Tubeman

First I heard of this post was after to talking to Del last night. I should let you all know he is very concerned and is having Calhouns test the platisol he has. We buy our Calhouns in 50 gallon drums and I have had it happen once in three years, but I think our salt had moisture in it. I know he will let everyone know as soon as he get the results back.

Fin, go with 1" pipe and plug one end. If you are dipping one at a time, a pan will work fine. It takes a while to get the technique of rolling the tubes to avoid a belly on one side...or maybe that will creat a more realistic baitfish profile ? We are making 7 and 9 inch tubes but are using a 5 gallon hot pot to dip from, something you might want to consider if you intend to sell any.

Haebar, I was looking at their Green Watermelon Road Kill. The red in the bait really is almost neon looking, I would assume they are using Hilite powders to get that effect ? Did you get any of that colour ? Thanks, Mike

I use a salted stick, they hang on to the bait longer.

Ok, I'll give up one secret....since your close. Combine one Del-Mart 4 1/4" Stick of your choice with an Owner 1/16 oz Ultra Head (texas rig style jig head ) and you will have one heck of a deadly combo. It caught at least 10 five pounders for us in tournies last year. Fish it slow, really slow and for a twist you guys that make your own tubes can slice 2" of the tail to make an awesome skirt ( Sorry Del ) Have Fun,

Its a North 5400 series full face mask, I purchased it at an industrial supply store. About 120 CND...worth every penny. I also use the over the shoulder air pick up tubes, so I'm drawing cleaner air from behind me. here's a link http://www.aramsco.com/dopage.htm?i_itemno=52550&_mc=mo the tubes are also supplied by North Mike

Full mask, just purchased 2 weeks ago. What a difference if you have your head over the plastic (dipping tubes ect). I used a 1/2 mask for a couple of years with safety glasses, but evapourated plastisol always irratated my eyes. There is no comparison to having a full mask, its like being in another room

about 2 cups oil to a 1/3 tube will still give you enough smell and there will be be more than enough amino acids absorbed by the plastic to increase hold time.

Mega Strike works well for us too. We mix it with warm (not hot) worm oil and add it to 250-300 baits that are no more than 1 day old. The plastic will draw in some the oil and hold the scent/amino acids on the surface of the bait. We leave the baits in a thick 4 mil zip lock for a few days with the mixture. We found adding scent during pouring is not as effective as after the baits are set...you'll cook off alot of the scent as it was not ment to be heated in the first place. One tube of Mega Strike goes a long long way.

Just tried to post some reaper / 2 part grub molds for sale and had to use the auction page...is classified gone ? if so why is it still on the tool bar ?

Hey Bob, the patent looks pretty technical ! but heres the short version Abstract A soft bait lure includes a lure main body (1) formed with an elastic synthetic resin material to have an outer shape resembling a small fish and particles of glass material (2) that are mixed in a lower half portion of the lure main body (1). The lure main body (1) is formed of an elastic material such as vinyl polychloride, polychloroprene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, or natural rubber, etc. The glass material (2) is mixed in a lower half portion of the lure main body (1). I think we are safe, but thanks for the heads up. Nova, I've yet to get any myself...do a web search for Tungsten powder and you will find that there are many formulations. Most I found were in the US. If you find a good source PM me and we could split on it....were are you located ?

I know this is not going in the direction of the original post, but has any one used tungsten powder besides Del ? I figured it might eliminate the stiffness in the stick baits caused by too much salt. It would also make the bait softer as you would need less to make it sink at the same rate...probably could still add some salt to increase "fish holding on time".

Hey Pop, I'm using a 2.5 gallon model that pours from the bottom. I just postioned the pot under the drill press ( in order to use the lid while stirring you need to drill a small hole for the stirrer rod to pass through)...works very well so far. Thanks for the comments on our site, I have to credit Nick at www.onlineflytyer.com for his expertise.

James, I checked into the agitators and the prices are outrageously high (anywhere from 400 US and up )....as if the pot wasn't enough money. Simple solution if you have a big enough work bench, I bought a drill press and speeds of 270 - 400 rpm seem to work well. The drill press was about 150 US and it is much more verstile that a side clamping agitator...heck you can even drill with it . Now all my salt impregnated baits will have the consistancy of any store bought baits.

Hi Nova, 3 things to consider....will it heat evenly, will it get hot enough and will it keep a constant temp. I've found through trial and error, your better off to go a with a proven product if your going to do this to make money. If its a hobby and you enjoy testing, then I'm sure it can be made to work with enough time and effort. Nice cutting idea you posted, that's what I'd call out of the box thinking.

VF, A Sta-Warm pot is heated on its own as it has electrial elements that surround the entire pots liner. The one I purchased was the 10 quart ( 2.5 Gallon) model for 793.00 US. Not cheap, but if your going to do any volume pouring, its the way to go. I saw a used one for sale for half the price last year...a real bargin.

I remember someone posting one for sale last year, but can't find the link or name. I just bought a new one and it works awesome, trouble is now I want another one ! Thanks,

I put a picture of the tube under soft plastics

No problem, I knew you could get them...just a matter of time before I hit pay dirt. The 10X4's fit our new 9" Gator Tube perfectly !!

Just got of the phone with Lurecraft. Dave can now get the following sizes of bags 8x4,10x4 & 11x4 (inside measurements). Must be ordered in 1000 count boxes. Just got samples and they are top notch zippers & are center hole punched. Prices...you will have to ask Dave.

How 'bout Wing Worm or Flying Leach ?

We have ran a 200 Opti for 2 years problem free. Its expensive on oil if you do a lot of running as Opti oil is what we use. Hint, work something out with your dealer...his company name on your boat/shirt for oil at cost, make things a bit cheaper. Hotshot and top end of an Opti are really nice and its a lighter engine (than a 4 stroke) as was said before. Fuel savings are in the 2/3's throttle range...if you drive full pin alot, you will not see any comparable savings. All engines in the 200 hp and up have their achiles heel, but the DFI's have come along way in 5 years. Good luck with your purchase and have fun !

Ever notice a bait that was ment to be straight, but it was left to cool in a bent postion....it stayed that way after it cooled. I'll bet if you were to find a way to hold a twist in the bait for a day, it would probably retain the swirl effect. So if you you were to pour a laminate 2 color stick and find some way of holding the ends, its possible to do....I think ??

Hey Z, just wondering what the main reason is for using MF for worms. Is it softness or texture ? I've never used MF plastisols and have heard a bunch of you giving it a thumbs up. I use Calhouns for everything and mix my own formulas. Thanks, Mike

If you intend to use a ball valve, 1/2 to 3/4 i.d. is the minimum I would go and the valve has to be heated ( with a seperate thermostat ) or it will just clog up. I got a heated valve added to my last hot pot from Rite Hete and it was too small (3/8 ). If you were going to use a heated valve, I would seal the unit and pressurize it slightly as well. So far, pouring by cup has been easier and far more economical. Ask Scott at SR plastics what he is using ? I think he is using the sta-warm brand ?