Jointed How To

[numbskull]

Use AYC, turn to 1". The front half is 4 1/2 ", the rear 4". The tail taper starts about 3" from the tail. The front hook is 1 3/4" back from the nose, the rear hook 1 3/8" from the joint. I use a Lefty 2 mid slot lip (NJ tackle). I cut the plug in half before drilling to be sure the wire is centered in the joint.

To weight the plug, I use three through wire weights. In the front of the tail section there is a 1" x 7/32" weight (cc tackle) that I've drilled out a bit to accomodate the doubled wire loop (it weighs 4.2 grams).
In the back of the front section I use a 5/16x 1" weight (9 grams), and in the nose I use a similar 5/16 x 1" weight that I cut in 1/2 (3.6 grams it ends up weighing) at an angle then enlarge the hole to accomodate the doubled tail of the nose loop.

[numbskull]

To drill the through wire weight holes I've found step drills to be helpful in following the wire hole. These I got from Mcmaster-Carr, but I think W.L.Fuller has a bigger selection. They are pricey (@12-15 bucks I think), but work nice.

[numbskull]

Assemble the plug, leave the joint loose enough so the tail can swing 90 degrees, it will cast better that way. When you float it, it should float with the back just barely ou of the water, and the head just barely submerged. Use a long hackle and no hook on the tail. I use 3/0 on the belly. This is what you get. Try making one, I think you'll be pleased.