in grams, or...ruskie-grains...or....??
Thanks
Good question I'm not exactly sure what I ordered as far as jig weight just the shape I wanted and #14 hook and #10 hook, and it was not easy. I will send you a email from your profile
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I just ordered some Mormyshka tungsten jigs from Russia the one's with no hook eye the line goes straight through the jig head. Pricey but if they work good add it to long list of must have ice fishing stuff that I never want to tally up. 12 jigs $28.75 with shipping
Hi!
From which site did your order?
I'm Russian I can help with language barrier.
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eriksat1 if you would please forward the info to me as well. I just read an article in In Fisherman on those jigs and would love to try them. Is there anywhere you can get the in the US? Are they alot cheaper straight from Russia?
Thanks Again!
Matt
Good question I'm not exactly sure what I ordered as far as jig weight just the shape I wanted and #14 hook and #10 hook, and it was not easy. I will send you a email from your profile
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eriksat1 if you would please forward the info to me as well. I just read an article in In Fisherman on those jigs and would love to try them. Is there anywhere you can get the in the US? Are they alot cheaper straight from Russia?
Thanks Again!
Matt
Most of the ones for sale in the U.S. are about $4 a pop, Eric paid $2.33 each with shipping... very reasonable.
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I believe igor is referring to tin/bismuth 'mormishka' jigs as sold by HT Enterprises at one time. As far as I know, the jigs sold by YBD and Skandia (and another source - stay tuned for this one!!!!), are really tungsten, and not some tungsten alloy as he is inferring. The density of tungsten is approximately twice that of lead.
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A lot of tungsten products are tungsten powder mixed with glue and are only very slightly heavier than lead.
You'll pay "high dollar" for pure smelted tungsten products!!!
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I believe igor is referring to tin/bismuth 'mormishka' jigs as sold by HT Enterprises at one time. As far as I know, the jigs sold by YBD and Skandia (and another source - stay tuned for this one!!!!), are really tungsten, and not some tungsten alloy as he is inferring. The density of tungsten is approximately twice that of lead.
Hi richstick!
I did not mean any specific company.
I meant in general they mostly made from tungsten alloy.
I simply mentioned web site who I know makes solid tungsten mosmishkas.
I'm in the process of buying those.
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I just ordered some Mormyshka tungsten jigs from Russia the one's with no hook eye the line goes straight through the jig head. Pricey but if they work good add it to long list of must have ice fishing stuff that I never want to tally up. 12 jigs $28.75 with shipping
HI
Would you be please post the URL about that Fisherman article many people refer here.
And also can you please send me PM or post where from you've ordered your mormishkas from Russia.
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I think they said the artical was in the latest issue of in fisherman magizine
http://www.in-fisherman.com/ (http://www.in-fisherman.com/)
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I believe igor is referring to tin/bismuth 'mormishka' jigs as sold by HT Enterprises at one time. As far as I know, the jigs sold by YBD and Skandia (and another source - stay tuned for this one!!!!), are really tungsten, and not some tungsten alloy as he is inferring. The density of tungsten is approximately twice that of lead.
I know that is the buzz arround the shanty --- but you guy all have computers. Google "periodic table of the elements" It is a chart that tells you - among other things -- how much the different elements weight.
for example: Hydrogen (H) is very light. its a gas. It has an atomic weight of 1. The symbol for lead is Pb and it has an atomic weight of 207. that means its 207 times heavier than Hydrogen. The symbol for Tungsten is W. It has an atomic weight of -- 183. Lead and tungsten are both heavy elements, and they both make great jigs, but lead is heavier. Check it out for yourself.
If you made two jigs the exact same size and shape --- the lead one would weigh more than the tungsten one.
That is comparing pure lead to pure tungsten. I pour my own lead jigs --- would not have a clue how to get a fire hot enough to melt tungsten. And I bet it would do a number on the molds, too :-)
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LOL if you ever took any chemistry classes you would realize that atomic weight of an atom and density of an element are two completely different things. Too funny! Tungsten is DENSER than lead, which means if you have 1 cubic foot of tungsten and 1 cubic foot of lead, the tungsten will weigh more... LOL!! ;D
That is interesting though about the tungsten 'alloys' - why then are they supplied as bare jig heads that the manufacturers solder the hook into? They could just as easily set the hook into the 'alloy' while it is in the mold, curing...... Also - then there is no way you are going to buy 'pure' tungsten jigs for $2.33 apiece.
