charkins

An Okies version of Fire and Ice 4 oz of Plastisol 12 drops LC red 2 drops LC Purple (Not Plum Purple) 1/8 tsp medium red flake 1/8 tsp medium blue flake Hang on tight when you throw a bait in this color

I use the LC tube cutter. Just be sure to keep plenty of worm oil on the blades or it will tear your tails. Cal

Here is how I do it. Check out the last page of the cookbook for formula of salt and plastic 1. Heat the plastic and salt in a 2 cup pyrex in the microwave until it is the consistency of syrup 2. Add glitter and scent 3. Dip the rod into the plastic for the length you want the tube. Stir the plastic with the rod and make sure it is evenly coated. 4. Remove the rod from the hot plastic and let it drip back into the pyrex cup until it stops dripping and turn rod the rod up. 5. Let it cool and redip again only about half the lenght of the tube this time. Hope I haven't left anything out. Cal

New bait I made. I made a mold of the front half of a lizard and the back of a brush hog. Picture is not real good. Got to get a better camera.

I pour sitting down. I stole a stool from the wife. It really isn't big enough for my butt, but it is the right height. :oops: It is just the right height for the bench I have. I can pour for quite a time if the phone doesn't ring, etc. etc. Cal

The flex coat is easier to mix, doesn't smell and maintains detail better. At least in my opinion. It does cost more, but I am only making molds for my own use. So, a little difference in price is not such a big deal. You can get the Flex Coat from Barlows and I am sure some of the other places carry it to. Cal

I tried something different to coat my molds. I used Flex Coat rod wrapping finish. I used the Lite build formula as it is a little thinner. I have been giving the molds two coats and not losing much detail to the mold. Only downside is that you need to let the mold set overnight between coats. The Flex Coat doesn't smell as bad as the other sealers. Cal

Was it LC Del or MF Watermelon? I don't know about Del' but MF is considerably weaker and more of a yellow tint than LC. Just wonderin Cal

Microwave is the best friend that a soft plastic bait maker has. It is easy and fast. Cal

I have the one part mold from LC. It works well, but I do better with tubes and brush hogs. Right now I am trying to combine the head of the beaver and the tail of the brush hog. I will let you know if it works out. Cal

As a fellow Oklahoman, I want to warn you that making your own bait is addicting. Soon you won't be able to carry your soft plastic bait bag around. Then you will need two bags. It only gets worse. Seriously, welcome aboard. The aluminum molds are the very best. Lurecraft has the rubber molds that work, but don't last all that long. You can even make your molds, but wait a bit on that to make sure that is what you want to do Cal

The injector that Jann's has might work. But be real careful. The skin you burn will probably be your own. Cal

That is great!!! Quite realistic. Cal

Thanks for the ideas!! Cal

My question also. I sent Red G8ter a PM about this a few days ago. I really enjoyed seeing everyones work. Cal

Yes, you can make your own molds for pennies. I use Durham's Water Putty, but a lot of the guys use plaster of paris. I think Durham's is harder and less likely to break. Do a search and check out all of the molds being made. Try a one piece mold first. Don't expect the first one to come out perfect. Perfection comes with practice whether you are makin molds or catchin fish. Cal

CrawChunk, I am with you. If I can make it, that is what I am going to fish with. Then if the lure doesn't catch fish or doesn't suit me, it is my own fault. Cal

jmik26, you and del need to get a room and get this love hate relationship or pissin contest over with. I mean give it a break. Cal

I can paint small dots by using head of finishing nail. I need to paint a fairly large red dot on a Number 7 Indianna Blade. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks Cal

Been there! Done That! Got Burnt, really burnt!! Molds and injector went to the trash! End of Story. Cal

I used an LC lizard mold 3 years ago to the point where the baits were no longer shiny. I tried putting them in the oven and other suggestions that I received here on TU and from LC. I finally threw it away. However I did make a whole bunch of lizards. That was about all they would hit that spring. Cal

I bought the new cutter that Lurecraft has. It is utility blades in a metal frame with spacers. It is really good. It would be better if it was mounted in some kind of a press. Hammering on this thing is wearing me out. Cal

Formula for Blue Tubes with Blue Flake 5 tsp Salt 8 oz LC 500 Plastic or Equivalent Extra Strength Plastic 8 drops LC BLack 32 drops MF Blue 1/2 tsp Medium Blue Flake If you use LC Blue, it probably would take 1/3 or 1/2 number of drops to get the same color.

Hey CrawChunk, That is a great tutorial. How about pouring a few and showing us the tubes. I fish tubes a lot and would be interested in seeing the results. Thanks Cal

Hey Tr21x, How you going to rig that swim bait? Your modifications to my color looks as good or better than mine. Good going. It was very warm here today, in upper 70's. I went bass fishing. Only caught one, about 4 1/2 pounds on a blue tube with blue flake. It is a real producer here where I fish. Cal