Low stock?

Haven't bought from store in long time. I usually buy from local guys that make them.

I started making my own.I invested about $150 and made 25 bucktails so far and still have enough supplies to make another 15 or so.I will never buy from a store again.

Haven't bought from store in long time. I usually buy from local guys that make them.

I got some from Ward Melville. Unfortunately, I missed a few things. I get some of you guys make your own. I rather not deal with hot lead. Some get them from other sources. Unless that guy is close, it just easier to run to a store..

I dont fool with the lead either I get the heads already made but not painted.

I dont fool with the lead either I get the heads already made but not painted.

Be very, very careful if you are using hot lead……….

Making your own lead sinkers is
hazardous and is generally considered an unsafe practice at home due to the high risk of lead poisoning and physical injury. While many anglers do it to save money, the health risks—especially to children and pregnant women—are significant.
Southwest Idaho AHEC +5

Core Dangers

• Toxic Fumes and Dust: Melting lead creates airborne fumes that are easily inhaled. Cutting or grinding lead generates fine lead dust that settles on floors, furniture, and clothing, where it can be accidentally ingested later.
• Steam Explosions: If a mold contains even a tiny amount of moisture, the molten lead will instantly turn that water into steam, causing a "blow back" or molten metal explosion that can cause severe burns.
• Cumulative Poisoning: Lead is a neurotoxin that builds up in the body over time. There is no safe level of lead exposure.
• Secondary Exposure: Lead dust can be carried into your home on your shoes or clothes, exposing family members who weren't even in the work area.
  Southwest Idaho AHEC +11

High-Risk Habits to Avoid

• Mouth Contact: Never put lead sinkers in your mouth or use your teeth to "crimp" or close split shot sinkers.
• Melting Indoors: Never melt lead inside a home or garage.
• Handling Food: Failing to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling lead before eating or smoking can lead to ingestion.
  HealthyWA +6

Critical Safety Precautions (If you must)
If you choose to proceed despite the risks, experts recommend:

• Location: Work only in a detached building or outdoors with excellent ventilation.
• PPE: Wear a respirator mask with a P2 or 2091 filter, heat-resistant gloves, and safety glasses.
• Hygiene: Wash your work clothes separately from other laundry and shower immediately after finishing.
  PK Safety Supply +4

Many states, including California, Maine, and New York, have already banned or restricted lead tackle to protect wildlife and public health. Consider safer, non-toxic alternatives like steel, tungsten, bismuth, or tin.
Illinois Department of Public Health (.gov) +4

I got some from Ward Melville. Unfortunately, I missed a few things. I get some of you guys make your own. I rather not deal with hot lead. Some get them from other sources. Unless that guy is close, it just easier to run to a store..

I bought a bunch from a guy in East Rockaway. He also runs Salty Dog Charters. He makes some nice teasers also. Simple, nothing crazy.

I bought a bunch from a guy in East Rockaway. He also runs Salty Dog Charters. He makes some nice teasers also. Simple, nothing crazy.

I guess that is my point. East Rockaway is an hour and 30 minutes from me. So not sure if I want to drive that far for one bucktail that I can live without.

I just came back from my local. He has virtually no SPRO bucktails. Go on the Dicks site and they have no 2OZ Pink SPRO Bucktails. I guess my question is why? Is SPRO having supply chain issues?

I think this is unwise for them. The alternative is to find a local guy like Snapprhead27 did. I assume the SPRO look alike will catch fish too. My assumption is they will be cheaper. Once you realize this, how likely are people to go back to SPRO?

If anyone has a local guy with quality near the Port Jefferson to Riverhead area, let me know.

I guess that is my point. East Rockaway is an hour and 30 minutes from me. So not sure if I want to drive that far for one bucktail that I can live without.

I just came back from my local. He has virtually no SPRO bucktails. Go on the Dicks site and they have no 2OZ Pink SPRO Bucktails. I guess my question is why? Is SPRO having supply chain issues?

I think this is unwise for them. The alternative is to find a local guy like Snapprhead27 did. I assume the SPRO look alike will catch fish too. My assumption is they will be cheaper. Once you realize this, how likely are people to go back to SPRO?

If anyone has a local guy with quality near the Port Jefferson to Riverhead area, let me know.

Have you tried FB marketplace ? Bunch of guys selling homemade on it.

Have you tried FB marketplace ? Bunch of guys selling homemade on it.

I have seen guys ads. But never tried them.

Worth a shot.

I guess that is my point. East Rockaway is an hour and 30 minutes from me. So not sure if I want to drive that far for one bucktail that I can live without.

I just came back from my local. He has virtually no SPRO bucktails. Go on the Dicks site and they have no 2OZ Pink SPRO Bucktails. I guess my question is why? Is SPRO having supply chain issues?

I think this is unwise for them. The alternative is to find a local guy like Snapprhead27 did. I assume the SPRO look alike will catch fish too. My assumption is they will be cheaper. Once you realize this, how likely are people to go back to SPRO?

If anyone has a local guy with quality near the Port Jefferson to Riverhead area, let me know.

Use this............

Interesting you picked that one. I guess different people experience different things. Skill? Body of water? Matching the hatch?

I have tried Poison Tails and SPRO with silicon skirts. They never worked well for me. Even John Skinners Tsunami teasers. I have tried John Paduano Premium bucktails with hair and feathers and they worked great.

Interesting you picked that one. I guess different people experience different things. Skill? Body of water? Matching the hatch?

I have tried Poison Tails and SPRO with silicon skirts. They never worked well for me. Even John Skinners Tsunami teasers. I have tried John Paduano Premium bucktails with hair and feathers and they worked great.

I have confidence in that style and material. I use their 3/4 - 1 oz in the bay, and up to 6 oz in the deep.

Good shape, good hook, Gulp hold well on the keeper, and they hold up.

I bought a bunch from a guy in East Rockaway. He also runs Salty Dog Charters. He makes some nice teasers also. Simple, nothing crazy.

How would I get in touch with him? I spend a lot of time in East Rock and could use some tackle too.

How would I get in touch with him? I spend a lot of time in East Rock and could use some tackle too.

Here is a snapshot of his FB page. Email, cell and FB messenger.

Thanks to Lep's advice, I order unfinished lead heads from HT Lure company, powder paint them over SWMBO's stove, add my own self harvested deer tail and some China-made pink silicone skirts that once again, Lep identified. Powder paint from HFT, some red winding thread, clear or red nail polish, tweezers, vice. Really the only thing needing an online order or local shop is a bobbin. Very satisfying to catch a fish on a self-made lure.

Very satisfying to catch a fish on a self-made lure.

Preach!

Losses were heavy last season, and so I've been working on filling out my supply of newly augmented B/S "Stage II" rigs (LOL!) and putting together the coming season's bucktail supply. Ran out of silicone skirts and so need to wait for AliExpress's snail-like shipping to continue the process.

Preach!

Losses were heavy last season, and so I've been working on filling out my supply of newly augmented B/S "Stage II" rigs (LOL!) and putting together the coming season's bucktail supply. Ran out of silicone skirts and so need to wait for AliExpress's snail-like shipping to continue the process.

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I’d shop there!!!!

I’d shop there!!!!

I wouldn't mind taking the vette for a spin 😉