Beach Fishing set-up part 2 - Making Gemini Solo weights and powder coating

[@agapelove916]

My goodness.....you always amaze me with your insight. I would love to make these weights but I am not able to go coast fishing too often. The whole process is AWESOME! So inspiring Mark Thank You 🙏🏼

[@seaangling]

To be totally honest making your own kit and rigs is not right for everyone and buying good quality can sometimes be more cost effective. I personally enjoy the process but still defer to buying from time to time.

[@angussoutter7824]

Your fitting the grip wire long way round is great and yep so much easier than faffing about they way Gemini show how to fit 👍🏼

[@ronniearchibald]

Hello Mark, when I was using powder coating on Gemini leads I cut a small bit from an old brush handle and screwed it onto the bottom of the lead it saves you having to clean the powder coating from the screw and bottom of the lead before assembly, on my other leads pyramid and plain styles I now use rubber paint from plastidip it gives a professional finish, you should give it a try I think you would like it, very easy to use. Thanks for another great video

[@seaangling]

Cleaning the threads didn’t take long but I understand what you mean about keeping them clean. I’ll have a look at the plastidip. Do you dip into it or spray it on?

[@ronniearchibald]

@@seaangling yes Mark, you just dip it into the tin and lift out slowly and hang up over paper to dry, the colours I use are white which acts as an undercoat, blaze pink, blaze yellow and luminous, if you look at the plastidip reviews you will see some of the first leads I coated, they are not as good as the ones I make now as they weren’t undercoated, thanks Ronnie

[@deansshootingandfishingham8275]

Once again Mark great video 👍🎣🐟🐟🐟🇬🇧

[@seaangling]

Cheers Dean, glad you enjoyed it. 🦈🎣👍🏻

[@Sanity800]

Hi Mark, being Long established sea angler the Lee led melting pot is a brilliant find for self weight maker, thanks for link.

[@seaangling]

One thing I learned using it was to keep a level in the pot and pour little and often. Lead melts easier when the pot is half full.

[@Sanity800]

@@seaangling Thanks for tip, once back in stock I'll be investing in one.

[@glencronin1592]

Entertaining as usual Mark great video 👍👍👍🎣🎣🎣

[@seaangling]

I try to keep it light and was laughing to myself as I put my goggles on. 😉👍🏻 The outtakes were numerous.

[@clarkson7777]

Very constructive Mark. although I'm a boat fisherman as you know. I still enjoyed you making of the grip leads. Great job.

[@seaangling]

It’s just time spent tinkering in the workshop trying stuff out. 🎣👍🏻

[@qualitytimefishing]

Great video mate

[@seaangling]

Cheers buddy and thank you for lending me the smelting pot, I’m going to get myself one.

[@upandrunningat50]

I'm about to take up sea fishing after a 25 year break, love your channel, very helpful and informative.

[@seaangling]

Thank you, nice to hear it is helpful. 🎣👍🏻

[@derekjefferson1324]

Hi Enjoyable video, I’ve been making Gemini leads for some time now and find them efficient, few comments Like your lead burner, I make mind using a ladle on a cheap small portable kettle burner - does the job, but like your burner, especially the way it bottom pours Whilst a more slight expenditure, the Gemini mould clamp is good and from my experience speeds up the making process I cut the residue pyramid with wire cutters, in lieu of pliers Like the way (long wire first) of attaching wires, never thought of that- bril Finally - the powder coating awesome! ! ! Really enjoy your workshop ramblings, look forward to your future ones, covering the process from conception to fishing and catching fish Go steady

[@seaangling]

Cheers Derek, I’ll look into the mold clamp. The melting pot is widely available on the internet and is simplicity in itself. I’ll try and put a link in the description. The powder coating was an experiment and a bit of fun but I thoroughly enjoyed it and liked the result.

[@kevinbuckler1085]

I just use some spring tool clips, but I also made a couple of wooden handles for it which make it easier to handle 🐟🎣

[@derekjefferson1324]

@@seaangling Hi again I screwed the Gemini mould clamp onto a piece of 5” x 2” (on 2” face) then fixed a piece of 2x1 to it as handles, therefore allowing it to be picked up, almost immediately, you can then remove the actual mould from the clamp, especially with your gloves. The mould is designed to fit snuggly into the clamp As previous correspondence, receive my new 14ft Penn XR rod tomorrow, designed for 5/6oz leads, therefore fishing akin to yourself, therefore will be watching your future videos with great interest Go Steady

[@seaangling]

@@derekjefferson1324 this years shore angling will be targeting some old favourites and some new (to me) species from different venues. I look forward to sharing how I get on. 🎣👍🏻

[@KayakFishingIoW]

Thanks for the video. I'm about to go 'full tilt' and buy the Gemini system and make my own weights. I don't think I will buy the lead kiln (yet?) although it's a brilliant piece of kit. I'll be following your series through and sharing with my buddy. Thanks.