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Wolfram is the periodic table name for Tungsten. Goggle Wolfram and a number of sites come up. Casting this stuff is dangerous as it also has flash point. Especially in powder form. Right here in Buffalo area is a plant that makes it. You can get powder in diffrent grades and I believe also Tungsten rod. You need specialty tool to work with this stuff and those cost out weigh the idea of a average Joe using it. Like explained before by others it can be used powder form and epoxied to get jigs built The weight is slightly heavier than lead but still heavier for the same size jig. The same powder can be bought at Golf pro shops as they use this on clubs to add weight and balance clubs cost is about 20.00 for small jar. Like I stated read about it it is Flammable and slightly unstable in powder form.
Flyboyroy
What you say is true lead is heavier than wolfram But here is one thing you did not see. Wolfram is denser 71% in fact more than lead which means simply a 1OZ sinker cavity filled with lead weighs 1 oz right, now the same cavity filled with Wolfram weighs nearly 1 3/4 oz. If my math is right. So with this the same jig in lead we will say weighs 1/64 oz. the same size jig in wolfram weighs 71% heavier. putting this same size jig at nearly 1/32 oz. Very rough math here So the theory of the same size lead jig weighing more is false. Wolfram in the same size weighs more. This all relates to displacements check it out.
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Hi!
From which site did your order?
I'm Russian I can help with language barrier.
this is what i love about iceshanty.com, the huge wealth of knowledge, the amazing diversity of its users and their willingness to help and teach eachother.. helps iceshanty reach the maximum awesomeness ;D
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I think they said the artical was in the latest issue of in fisherman magizine
http://www.in-fisherman.com/ (http://www.in-fisherman.com/)
Does anyone know where to order those Shark Tackle jigs made with Wolfram and crystal?
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I can say that I know that they will be available hopefully soon. The deals are being worked out - I know the guys involved, but can't really say more. Stay tuned - they are coming!! (flippin' AWESOME jigs too.....)
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Well ---- someday they will probably ban lead products, and when they do, tungsten might be the best deal in town. I might splurge and buy a tungsten jig or two, just to see how they work.
---- but for a guy like me that targets the wiley bluegill,perch, crappie --- well, I'm thinking that I will still be able to catch a few using the old standby -- tiny lead jigs. I make my own, and the most expensive part is the hook. - - - can probably make them for under a dime.
Low tech, but you can always pinch on a split shot if you want it to sink faster. I'm not slamming the tungsten jigs -- everyone I talk to that uses them loves them.
I just try to remember that I am going out to catch a handful of bluegills for dinner. We tend to make it sound complicated , but its not. Go to a good spot, put a spike or a waxie on -- on anything with a hook. You should at least catch a few, eh ? If you want to fine tune it to catch a few more you can change colors, hook sizes, baits -- and yes -- even go to Tungsten jigs.
At the end of the day we will both wind up at the same place --- out in the garage filleting pannies !
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Does anyone know where to order those Shark Tackle jigs made with Wolfram and crystal?
When they're not sold out, you can get them here:
http://www.bentleyfishing.com/products/Custom-Jigs/index.htm (http://www.bentleyfishing.com/products/Custom-Jigs/index.htm)
You may want to call them and see when they expect their next shipment.
LOL if you ever took any chemistry classes you would realize that atomic weight of an atom and density of an element are two completely different things. Too funny! Tungsten is DENSER than lead, which means if you have 1 cubic foot of tungsten and 1 cubic foot of lead, the tungsten will weigh more... LOL!! ;D
That is interesting though about the tungsten 'alloys' - why then are they supplied as bare jig heads that the manufacturers solder the hook into? They could just as easily set the hook into the 'alloy' while it is in the mold, curing...... Also - then there is no way you are going to buy 'pure' tungsten jigs for $2.33 apiece.
Ok laffing boy, how do you explain these tungsten jigs for $2.25 each?
https://www.sportsmensdirect.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=173 (https://www.sportsmensdirect.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=173)
You probably can't, so I'll explain it to you.
Those jigs and the "Bumble" jigs with the Swarovski crystals that everyone is raving about aren't solid tungsten. They're tungsten powder mixed with epoxy and poured into a mold with the hook inserted into the mold. Look at the hook and the eye, you can tell it's a solid hook. These jigs are only slightly denser than lead and not worth the extra $$$, for the obvious reason that they're not pure tungsten. They're tungsten powder mixed with epoxy glue.
There are 2 processes for making tungsten shapes, the above mentioned and sintering (http://sintering).
