I'd like to make a couple of my own 9'er type umbrella rigs.
What kind of wire should i use and where can i get it? The 316 i'm using on plugs is way to flimsy.

You need spring wire, not the 316L stuff. Check Janns, Stamina, Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc for the spring wire. The stuff they use for Musky spinners will work. .064 inch, stainless. Be forwarned, this stuff does not bend easy. I messed around with making my own umbrella rigs a while back. Real pain making a mold for them. Much easier to buy them, or do you have a source for a mold?

Jigman

Thanks Jigman, found stuff at cabelas and stamina. Made from stainless. didn't mention spring wire or spring steel though.
Hope that will be stong enough if i get a double on it, which i hear happens often with them.

Bought one over winter, used it alot. Caught one schoolie, 2-3 snapper blues, and two....yes two lobster pots. First time we were able to snag the pot line with the anchor and pull the whole string of pots up to where we snagged the line. :musc: Second time not so lucky. Must've made some lobsterman happy.

the 9er brand ones go for 40 bucks a piece, emailed the company, explained and they said they sell them unrigged for half the price, but you need to buy 12 of them :rolleyes:

Here was the first shot i took yesterday at the mold. All is did was drilled a hole with my forstner bit (Ya mean i can use them for more than just plugs...) into some mahogany and rounded the bottom with a rasp. Drilled some small holes in the side and slid the three rods through, bending in the center. Poured the lead onto that and cracked the wood to get it out.

Use the center wire that is in the teleflex steering cable. See if you can find a supply of old cable at the boat yard, perfect for coat hanger and umbrella rigs:)