I've been making jigs as a hobby for a while. I don't post many pictures of them because you guys are amazing... But one of my biggest problems is that bobbin holders are too expensive for my budget. I've been wrapping/tying the thread on by hand.... Until now....



OK, so it looks a little ghetto, but wow - this thing is life changing. It's nothing special - an empty pen, some beads, wire, thread and glue...

It doesn't look like much, but this has really made my life easier. I'm excited to see how many more jigs I can make, and what kind of QUALITY I can achieve. Just thought I'd share, in case there's anyone out there who had the same problem I had.

Ceramic bobbins are only $4 at crazyanglertackle.com

Nice job. A little ingenuity goes a long way.

Really? I will have to look into that, the only ones I had seen online were upwards of 30 or 40 dollars. Thanks for the info.

Mojo, one can come up with anything when you add thinking to the mix. But Medic is correct, Crazy angler has alot of great tools at a reasonable price. If you need me to, I will order you a bobbin. Just let me know.

Also, please post pics of the jigs you make. We all like to see what everyone else is doing. Also, if you are making jigs and posting pics, most guys will be able to give you tricks and tips into making better jigs by seeing your pics. Dont be ashamed of any jig that you make, as we have all started out as newbies.

Nice job. I have to say $30 to $40 for a bobbin is really high end type and heck you can even get an auto bobbin system for like $65 with 3 or 4 extra spools and such. However lots of great bobbins out there for $12 to $15 and even a Rite Bobbin can be found for mid $20's which is what I use for really small thread as I have a hard time keeping from breaking it and the Rite lets you set the pull tension to wrap with.

Still though Dr. Slicks and Griffin are low to mid teens and you can get them at several places. Crazy Angler I do not know what he has for tools, but I know he has great prices on his stuff. The other types can be looked at in one place that has a load of the different brands and types. Here is a link to let you look at different types.....

I do not know of a fly shop that has more than Bob Marriott's and I did use to buy from them a good bit especially before I started buying everything either from a wholesale place or the Mfg. They always had great service as well. I do still buy things for Crazy Angler and I just am not up on his tool choices. I will have to look at CA's site so I know more about his tools.
http://www.bobmarriottsflyfishingstore.com/fly-tying-tools/bobbins