Sintering will be the closest you can get to pure tungsten. Tungsten powder is placed in a mold and compressed, then it's heated to a temperature below it's melting point to link the molecules together (somewhere just above 2000*F for tungsten). This obviously is a more expensive process than just mixing powder with glue.
A sintered jig head will be easy to spot, it'll be the round faceted (with flat planes for easier drilling) one with the hook shank and no eye... with the hole drilled thru the top and out the bottom.
People buying those "Bumble Bee" jig are paying for the crystal and paint job, not for pure tungsten. If you'll look at the site they say "pure tungsten building material" I take that to mean pure tungsten is an ingredient in their jig body.
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tungsten is very brittle, it must be made into an alloy by mixing with various other metals to make it usable, GCD is right, there are no pure tungsten jigs. not a single company sells pure tungsten ice jigs i bet. all tungtsten jigs are alloys.
all of this talk of the density has aready been explained before any of these posts in a thread named Tungsten jigs also... coldfeet i like your description of the 1 oz jig of lead weighing 1 oz and the same 1 oz size jig of tungsten being roughly 1 3/4 oz... it would be 1.71 oz.. very well explained, good example man.
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Here is the low down:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten)
Tungsten / Wolfram
A steel-gray metal under standard conditions when uncombined, tungsten is found naturally on Earth only combined in chemical compounds. It was identified as a new element in 1781, and first prepared as a metal in 1783. Its important ores include wolframite and scheelite. The free element is remarkable for its robust physical properties, especially the fact that it has the highest melting point of all the non-alloyed metals and the second highest of all the elements after carbon. Also remarkable is its very high density of 19.3 times that of water. This density is slightly more than that of uranium, 71% more than that of lead and within 0.25% that of gold.[3] Tungsten with minor amounts of impurities is often brittle[4] and hard, making it difficult to work. However, very pure tungsten is more ductile, and can be cut with a hacksaw.[5]
The unalloyed elemental form is used mainly in electrical applications. Tungsten's many alloys have numerous applications, most notably in incandescent light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes (as both the filament and target), and superalloys. Tungsten's hardness and high density give it military applications in penetrating projectiles. Tungsten compounds are most often used industrially as catalysts.
Lead
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead)
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I have seen the China made bulk tungsten jig heads they have a groove cut in the cast jig head to lay a hook in and then solder the hook to the jig head. But like was said I think the minimum order is 10,000 jig heads, and I'm sure they are not cheap, best bet is just buy $20 worth of the finished jigs and be done.
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GCD - my point was that some guy earlier in the thread was supposedly buying 'pure' tungsten jigs from some Russian website, and the math worked out to $2.33 per jig. I agree with you that a pure tungsten jig should cost way more than that. Laffing boy, I like that. I'd probably spell it Laughing Boy though, as I like correct spelling.
Oh - and the guy who posted the Bentley link - those are not the same jigs as the Shark brand jigs. The Bentley jigs are Polish, and the Shark Tackle stuff is Ukrainian. They look similar, but are in fact two different manufacturers.
At the end of the day, I don't care if it's sintered tungsten (gotta love wikipedia...) or tungsten powder mixed with epoxy, the jigs fish heavier, faster, and more accurately than lead. If you don't think so, then you have not actually seen or used one. Seriously, there is no question about it. They put more fish on the ice for me, I love them!
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planning on making a few jigs with pure Wyoming gold. watch out fish! later, prospector
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GCD - my point was that some guy earlier in the thread was supposedly buying 'pure' tungsten jigs from some Russian website, and the math worked out to $2.33 per jig. I agree with you that a pure tungsten jig should cost way more than that.
The jigs for $2.33 were ordered from Russia, even though the US dollar has weakened... it still buy more in other countries than it does here, a lot more in some places.
A sintered jig will cost a lot more than a epoxy mix jig, but buying a sintered jig in another country for $2.33 is not out of the question.
Ya gotta love the WWW!
Oh - and the guy who posted the Bentley link - those are not the same jigs as the Shark brand jigs. The Bentley jigs are Polish, and the Shark Tackle stuff is Ukrainian. They look similar, but are in fact two different manufacturers.
At the end of the day, I don't care if it's sintered tungsten (gotta love wikipedia...) or tungsten powder mixed with epoxy, the jigs fish heavier, faster, and more accurately than lead. If you don't think so, then you have not actually seen or used one. Seriously, there is no question about it. They put more fish on the ice for me, I love them!
