fatfingers

I've made many baits using the method you described, in which you wrap the foil over the back and the belly and then trim it off and, yes, it is very common to have it protrude slightly after you clear it no matter what type of foil you choose. To remedy the problem try this.... First burnish it down as best you can prior to clearing it. I use the handle of an Xacto knife and push down along the seam to flatten them as much as possible first. If after you apply a coat of clear the edges still protrude a bit, just add another coat of envirotex and they usually disappear completely. This extra coat of epoxy prior to painting will not hurt musky baits at all as far as the action goes since musky baits have much more mass than bass baits. Here's a few I did a few years back with the same method you described. Note also that just a bit of paint over the seams will cover that line left where the two seams meet on the back and the belly: This one shows that even with rounded surfaces, which cause the foil to wrinkle a bit and bunch up here and there, you can burnish and cover the protruding area with multiple coats of epoxy prior to painting: -Vince fatfingers baits

The prop style bait would be a great place to start for a number of reason. First, you don't need to install a diving lip, which is often a thing involving only a little trial and error...not that hard, but a prop bait is clearly easier. Secondly, the body shape is not that critical on a top water prop bait. You could carve one with a knife and some sandpaper if you wanted to and it would run as long as you don't make the body too fat (which would prevent the prop from getting enough water to it to make it turn). As far as the question of cost...if you are seriously trying to save money over the purchase of baits from a store, run away while you still can. This hobby is so much fun and SO ADDICTIVE that you will soon be able to rationalize the purchase of just about anything if it advances a bait toward the H20.

Another simple solution:

Actually, I don't draw the resin and hardener. I simply remove the plunger and fill up each side of the re-used double syringe from the 9 ounce bottle. Like I said though, the problem is that the used double-syringe is not user-friendly. That plunger does NOT like to be removed. Was really hoping to locate a cheap US source for a replacement double-syringe. I've also tried the thing where you squeeze equal amounts out and it works ok, but I do not like the lack of precision doing it that way because if you fail to achieve something close to a 50/50 mix the stuff will not harden. Can't risk that when planting hook hangers in musky baits. I guess I'll just have to continue buying Devcon 2 ton in the 1 ounce package and using the old syringe over again/ Thanks for the responses though.

Since that dark day when Walmart quit carrying Devcon 2 ton epoxy, I've started buying Devcon 2 ton in quantity. I buy the 9 oz stuff. Problem: Where to find a cheap dual-syringe to facilitate ease of application. I often mix only a small quantity and the dual-syringe is the most accurate way to do that. Anyone know of a source for double-syringes other than buying the Devcon in the one ounce package and using the syringe over again? (The syringe that comes with the 1 ounce package does not like to be used again...you can do it, but it is difficult and the handle will break easily.) ?

...and his hair was perfect.