Back when all I ever did was fly fish, I always enjoyed tying the fly’s that I used for trout and panfish. Then once I started fishing walleyes, I was snelling my own spinners and tying jigs. I didn’t really do this for the cost savings. It was more for the relaxation and satisfaction of catching fish on lures that I made.
Then came cat fishing. It is much easier to buy a 10/0 Gamakatsu hook than it is to make your own. So the only piece of the terminal end that I could make was the sinkers. Since I use no-roll sinkers 100% of the time, I thought I would give them a try. I didn’t want to spend any money, then find out I didn’t want to spend the time pouring lead, so after conferring with a Cat-Rat, Cattin Addict, I stopped over at his house and we poured a pile of them using his equipment. Looked simple enough, so I stole his molds and headed home.
My Lee furnace ($59.) and Do It! molds ($29.) came from CatFish Connection,Sinker & Jig making tools knowing I would have to give Sean his molds back sooner or later. I should mention here a furnace isn’t necessary to pour lead, although I would recommend it. Twenty-pound melting pots (non heated) and a gas camp stove or even a turkey cooker burner works well for melting. Some just use a propane torch which works great for a few sinkers. I chose the furnace for ease of use, speed and the safety of not having to move hot lead with a ladle.
I sat down and figured out my cost savings by pouring my own. Using today’s prices and lead running .35 cents a pound (wheel weights work great too and they cost less or can be obtained free, although there is more smoke, skimming involved with them) I need to make 223 three ounce sinkers or 162 four once sinkers to break even. These numbers don’t include gas or travel time to get the lead nor shipping charges for equipment or sinkers. After the equipment is paid off the cost of a 4 oz sinker will very with the cost of your lead. Currently under .09 cents each.
Always use caution when melting lead and around hot sinkers. Lead melts at 621.4 F, but for pouring sinkers, the working temps will be between 700 and 900 degrees F. Skin melts well below these temperatures! Melting lead bought from a scrap dealer has impurities, not to mention the lead has vapors that are harmful too. Always melt your lead and make your sinkers in a well-ventilated area! Gloves are a must, protective eye wear and clothing are highly recommended.
) are there any no-roll parties on the horizon? I’ve missed the last two but I’ll be at the next one for sure should you decide to host another, as long as you plan it for Friday or Saturday.
Hah! I think I’m going to pay for that comment! 
