Dink Mendez

Hi Fellow Members, In the past three months I striped and painted 14 bagley coffin bill style baits and about sixteen 300 and 400 series poe's crankbaits . I have them suspending just right, thanks to Skeeter and other members help. However'; bass go wild over crankbaits that hunt. Bouncing off a log and then running straight. This action drives fish wild. However; my success is very poor! I have just a hand-full of all the crankbaits that hunt. What I'm I doing wrong. Does the style of the crankbait determine if the bait will hunt? Or does the tuning of the bait accieve the hunting qualities of the crankbaits? Finally; this is for me to accieve my hobby, NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE! Thanks to all members. without Tackle Underground I would have not been able to accieve what I have learned so far. Any help would be great!

Howdy, Just like to say Hi to all the TU members. How do I press in a scale look into foil before I glue the foil tape to the crankbaits. Also, how many coats of devcon is needed to get a good clear coat. Any other ideas on foil crankbaits would be very much appreciated.

Hi Skeeter, Thank you very much on the advised posted on the forum. I have no more questions. Thank GOD!! I just would like to thank you for the great help on this subject. I believe with pratice, I will get what I want with the information you provided. Thanks again! Furthermore; I would like to thank all the members of Tackle Underground for particapating on this subject. With-out the Tackle Underground Forum, I would have never been able to learn the methods of modifiying crankbaits correctly. Thanks, Dink Mendez

Hi skeeter, This is the greatest information I've ever read. The details are prefect. The light bulb came on skeeter. I'm going to put this method to practice. Tally wasn't kidding around when he said you are the best person to answer the my question. He was RIGHT!!!! Now I understand the meaning of a " balanced crankbait ". I also understand the difference between balance and between adding weight between the belly hook and bill method. The method by adding weight between the belly hook and bill, will give me a diving angle. And the method you describe is the balance method. These knowledge is great. Furthermore. do you believe if I suspend the crankbaits in about 60 degrees of water, that would be a good starting point? You said "Drill a 1/4 inch hole in the side of the bait 3/8 above the bottom of the lure." My question is- How deep do I drill the hole? Do I use a 1/4 inch drill bit? Or do I drill about 1/4 inch deep about 3/8 above using a 1/4 inch drill bit? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just what to start of right!

Hi Skeeter, Thanks alot Skeeter, Now it makes alot of sense now. However, after taking out the belly weight, installing the new weight. Don't I have to drill the hole bigger to accomidate the new belly weight? What are your suggestions on this process? What kind of paint mixes well with Devcon. Thanks Skeeter, for your knowledge and time!

Hi Blades and others, I hope I'm not causing trouble. I don't feel that anybody was trying to mislead me. I appricate everyone thoughts on the subject. I'm just trying to figure out to suspend the crankbaits more effective and accurate. I believe with everyones input, I can get a good strart. I would like to thank every member of Tackle Underground for there support and knowlegde. I put the subject out there to bring thoughts and debate on the subject. So everyone can learn something. Support out troops!! God Bless this Country!! Dink Mendez

Hi Tally, I agree that Tackle underground is the best web site for subjects like this one. However, a guess might bring on more thought to the subject. That's all I'm saying. Furthermore; there is alot of methods to this subject of wieghting down lures. In the east and south of the country, many do use this tactic with great success. Due to the fact that many more anglers use crankbaits verus the west cost that use more finesse type techniques. Method and stratagies of those that use crankbaits are different. So in doing so, the more ideas and guesses, the more question arise to achieve the best resaults. Thanks again for your time.

Hi Skeeter, Thanks for the tips. However, I would you fine the location where to put the lead. Because for example. on the 400 series crankbaits, there alot of room to drill the hole and add lead.( between the belly hook and bill ) My understanding is the location is very critical to acomplish the balance of the crankbait. Now as for suspending. I try to make the baits suspend at 65 degree water. Reason being, to keep the bait down a long as possible. The spotted bass where I fish don't see reaction baits a 15-18 feet of water. Thanks for your tips SKEETER, I just wish more members would particapate.

I want to balance my crankbaits correctly. One method that has me thinking cloudy is the Fritts Method. Items I have and ready to use. 1) Aquarium and Temp controlled 2) Rubber band 3) Bass casting sinkers I'm wanting to balance my Poe's Crankbaits and Bagley Crankbaits. I was told to use the bass casting sinker ( the kind with a line tie on it ) run the rubber band thru the sinker. Now submerge the bait down to the bottom of the tank. Loop the rubber over the bait, like a strap. Then adjust the bait till it looks balanced. Then mark the place and location on the bait. That will find the location where to add the wieght. Well. here is the things that have me confused. 1) When I loop the rubber band over the bait- Does the rubber band go around the bait between the belley and bill? 2) What is considered a balanced look on a bait? 3) What is a good water temperture to suspend lures at? I know these question are differcult. But in California there is no pros that use crankbait to learn from. I have read the 56 degree water is good for suspending and also I heard that 60-65 degree water makes a good all around baits.

Hi, Huebert The spinnerbait arms lenghts are very important. I believe it requires alot attention. About 90% of my blades are short arms. Because the lakes I fish at in California a basically open water. There is no timber what so ever!. Now when I cut the blade arm, I estimate were the blade on the swivel going to end up. I like the blade to be just above the hook. I make all my spinnerbaits with a 4/0 GAMA HOOKS. ( Just to give you an idea) Know I make by own blades, I throw alot of 1 oz blades with a single willow (4size) or Indiana (3.5) in deep water, like 12-17 foot. Now when I go to the Delta ( not often ) I take blades with long arms, because I throw them around wood and other junk. It seems to snag less. However; the most snag resistant blade I thow is a Twin Arm spinnerbait. Goes threw the willow very easy. For night fishing, I throw a single Colorado ( 4-6 size) short armed. Good Luck

I have a couple of questions. What kind of degeaser? What kind of epoxy? Now if I use krylon primer, what kind of paint lays well over Krylon? What kind of clear do you guys like? Thank again for all you help! Dink!

Hi Gentlemen, My name is Dink Mendez. I'm new to this forum. So please forgive me for not knowing alot. I have old poe's crankbaits 200 thru 400 series crankbaits. I would like to learn how to refinish the baits. I would like to know from start to finish what to do. I've read provisous messages; however I still don't completely understand the step. 1st-what kind of sealer to use. 2nd- after the sealer, what is next. 3rd- what kind of paint. 4th-sealer or do I seal first then paint. Like I said, I'm a rookie needing guidance! I do make spinnerbait and jigs. However, I've wanted to know how to paint crankbaits. Thanks again for your time.