Regardles of what facet of lure building you are involved in, have you ever took the time to realize just how many times you handle 1 single bait - from start to finish?
After 10 years of Custom Lure building, it finally hit home with me.
I don't know the exact count of all the type baits I build or paint for one year,but here are a few totals I could come up with.
Custom Paints 1800 to 2000
Spinnerbaits 1500 to 2000
Jigs 1200 to 1500
Now, if I break it down and just look at how many times I handle only one bait for Custom Painting:
note: Customer has removed all hardware.
1- Remove Eyes (if there are any on the bait)
2- Sand
3- Steel Wool
4- Wash Good
5- Tape Lip
6- Prime
7- Base Coat
8,9,10.11 Paint Average Three To 4 Colors
12- Apply Eyes Or ----12,13 Paint Or Dot Eyes
14- Accents ( shad dots ect.)
15- Sign And Date
16-Remove tape
17-Re- Tape Lip
18,19-Clear Coat (in my case spray at least 2 coats)
20-Remove Lip Tape
21-Clean Up Hook Hangers (eyes)
22-Roll In Protective Padding For Shipping
23- Pack For Shipping
24-Address For Shipping
25-Ship
There are some cases where when multiple patterns are painted,these lures can be placed in a holder that will hold multiple baits but for the most part it comes down to handling them one at a time.
Bottom Line------- Figuring on the low end- 1800 baits at handling them an average of 24 times give or take a step is a grand total of
43,200 times my hands touch a crankbait in a year.
And customers wonder why we charge what we do
Dear God, Know wonder my wife has asked me why I build lures in my sleep.
What Say You?
Regards,
Blades
Another note. If you build the Custom crank Bait them add about 10 more tothe total.