Today, we're going to walk you through the process of creating your own Vertical Jigging Lure (VTJ). This method is the same one I used to develop my own lures, and now I'm excited to share this knowledge with you. Whether you're looking to support VT2U by purchasing a lure from our store or you're interested in making your own DIY VTJ, this guide will help you dominate the lake trout game.
Our mission is to help anglers catch more fish while ensuring that those fish are either released healthy or harvested at the appropriate size. So, let's dive into what you need and how to make your own VTJ.
# What You Will Need:
- Eagle Claw Barrel Weights - VMC Split Rings - VMC Treble or Single Hooks - YUM! Tubes (Pearl White) / Berkeley White Tubes
# Step 1: Prepare the Barrel Weight (2 optional, 1 required)
Begin by attaching split rings to both the top and bottom of the barrel weight. These split rings are helpful to add a little gap between the hook and the bottom of the barrel weight. They are also handy to have around if you need one on the boat. The split ring on the top of the VTJ is optional, you can tie your leader directly to the top eye if you want.
# Step 2: Attach the Hook
Now, attach your chosen bottom hook to the barrel weight. You can use either a treble hook or a single hook, depending on your preference. More and more I have started to use single hooks because it can be easier to remove, leading to healthier and less bloody releases for the fish.
# Step 3: Snip a Hole in the Tube
Cut a very small hole at the closed end of the tube. This hole allows air to escape as you insert the weight into the tube. As you press the weight in, the goal is for the split ring or eye of the barrel weight to push out through the hole. The smaller the hole the better, too big and the tube will slide off.
# Step 4: Position the Tube
Turn the tube upside down so that all the tails are hanging out and away from the weight. This step is crucial because if the tails get caught inside the tube, it can reduce the lure's flash and action, which are key to attracting fish. You need to put something liquid inside the tube to make it easier to push the weight in. You can use water, you can spit in the tube, or you can use something like fish oil. Remember you have to handle it, so choose wisely! (Don't use stinky stuff **YET**)
# Step 5: Sleeve the tube over the barrel weight Push the barrel weight down into the tube until the eye and split ring pop out of the top. You may need to stretch the tube down a little bit to make sure the tails of the tube are as low as possible. One of the key features of this pattern is how the points of the hook "hide" in the tassles / tails of the tube. Between that and the dressing we add to our hooks, it makes the big pointy hooks at the end of the lure much less visible to the fish. # Step 6: Add some sauce Now that the VTJ is fully assembled, now is the time to use any kind of fish oil / attractant / garlic sauce that you otherwise wouldn't want to get on your hands. # Step 7 Tie it on! (optional: use a snap swivel)
You now have a VTJ ready to **#makebigfishchase**! Depending on where you're fishing, you may want to rig a few up with different weights so you can avoid fiddling with split rings out on the water. Trust us, it's much easier to do at home! We like to use snap swivels because it makes it much easier to switch out sizes when you are getting dialed in on drift, size or color. You also can tie directly to the top of the VTJ! Use what works... improvize, adapt, overcome!
# When do you replace the tube?
When the Lake Trout are fired up, they will absolutely destroy the tube. Once you see holes in it, or if it starts sliding off the weight its time to take off the old plastic and put a new one on. You can also add some sauce / fish oil / attractant to the inside of the tube when you are rigging it.
# Do I really need the tube?
This depends on a few factors, primarily how fired up the fish are. If they are going crazy and full on wolf pack, we think that just about any lure that moves fast is going to get their attention! After a lot of experimentation we have found it IS possible to get fish to hit VTJs without tubes. By painting them with our favorite colors and adding extra flash on dresed hooks, we've found another new lure pattern you can use to change up your tactics when the bite gets tough.
# Tubeless vs Tubed?
Most of all, we let the fish tell us what works! Some days they absolutely LOVE the tube, and other days they are finnicky and fickle. Don't get discouraged! Try different tactics, maybe even put a rattle bait down to make some noise and call in the hungry ones. The original VTJ design did include a tube for what it's worth. Can't go wrong with pearl white tubes.
We hope this guide helps you get some VTJs rigged and some big Lakers on the end of your fishing line. By following these steps, you'll have a DIY VTJ ready to hit the water and help you catch and release Lake Trout. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, crafting your own lures can be a rewarding way to enhance your fishing experience. So grab your materials, follow the guide, and get ready to reel in some big ones!
# This is too much work!
I know what you mean! That's why I created this website so I can sell lures to people. I know what it takes to make a high quality lure that gets the fish fired up, and honeslty I think most people aren't going to want to go through the effort of all the painting and sealing. It's a tedious, messy and stinky (fumes) process that is only worth it if you REALLY are into making lures. If you are, I hope this helps, you should also check out Marling Baits on YouTube he was a huge inspiration.
# The pattern is the secret sauce
The pattern described in this post is what matters most, it's not rocket surgery and most people should be able to DIY one. For those of you who feel our lures are overpriced, we've provided this guide so you can still use the pattern even if you don't buy them from us.
# Send us your pics! For the creatives out there, please show us what you got! We can't wait to see what kind of incredible creations you guys come up with. If you make one, make sure to tag it with **#verticaltubejig** and give us a mention!

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