Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Knott.
Hi Doug, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Junior’s Jigs LLC started very simply: at a tying bench, making jigs for myself and a few friends who loved to fish as much as I did. Fishing has always been more than a hobby for me—it’s how I decompress, connect with my kids, and stay grounded. Early on, I realized that the jigs I was making were consistently putting fish in the boat, and people kept asking where they could get more.
What began as a handful of custom orders quickly turned into something bigger. I leaned into the idea of building a brand around quality, consistency, and honesty—no shortcuts. Every jig is still hand-tied by me, right here in Missouri. I didn’t want mass production; I wanted anglers to feel confident tying one on, knowing it was built with intention and tested on real water.
Growth came organically through word of mouth, local bait shops, guide partnerships, tournaments, and social media. I listened closely to customer feedback, refined colors and designs, and expanded my lineup while staying true to what worked. Today, Junior’s Jigs is carried by local retailers, used by guides and everyday anglers, and shipped across the country.
I’m proud that the business reflects who I am: family-oriented, community-driven, and hands-on. My kids see the process, the late nights, and the payoff, and that means just as much to me as the business success itself. Junior’s Jigs isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about building something real, one jig at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think it ever is when you’re building something from the ground up. One of the biggest challenges has been time—balancing family, a full life, and the demands of a growing business. When you’re a small, hands-on operation, everything falls on you: production, ordering materials, marketing, customer service, shipping, and bookkeeping.
Another challenge has been scaling while maintaining quality. As demand grew, I had to be intentional about not cutting corners. It’s tempting to rush or outsource, but my reputation is built on consistency and trust, so growth had to be smart and sustainable, not fast for the sake of fast.
There were also learning curves—taxes, regulations, packaging requirements, and the business side of things that no one really teaches you when you start. I’ve made mistakes along the way, but each one forced me to learn, adapt, and tighten up how I operate.
Probably the hardest part has been pushing forward during times when life itself was heavy. Running a small business doesn’t pause when things get tough personally. Showing up, staying consistent, and keeping promises to customers during those moments tested my discipline and resolve more than anything else.
Looking back, those challenges shaped the business just as much as the successes did. They forced me to build Junior’s Jigs on a foundation of patience, resilience, and accountability—and that foundation is what keeps it moving forward today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professionally, I’m a full-time railroad conductor, a career that demands discipline, accountability, and attention to detail—qualities that naturally carried over into my business, Junior’s Jigs LLC. Working on the railroad taught me the importance of showing up prepared, doing things the right way, and taking pride in precision, and those same standards guide how I run my business today.
Junior’s Jigs began as a hobby in 2022—something I worked on after long shifts and on weekends. Fishing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and while I once dreamed of becoming a professional fisherman, I found just as much fulfillment in creating quality, hand-tied jigs for others who share that passion. What started as tying jigs for myself quickly turned into something bigger as friends, local anglers, and guides began asking for them.
I specialize in hand-tied fishing jigs built with consistency, durability, and real-world performance in mind. I’m known for being hands-on and detail-driven—every jig is tied, inspected, and packaged by me. I don’t rush production, and I don’t cut corners. Customers know they’re getting exactly what they expect, whether it’s their first order or their fiftieth.
What I’m most proud of is building a trusted reputation while balancing a demanding full-time career and family life. I’m a husband and a father of three, and my kids see firsthand what it looks like to work hard, stay committed, and build something from the ground up. Junior’s Jigs isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about craftsmanship, accountability, and passion. That balance between my railroad career, my family, and my business is what truly sets me apart.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
When I’m tying jigs, I spend a lot of time listening to and watching long-form content on YouTube. It helps me stay focused during repetitive work and keeps my mind engaged while my hands are busy.
Some of the creators I regularly watch include Michael Franzese, Mark Laita (Soft White Underbelly), Peter Santenello, Dry Creek Wrangler School, Tyler Oliveira, and Tommy G.
What I enjoy most about this type of content is the honesty and depth. These creators focus on real people, real places, and real conversations. It keeps me grounded, challenges my perspective, and helps me stay thoughtful and present—both in my work on the railroad and while running my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Juniorsjigs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juniorsjigs?igsh=N2p3b25lcjVvYjVy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17tjn7XYku/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@juniorsjigs?si=oiAIdEceYFBpGUZP
- Other: https://linktr.ee/dougk816
