GB GONE

Mike: Problem is widespread if you use a microwave to heat the stuff. Soft is not bad, medium is pretty bad for microbubbles and hard is extremely bad for microbubbles. I have corresponded with many from across the county that have experienced the exact same issue. I have yet to talk with anyone that does not have the microbubble issue if they are using the microwave...... Jim

Very good Ben!!! I have spoken with these folks and they give a thumbs up for microwave use. Of course, they recommend a test prior to use but assured me it will work... Pricey but will resolve your issue for sure.... Jim

As well as the plastisol being phalate free, so is the worm oil, softener and hardener. I know lots using the green plastic but adding the phalates right back in. Anyway, just more info I have gained from the research of these products. Look forward to hearing your results. Jim

Will do. Jim

I have tried spraying the metal prior to insertion with high heat engine spray paint. You are correct in your assumption that the paint will flake off. It starts qick on the edges, just where you need the protection! Coating the metal with a thin layer of silicone would work for sure as I have many of the silicone "hot pads" in the kitchen and in my workshop where I pour. I set my cups on them to be sure no drastic temp change (= potential exploding cup) for my cups. My engineer buddies tell me there is heat resistant board made from fiberglass that will definitely work. Just not sure how thin it is and where you can get it. Jim

Be glad to send you several in the medium variety. I can make you some stuff up tonight and send it on tomorrow. PM or email me your address. jim@ghostbaits.com Jim Definitely need your purple. Rather than jack this thread, I'll get with you via email.

Thanks Frank. I am somewhat hesitant to post any results of testing (especially if they are good) due to the reaction of many. I was in hopes that the other that are using this plastisol would post some results so that there could begin to be some more input as I like to hear if a different microwave gave better/worse results or if other heating methods are seeing the same results. I will be testing the others soon and will be glad to PM you my findings if still interested. Jim PS Now, about purple flake???!!!!!!!!!

You can also cover the outside of the cup with high heat spray paint to stop the sparking if it is between the glass and JB Weld. Best is to find alternative material.... Jim

The divided cup is the best option if you are going to hand pour. As stated, if you have an intricate mold, pouring one side and then closing and pouring the other side gives les than desired results (at best). Consider other options for your metal as a divider or look at something other than the current divided cup. I do recall someone having one made at a ceramics shop. Other divider material is where I would go. Plenty of other items are microwave safe and can be cut for a divider. I am sure others will give you good suggestions as I use my divided cups still frequently but stopped putting them in the microwave. I think I read where someone used a microwave safe plate and cut the divider??? Good luck!!!! Jim

Here you go Ted.... Jim

I would use LC super, super soft as super soft is the same as others "medium" blend. To firm in my opinion for drop shot baits but that is just a personal thing. Any of the softest varieties will work such as M-F super soft, LC super, super soft, Caney Creek soft, Lureworks soft, Oxark Plastics soft, Chemionics soft, etc.... Jim

Hey Cliff... I think the soft is REAL soft. Perfect IMO. I really only use it for drop shot worms and smaller baits so I don't have a concern however I do believe it might be a little to soft for a larger worm. That being said, I did some 7" worms for testing and the resulting baits are soft but still seem to be pretty resistant to tearing. I dont do sticks so can't comment on that. Gave them up a LONG time ago!!!! The micro bubble issue is stopping me from using the other strengths. Would be great if I could use the pot on those however most of my stuff is still customs so I rarely need 20 bags of one color. I feel sure the rapid heating is the culprit. I need to send a sample to Gary and see if his light bulb heating system bubbles the medium. Thanks again for your feedback and info!!!!!!! Jim

I finally tried the Soft (Pourasol) and will say I was very pleasantly surprised. No microbubbles seen. Very soft and the baits are not sticky when cooled. Smoke was minimal for sure. I believe I will use the soft after a few more "on-the-water" tests. Regarding the bubble issue in the "harder" compounds, I have not talked with anyone at Spike It but they definitely have to know about it as they get information from this forum from users or may even be logging on themselves. The microbubble issue will keep me from using the medium and hard compounds but the soft performed very well. Jim

