I watched a couple videos on YouTube and I'm really excited to give it a shot myself... After browsing through some of your creations, I really can't wait to get started.

One of the videos I watched has a guy what he called a bobbin to wrap thread around a jighead. After a bit of digging, discovered that what he was actually using is a Marc Petitjean bobbin holder, and those go for $63... Way too expensive. Is there a cheaper alternative? What do you guys use to help wrap your thread around the jig head?

Also, what sort of materials do you use? I keep seeing the word "chenille." Is that just pipe cleaner, or something else?

Is this stuff bought at craft stores, or do I need to find a fishing supply store?

As you can probably guess, I'm very green as far as tying my own jigs goes.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Check out Crazy Angler ! He has everything you'll need to get started! Do like so many of us did & buy his Slab Pack starter kit! $37 plus shipping is a little enough expenditure till you see if it's really something you want to persue.

I got started with the slab pack: http://stores.crazyanglertackle.com/tying-supplies-and-tools/

Call Robert (number is on the Crazy Angler page). He hooked me up with material scraps to get started with. Beware, though, be prepared to spend way too much money, and to spend way too much time doing it. Once you start tying, you will start pouring, painting, ect. I even built me a couple rods. If you have the money to spare, upgrade to a rotary vice. The Peak is the one I got, which is great. Skip on here is a dealer, and could get you one. Good luck, and ask any questions you want. Youtube videos, and seeing others peoples work is how I learned last August, and am still learning. Jigswaps are another good way to learn and practice.

Pepop, you beat me by 9 seconds!

Yeah, I'm fast like that!

I agree Crazy Angler is the place to go. You have been warned this is very addictive!

I'll definitely be getting that slab pack if I decide to go through with this... But I have another question.

I don't have a boat, and when the crappie stop spawning I'm not sure I'll have easy access to them.

Do other fish bite on these sort of jigs (some that stay closer to shore perhaps)? Is it worth it to get started on this without having a boat to get me deeper in the water later this summer?

Browse thru the "Bank Fishing" forum to see what they say. Ask them questions & you should get the info you're looking for. Jig tying is a great hobby even if you don't fish a lot. Be advised though, your wallet will never be the same!

Open wide, I do mean your wallet!

You can catch large mouth bass, white bass, hybrid, striper bass with crappie jig. Cat fish also hits crappie jig occasionally. I did that many, many times.

Just started tying a few months ago and must say it is a lot of fun and very satisfying when you catch on something you made. Don't worry about all the money you'll spend or becoming addicted with tying. It never happened with me!!! (where is that sarcasm font)

If you are limited to how much you will use them, I would just buy your jigs from some of the great tyers that are on this forum. I could have bought a lot of jigs for the hundreds of dollars I spent so far. Difference is I now have supplies that will last for years to come and if I see something I like, I can try to duplicate it and not have to wait on finding/buying/shipping it. Best part now is when I lose a jig, it doesn't bother me one bit. I now know a guy!!!

If you do go forward with tying your own, +1 on calling Robert with Crazy Anglers. He has the best prices and the best selection I have found and his customer service is excellent.

I tried to go cheap by using feathers from Hobby Lobby and pipe cleaners and you will waste most of it and have a tougher time making jigs you would be proud to show your friends. Cabela's has feathers for $2.99 a pack which is as cheap as the craft stores and you can use 80% of the feathers. Stay away from BPS because their prices are about 30 - 50% higher than anywhere else.

Best thing you can do is find someone who ties and learn a little from them and try tying a few jigs with different materials (feathers, marabou, rubber skirts, etc.) to see what you like to use before you buy a bunch of stuff. Also, tie with different people if you can because you will learn different techniques and get new ideas. I went to a jig tying GTG a few weeks ago and learned so much so keep your eyes open for them and go if you can.

Most of all, have fun with it.

All good info from fellow tiers. Be careful it is ADDICTIVE

I've been tying for about 4 months now and I love it! But with 3 kids and a stay home wife, my hobby budget is very limited. I started by purchasing the "Deluxe Tool Kit" at Cabelas. Picked it up cheap on their after Christmas sale. It will have all the hardware you need to get started. I get most of my materials from the local craft stores. Now be advised... Hobby Lobby doesn't have a fishing section so... Some of that stuff may "unravel" on ya! But there is no feeling like catching a fish on a lure you created. Believe me!!!