As I mentioned earlier in this thread (but you may have missed it), the tungsten/epoxy jigs are only slightly more dense than lead. Therefore they're on slightly heavier, maybe not even enough to notice. It might be a touch of your imagination and a whole lot of confidence that makes these jigs fish better for you... and as we all know, confidence is the best thing to have when fishing!
You can buy tungsten jigs for $2.19 here in the US, google SportsmansDirect, I tried posting the link but it doesn't work for some reason.
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GCD - have you fished with a tungsten jig? They are noticeably heavier (denser) than lead, they fish noticeably faster and do a noticeably better job removing the slack from your line. This helps in strike detection whether you are a line watcher, spring bobber guy, or a 'pounder'.
And yes - John at Sportsmensdirect has the bumble bee style jigs. His quality is pretty good, and he sells Little Atom plastics for a better price than you'll find anywhere else. Nice guy, good stuff. He's the inventor of the Sonic Ice Hopper.... :)
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I make my own jigs, pour the lead and powder paint... and catch plenty of fish on them, I see no reason to buy tungsten.
I wasn't talking about the Bumble Bee jigs at Sportsmans Direct, he has some gold plated tungsten jigs starting at $2.19 each... the most expensive one is $2.49.
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Whether they are absolutely pure tungsten or not who cares, the sintered or cast ones even if they are mixed alloy tungsten are much heavier than lead, the ones mixed from powder with epoxy I believe anyone can make, are not as heavy for the size. The tell tale sign is the ones with the most tungsten that are cast / sintered are the ones without a hook eye sticking out, the line ties on straight through the jig head itself.
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I'll take that as a 'no, I have not actually fished a tungsten jig'. If that is in fact the case, then you really have no idea what you are talking about... Not trying to be a jerk, but, well, there it is....
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Somewhere on the shanty there must be a teacher or a professor that would know how weight, atomic weight, and density relate to each other.
--- I fish shallow water --- almost always under 15ft. I can get a lead jig to the bottom very quickly. If a tungsten jig gets there even quicker --- thats ok -- I dont mind if they beat me by a fraction os a second.
Im with GCD - I will keep molding and painting my own. I might try a tungsten jig just for giggles, but for my style of fishing lead is the best buy.
Give the gung ho tungsten guys a little slack, though --- maybe they fish deeper, or in current, or in a tournament where getting to the bottom a milisecond faster might make a difference. There is plenty of room for both kinds of jigs.
gotta run -- fish to fillet !
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Those that havent tried the fiskas really should give them a try. If you only buy one make it a 3mm in the color you use most. If you have an underwater cam you will see a difference in how the move when jigging. Just plain deadly on gills. They swim so much better.
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I'll take that as a 'no, I have not actually fished a tungsten jig'. If that is in fact the case, then you really have no idea what you are talking about... Not trying to be a jerk, but, well, there it is....
Oh heck yeah!... try to sucker me into the money trap you've been sucked into! ::)... if I need more weight, I'll put the scissors to the 1/32 and tie on a 1/16... it's not that hard to figure out. :P
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Oh heck yeah!... try to sucker me into the money trap you've been sucked into! ::)... if I need more weight, I'll put the scissors to the 1/32 and tie on a 1/16... it's not that hard to figure out. :P
Good comeback. ;)..... Very interesting thread; I should be getting my fiskas in the mail tomorrow :-\ & anxious to tie them on.(will try to put them to the test ) I too am skeptical/ Don't believe in Magic Lure; (But keep hoping)......LL
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Good comeback. ;)..... Very interesting thread; I should be getting my fiskas in the mail tomorrow :-\ & anxious to tie them on.(will try to put them to the test ) I too am skeptical/ Don't believe in Magic Lure; (But keep hoping)......LL
we should probably be like LL and give them a try ----- but I think I will wait and let my buddies spend their money on them instead.
The guys are jabbing me on another thread about using the old fashoned lures --- I told them that it isnt just how fast it sinks --- if you want to be scientific, then consider the total time --- from when you drop your lure in the water until it comes back up with another gil on it. That would encompass probably hundreds of variables besides what your jig is made of.
I did go down to the fly shop -- they had 1/8 " tungsten beads. I tied two of them on a size 12 streamer hook, and tied a couple of rubber legs on it. It worked ok --- didnt sink fast, but the rubber legs would explain that. I think it might have cost about .50 or so to make that little lure. The other 3 guys I fished with used lead and did about the same as me.
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They are not magic. The simply offer a heavy for its size jig.. When the gill bite is iffy standard practice is to use a smaller jig, too small and you get line curl and slow drop time. Slow drop is not a problem but if your not fishing a tight line seeing the hit IS. Thats where these excel. I know I catch more fish because of them.