[@seaangling]

The oven was cheap and secondhand from marketplace, £20 I think. Remember to preheat the moulds for a better pour. 👍🏻🎣

[@hardcorefishermanofhull7438]

What a great video really enjoyed that that's a good idea powder coating on and I have to have a go at that as I've got quite a bit of powder coating stuff but I don't think I'll be making all those legs those plastic things don't seem to sit right with me I just make standard LEDs and a bit of metal to make my clips that way it's helpful for the environment I but it was a good idea mate thanks a lot keep up the great work

[@seaangling]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@thejinxeffect]

It'll be interesting how the powder coating fares after a couple of casts. Interesting though as I thought powder coating was done with a positive charge for the powder to stick but obviously the heat sorts that. Great vid mate.

[@seaangling]

I have some continental leads that are coated and are faring really well but they may be a different product. I’ll keep an eye on these and report back as I go. 🎣👍🏻

[@trampster7306]

Nice one Mark! Interesting video thanks. Not easy to do if you don't have a garage or workshop with power. It also struck me that, by the time you have bought the Gemini kit, the Lee melting pot, and the Lead, unless you're gonna make loads of weights, it could get very expensive. I think I'll stck to buying Grip leads down the local tackle shop for £1 each! Stay safe & well! 🎣🎣👍👍

[@seaangling]

You are 100% correct. I’m lucky to have the space, I was lent the melting pot and given the lead. That made buying the kit worth while and a viable option. I think you would need to make a lot to cover the cost otherwise.

[@dave1secondago]

you need too make a metal suport under that lee mould , as they tend too bend over after a few months

[@johnf6598]

My lee pot did same but stopped at same angle as the video and never got worse. It does reduce clearance. What did you build to stop it? Are your support feet joined to the pot base or wider sitting on bench?

[@seaangling]

This pot is as old as the hills and I think has settled where it is. It would be interesting to see a picture of the support/modifications you’ve done. I’ll be buying one of these soon.

[@dave1secondago]

@@johnf6598 have a look on here just a metal bar with a flat plate for a foot

[@johnf6598]

All great and particularly like the powder coated weights. I had a plan to do same because bought powdercoat paint in 1KG bags and was sitting thinking what else I can powdercoat. Going to do it just because I like it and nice to see I cant be crazy if you are doing it too haha 😅

[@seaangling]

Just tinkering in the workshop and enjoying the process.

[@neiljones-theinlandshorean3839]

Excellent video Mark, clear and concise, and if you are still after casting tuition I have sent you an email.

[@seaangling]

Cheers Neil, I’ve responded to your E-mail 👍🏻

[@shakyangler]

That's typical of me to do things the hard way and put the wires in the short end . will give your way ago with the longer end of the grip wire first. Great video as always and i am sure that viewers are learning a great deal from your series .

[@seaangling]

Cheers buddy. Sharing is caring. Your boat is looking good with all the hard work invested. 👍🏻

[@jamiestead6946]

Great vid Mark, I hope you will keep us informed how you get on with your powder coated leads, I’m very keen too know if.. although it’s a reasonable thin coating, tho could be possibly thinner if only coated once, that the coating doesn’t restrict the water flow over the vents too much increasing the probability the hook isn’t released every time? My thinking was I assume Gemini when developing the splash down lead would have tinkered around with the vent depths and angles till they found 100% release rate! So it’s going too be interesting too see your results 👍🏻 keep up the great work Mark 👍🏻

[@seaangling]

I’m loving the feed back this evening and the depth of thought. I did consider the chance it might reduce the release ratio from the design and so I have done a batch coated and a batch left plain. The beauty of fishing 2 rigs, rods, reels side by side is the comparisons that can be made in use. It all adds to the interest for me and keeps me thinking. Good comment 😉👍🏻

[@Pricks-d7d]

another great, insightful video. I will say though, I don't understand powder coating and what the benefits are other than being used at night. I think it's more of a tackle tart thing. I can't help but think we should be trying to limit plastics and other unnecessary waste into the seas. I like the trident stuff, but I've now moved away from those product because because of the plastic content. I know we won't eradicate it fully, mainly line, but I just think we have a duty to limit the impact. I morally wouldn't let someone needlessly throw a coke bottle or plastic bait wrapper in the water, but I can't say much when I'm throwing a load of plastic in the seas in forms or beads, bait clips, tubing etc not a criticism of yourself mate. I love your content, and I love your enthusiasm for our great hobby. all the best mate.

[@seaangling]

I understand your view and always take more rubbish away with me from the beach than I arrived with. Also had good results with plastic collection on a local river. All of that said there is the inescapable fact that we are putting lead out there and where does that sit in the greater debate. I would love to see some clear undisputed guidance over coated leads or replacement weights. I suppose the answer could be stones with attachments because lead as a material is on the radar. Is coating the answer? I doubt it. Is a plain lead harmful? Probably. Is there more we can do to minimise our impact? Absolutely. I’m not educated enough to give an answer but I’d love to follow clear guidance. As always, plenty for discussion and no easy answers. Thank you for commenting.

