Pouring Plastisol – How We Make Our Jigs

Step 2: Pouring Plastisol – How We Make Our Jigs

Making your own jigs is an awesome way to get creative and really connect with your fishing gear. At Shitfishers, we’re all about experimenting and learning by doing. We want to share how we pour plastisol into our molds to make the perfect jigs, so you can try it out too – and remember, it's all about having fun along the way!

1. Safety First: Gear Up!

Before you start, make sure you have the right safty equipment. When working with hot plastisol, always wear heat resistance gloves to protect your hands. Use a mask, as the gases can be harmful if inhaled. We recommend using a Pyrex measuring cup or a heat-safe container, and a microwave or temperature-controlled heater to heat up the plastisol safely. This keeps things secure and ensures you’re ready for the process ahead.

2. Heat the Plastisol

Once you’ve got your safety gear on, it’s time to heat the plastisol. Aim for a temperature range between 160°F and 180°F (71°C to 82°C). This will make sure it flows easily and fills your mold perfectly. If you’re using a microwave, heat it in short bursts and stir in between. This will help avoid overheating and buring the plastisol.

3. Prepare the Mold

Make sure your mold is clean and dry before pouring in the plastisol. A release spray is optional, but it can help make the removal of the jig easier once it's done. We also recommend pre-heating the mold to ensure that it dosent crack of the large heat-gap.

4. Add Pigment and Glitter

Now that your plastisol is heated, it’s time to add your desired pigments and glitter to create the perfect color and sparkle for your jigs. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pigments and glitter are fully blended into the plastisol for a consistent finish.

5. Remove Air Bubbles

To avoid air bubbles in your plastisol, let the mixture sit for a while. This allows the air bubbles to rise to the surface. If you notice any air bubbles still remaining, place the mixture back in the microwave for about 15 seconds, and they will disappear. Or you can burn the surface surface with a butane torch to remove the bubbles. This step helps ensure a smooth, bubble-free jig when it sets.

6. Pour the Plastisol into the Mold

Once the air bubbles are gone, it’s time to pour the plastisol into your mold. Pour slowly and carefully to avoid spills and any new bubbles. Fill the mold all the way to the top. Remember: Plastisol shrink when it sets, so you might need to slightly refill the mold once it sets to avoid unwanted "holes".

7. Make Sure It Spreads Evenly

Tap or gently shake the mold to help the plastisol spread evenly across all parts of the mold. This ensures your jig will have a smooth, professional finish. This is especially important when making jigs from a silicone mold from our experiance.

8. Let It Set

Now, let the plastisol cool and set in the mold. The time it takes depends on the size of your jig, but be patient and wait until it’s fully solid before removing it. Once the plastisol is cool, remove the jig and put it in a water bucket to ensure that it dosent get disformed.

Learning Together and Experimenting

The best part about making your own jigs is experimenting. Don’t be afraid to try new colors, shapes, and designs. You'll learn a lot by testing different things, and that's how we grow as a community. At Shitfishers, we focus on colors and models that work well in our local fishing waters in central Sweden, but feel free to try your own combinations!

Final Thoughts

Making jigs is about having fun, learning, and connecting with other anglers. We’re here to build a community where everyone shares ideas and enjoys the fishing process together. So, get creative, stay safe, and share your experiences with us!

And as always, 
Happy Shitfishing!