Further note: after reading the MSDS, this plastisol is phalate free or "green". I mention this as I understand how many have moved to this type of plastisol in hopes of helping the environment out or at least leaving less of a footprint. Jim

Me, myself and I.... Group effort!!!! Lighting is the key for sure! I just have a simple camera with a macro button, nothing fancy at all. Jim

Consider doing a search in this area (softbaits) and in the Hardbait area for more info. This has been covered lots. Also, look at your file format. jpeg may not be the best choice for your pics depending on the size and color. Jim

The CCM injector is nice. It does not have the "safety feature" mentioned with the locking pin. If you do not feel this is a necessary feature, you will be happy with this injector. If you think you may need a locking or screw on feature for the tip, consider the others mentioned. This comes down to personal preference again. I have all three (pinned, screwe on and pop out) and like them all fine. No accidents or problems with any. Good luck, have fun and pay attention to the manufacturers advice when using any of these devices. Most have videos on proper use that are good to review prior to first use. To add: ALWAYS wear safety equipment like gloves, goggles, etc. Accidents do/will happen with any devices. Hot plastic is dangerous if not respected!!!! Jim

I never have had a request for that "pink-red" tequila sunrise but know what you mean. I figured that you wanted the purple version as you were almost spot on with your try. I guess this is the Culprit version..... I used to be a little hesitant on posting up recipes as it takes a lot of work to get some of them good but this thread is a good example of why I should. I'd love to see the pics of your "happy medium" version. Also LOVE that version Chris referred back to. Old school and catches soooo good. Might have to pour myself some up this weekend! Jim

Here you go... Tequila Sunrise 4oz 12 drops LC Black, ½ smidge violet hi-lite 4 oz 6 drops LC Black Grape, 1 drop black pinch violet hi-lite powder, pinch small purple flake (optional) Jim

Thanks all. I still have a little of the purple I have used. It is metallic, not poly. Will not curl or bleed but sinks quicker. It is the purple color, not black grape color. I have black grape but not looking for that. It is .035 in size and square. I think I have a line on more so thanks all for the response. I hand pour a lot still so I don't want curled flake if I get above 300! Jim

Derrick: Tried to give you a call but I didn't get a voice mail. Sorry I missed the call.... Anyway, I have the 5" and 7" and will tell you I have caught numbers on the 5". My son (10) won the monthly and weekly big bass on CCM forum. Would have won the monthly contest as well as his 5 best went over 20lbs but he never sent me the rest of his pics. All smallmouth and all on watermelon red flake 5" Wutz-It's in No WI. The bait has a very unique action to me and that seperates it from many of the others on the market and also the ones being made by major manufacturers. In addition to that, the mold provides lots of options for colors. Check the gallery on Caney Creek for 20+ colors already made by various members. You can also check the fish gallery and see some recent catches. I'd be glad to blast you out some 5" and/or 7" samples. Just give me a shout with your address. For what it is worth, I do like Bears twitchy minnow and Basstackles version as well. They have all different actions.What sold me was the mold configuration (I can use hand pouring techniques with injection techniques or just injection with the CCM mold) and the baits performance head-to-head on the lake for me and some field testers. Jim PS Had a computer issue so no email fro the last day and1/2. I'll be t you sent me an email and I missed it. If so, I'll have my system up later today and can get an email with the address if you would like samples.

Sorry meant .035 to .040 purple. I have some blue-purple hex that curls less but I need some good old purple... Don't want to buy a pound from anyone until I can be sure it won't curl or bleed.... Jim

Where can I get some????? LC no longer carries it and the poly stuff I got bleeds and curls. I bought mine in bulk bofore the poly flake issue so now I can't get any!!! I will even suffer with the metallic purple. Can anyone recommend a source? Thanks!!!! Hmmm... Maybe Sam is still around??? Jim