[@Pricks-d7d]

@@seaangling completely understand. I too think that stones with attachment is the way forward, maybe more thought needs to go into fishing line. I'm a live and let live person. I'm in no way a tree hugger. morally, I just can't moan at someone for needlessly throwing coke bottle in the sea, then me casting a load of plastic in with a good chance I'd lose it. I've made changes. I don't use beads unless absolutely necessary. hate those plaice and flounder rigs, some say it works, some say they don't. I haven't had any issue with just bait on its own and I'm not chucking 40 beads in the sea. swivels and metal bait clip is all I use in most of my fishing. and I haven't noticed any difference other than some pretty colours. I now fish, mixed to clean ground, and I now limit my use of bait elastic. only really use it on Half's of Mackie and bluey, and use it sparingly. keep the content up though mate. I do like seeing others views on things. I loved your bait packaging idea and I'll be doing the same (and recycling the plastic lol) I've also got the Penn specials, fantastic reels aren't they. all the best mark.

[@seaangling]

@@Pricks-d7d the thought process to minimising plastic is something I think we could all offer and do our part with participation. I like your way of thinking. 😉👍🏻

[@collinsmith8378]

Hi mark great video again just wondering where you got your kiln .and could you at eny time show how you clean the bearings in your penn casting specials cheers keep the videos coming.

[@seaangling]

Hi Collin, it is an oven meant for camping. I bought it off Facebook marketplace for £20. I’ll show a bearing clean some time soon but it is simply lighter fuel/petrol in an egg cup. Allow bearings to soak and then agitate/swirl them around. Remove and place on a paper towel to dry and let the fuel evaporate away.

[@collinsmith8378]

Sorry mark I ment the lead melting pot cheers.

[@seaangling]

@@collinsmith8378 it is a lead melting pot designed for making bullets and most places that stock them are outdoors/armoury type places. amzn.to/3HeqNVa

[@Teachaman2fish88]

Add a tiny amount of candle wax to the molten lead for flux. He lead runs much smother then. Cleaner too.

[@seaangling]

Never heard or thought of that before.

[@Teachaman2fish88]

@@seaangling try it, you will like it.

[@billyhaynes9148]

Nice one mark,so i know if I ever find a cracked off rig with a red gemi solo on it il know where it was made 😂

[@seaangling]

Strangely enough I tend to not lose rigs and the one I lost recently I managed to snag and reel back in a few casts later. 🤷‍♂️ Maybe I should offer a reward for red leads returned. 😉😂

[@billyhaynes9148]

@@seaangling haha yes a red solo Easter lead hunt amd the winner gets an egg 😂🤣

[@angussoutter7824]

😱have you been watching me at the church roof

[@seaangling]

🤫

[@duncanbeck1687]

Hi Mark. Love your vids but this one worried somewhat. I would not advise taking that mask off anytime during the smelting process. Lead fumes are lethal over time. Make your leads , switch off, ventilate well then trim up your leads and tart them up. Make sure you have the correct masks for the job in hand.

[@seaangling]

I appreciate your concerns and guidance. 👍🏻

[@kerseili6887]

Very interesting process Mark, I wonder can you get fluorescent powders?

[@seaangling]

You can get photoluminescence powders as well. I have been given some to try but not done those yet as they are a 2 part process. I’ll do some soon.

[@stephenforster8352]

Cracking video as usual Mark great tip about locating the wires in the cone also just wondering where did you get your lead smelting machine from and have you the price for them cheers mate take care tight lines 👍

[@seaangling]

www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/lee-production-pot-iv-lead-melter-220v The pot I used in the film was loaned to me but I will be buying one as after using it I found it very easy and convenient.

[@nickmann2916]

Enjoyed that mate how long did it take to cut that box of lead up , how do you rate the melting pot how much does it hold in one go . When I first started making the splash downs I soon found out that the blade for the hook release was bloody sharp and would end up in your finger if not careful we live and learn . I also found putting the wires in long side easier . I think the five ounce leads powder coated would match your rods better 😁 must admit the powder coat looks snazzy bit of bling lovey tutorial mate tight lines

[@seaangling]

I made 22 leads and hardly dented the contents of the box and I’ve got another box. You can never have too much lead. The melting pot made by “Lee” was loaned to me to try out. I really like it, simple to use and clean with no need to worry about gas. I was doing a couple of 6oz leads and getting to half a pot and topping up. I’m going to try the luminous powder on a few as well.

[@nickmann2916]

How long did the pot take to get to pouring point looked pretty easy to use i must admit really looking forward to this set of videos on how you get on 👍

[@seaangling]

@@nickmann2916 only took 10-15 mins to heat up and have molten lead. It is perfect for smaller leads up to 12/15oz but for the bigger boat ones I’ll need gas and a crucible.