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if your fishing with a slight current they work great too... i do own some for the current and deeper fishing (30 ft or so). BUT.. knowing how many jigs we all have,and trying to completely clean out your jig box and replace all with tungsten would be super expensive and not really worth it.. what i did was look for some of my fav patterns and some in smaller sizes just for deep water and fishing current.. i own about 5 or so and that seems to be enough for me. other then that i always use lead,not worth the speed on the drop in 10 ft of water and risking snapping off 3 bucks
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They are not magic. The simply offer a heavy for its size jig.. When the gill bite is iffy standard practice is to use a smaller jig, too small and you get line curl and slow drop time. Slow drop is not a problem but if your not fishing a tight line seeing the hit IS. Thats where these excel. I know I catch more fish because of them.
I agree, line curl is helped alot when you want to go small.
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They are not magic. The simply offer a heavy for its size jig.. When the gill bite is iffy standard practice is to use a smaller jig, too small and you get line curl and slow drop time. Slow drop is not a problem but if your not fishing a tight line seeing the hit IS. Thats where these excel. I know I catch more fish because of them.
Makes sense to me. BTW they weren't in the mail today. Hopefully tomorrow???? LL
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I found some more info off one of the Russian jig websites about tungsten jigs. There is a little lost in the translation but still understandable.
"A lot of people know that Tula is a hero city, city of gunsmiths. Tula spice cake and Tula samovar are the visit card of the city. But at the present moment few persons know that Tula is also the home of wolfram shapened jig, so called, Tula jig. Tula skilled craftsmen surprise us by their discoveries and articles even nowadays. So, they also have made a gift for the fishermen.
Tula jig is very often in demand among amateurs fishermen and sport fishermen who participate in the international jig fishing contests. It really deserves this status.
A lot of fishermen know about the advantage of wolfram jigs from their own experience. They differ according to the form, color, price, but at the same time the absence of information about the material density of different articles may difficult the customer’s choice.
The main difference of wolfram jig from the lead is it’s high density (or considerable specific weight). The wolfram jigs that we can see in the shops may be conditionally divided into three groups:
1. Groove jigs
They are produced from wolfram work pieces (sorts WNG, WND) of 18 g/cm3 density and shaped by turning or grinding. After that the groove is cut through, later while hook fixing it is fulfilled by solder with hole forming for the fishing line.
The jig density reduces considerably due to the groove making into the wolfram work piece. The loss of the jig specific weight depends directly on the size, length and thickness of the groove.
The technology of such jig producing is very difficult and labour-intensive, that is why they did not become widespread.
2. Pressed jigs
Lately all the shops have been fulfilled by wolfram jigs obtained by pressing.
They may hardly be called wolfram. The pure wolfram exists only in the form of powder. To give a certain shape to an alloy it is necessary to use special binding agents: copper, nickel, iron. These elements bind the wolfram powder grains assuming it’s strength and density. The wolfram work pieces are obtained by methods of powder metallurgy. It is necessary to use special facilities for pressing, high-temperature hydrogen furnaces for further difficult thermic treatment which is called caking.
Only trade shops of powder metallurgy are able to organize such production, but there are few in Russia.
Pressed wolfram jigs that we meet in retail sale are usually do-it-yourself. Lead, glue or a kind of analogical material is used as binding element. As they are very fragile the manufacturers cover them with tin or some other substance melt to give them more mechanical strength. The density of such jigs is about 14 g/cm3 that does not surpass considerably the density of lead analogs.
There are also jigs in which copper and nickel are used as binding element. These jigs or work pieces for turning possess considerable strength. But the absence of special facilities does not let to obtain the jig density higher than 15 g/cm3.
3. Finally, there are wolfram jigs with cambric and flat that are known by a lot of fishermen as Tula jig.
These jigs are turned from wolfram work pieces that are obtained at a special enterprise. The density of the work piece surpasses 18,0 g/cm3. The hole for fishing line and hook is drilled in the work piece. Cambric is installed into the hole for fishing line, that excludes the fishing line friction against the metal and according the statistics increases the jig life cycle 4 or 5 times. The hook solder is performed on the specially designed equipment the using of which excluded the lack of solder that sometimes lead to the hook fail. The flat grinding assumes it’s special sparkling that emphasizes a better bite.
Wide Tula jig production mix (Drop, Pellet, Oat grain, Ant, Puck, Devil) and considerable size assortment give to each fisherman the possibility to choose a jig according to the basin and fish."
