you can also buy a hair comb . heat the tines on the comb to bend. spray thru for a fire tiger pattern. works great.. use your imagination. you will be surprised at the results. thats whats so neat about this site. ideas and energy is boundless.
why not clear coat then assemble your lures. we use joiner wires on jointed baits. pull them out them assemble your lure, using a little epoxy in the screw holes.. clening hardened epoxy is a pain ,no doubt
one more thing if your trolling try using mono in heavier line class. it will keep your baits higher in the water column.. good luck im sure you will suceed and get those higher fish. it works here on st clair daily
go with the woodie style but insert a shallow lip.. try a lip that only extends 1/2 inch. it will give you that depth in a bait at 8-10 inches, using cedar or pine.