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I knew it! ;)
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In my post I will try to explain essentials of marmyshka. After that you will understand better why wolfram is so important in marmyshka.
Word marmyshka originated from the name of small insect called marmysh. It’s widely spread. It floats at the bottom of lake. And it is at the bottom of food chain for all fish. Shortly ALL marmyshka replicates small insects and croissants existing in the water column. Those insects are very small. Fish detects them mainly because insects vibrate. Fish does not really see marmyshka.
So the key factor in marmyshka is to create certain vibrations which turn fish to bite. This effect was discovered in Russia about 40 years ago. Since that millions of people statistically discovered which shapes, weights and vibration frequencies cause which fish to bite.
Also, especially in the middle of the winter fish gets more lethargic. So it prefers smaller meal to be able to inhale jig but not to chase it.
Imagine somebody had strong pain. He does not want to eat any heavy food, especially if he has to run for that food. He would rather eat something quickly and go sleep. That's one of the cases where small marmyshka became ultimate weapon.
The average weight of marmyshka 0.5 gram, i.e. it is about 1/60 oz. It’s done for purpose. A fish will not feel the weight and will not spit it, ones it inhaled.
Let say you are at the depth of 30 fit. Line creates “huge resistance” for such small weight and marmyshka still has to vibrate.
It's known scientific fact that if you increase a surface of jig twice that glides through the water, then the resistance increases 8 times. So it's critically important that geometric size of the same weight must be as small as possible.
It's not really the speed of sinking is critical but smallest possible size. Critical is the smallest possible geometric size capable to keep you line of 4,5, 6 pounds to be straight. That you can fill even the lightest bite. And capable to make 200-300 vibrations per minute of about 1 mm amplitude.
Paint also reduces average density of marmyshka. Plus paint made from polymers. It reduces or changes sound waives emitting from metal to water. I personally prefer not painted ones.
Also where did you see glowing in the dark insects? Does it seem natural for fish?
But as always everything may work under some circumstances.
Solid Russian wolfram is almost twice heavier than the lead, 18/11 to be precise. So you can feel marmyshka at much deeper depth.
Plus it's such an adrenaline when your hand feels the fish pulling your line.
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Come fish with me. I will show the difference in lead and tungsten jigs.
I fish for big perch in 35'-45' of water with 2# test floro.
I will out fish you 3 to 1, if you are using lead.
1) I will be able to get the SMALL, RIGHT SIZED jig to the fish depth faster than you.
2) you need the weight of the tungsten to keep the lure size as small as possible, they are finicky.
JAZII
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Great reply Igorart7....The last few weeks I have fished with a couple fellows from Lithuania and they had the non-painted marmyshka with 1 lb test line...These fellows caught 10 times more fish than everyone...They also used a Marmish rod and 99% of the time it was in motion...
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Igorart7, do you have any pictures of your jigs? Are there places on-line to purchase them?
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Great reply Igorart7....The last few weeks I have fished with a couple fellows from Lithuania and they had the non-painted marmyshka with 1 lb test line...These fellows caught 10 times more fish than everyone...They also used a Marmish rod and 99% of the time it was in motion...
Thanks
Lithuanians were my neibours in Russia. We used to fish on the same bay called Kurshkij zaliv.
I saw it so many times on my Lowrance HDS5 fish finder. Fish stays near your marmyshka but does not bite. I changed to pattern of vibrating it started biting. Or inhaled marmishka holds it in the mouth and does not move at all.
With proper palm size rod called balalayka and extra sensitive bite indicator called kivok you can easily detect this situation. There is no chance for you to detect it with even lightest Ultra light rod. Because kivok looked like snagged on something.
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In Eriksat's post above - just so we are all clear - the currently available tungsten jigs here in the US wil almost universally fall into the third category - they are calling it the Tula jig. The second design is probably more in line with the tin/bismuth mormishka jigs that HT Enterprises used to sell, and some can still be found on various websites as well as that popular auction site.
New in Cudahay hit the nail right smack dab on the head - you can fish a smaller jig with enough weight to remove line curl. Go fish an NAIFC event and see how many guys are fishing lead jigs vs. tungsten. We are fishing probably 95% tungsten - there is a reason for it, and it's not because we love to spend money on jigs.
How much money do you all have wrapped up in your truck/atv/snowmobile/rods/reels/etc and you balk at buying a few $2 jigs? I just don't get it - that's why I am laughing :-)