Shawn M

Hi Grayfeather. I was having the same problems using a propane torch. I switched to a heat gun, thanks to some recommendations from TU members, and it works much better for me. The gun I use is 1000 watts on the low setting and 1800 watts on the high setting. I use the high setting for small jigheads and 1/2 oz SB heads, don't even use the low setting anymore. The only real advice I can give is to practice. Each size head needs to be under the heat for a different length of time. It can vary from a few seconds to 30 seconds (for me). I honestly don't even count anymore, I'll still screw a couple up but not like when I first started. That's probably not a lot of help, but it is all about practice. Shawn

I was able to repair the rod, thanks to Mattman. My friend is happy with the repair and I learned alot. Thanks! Shawn

I've been using a little fingernail polish mixed with the Devcon and have been real happy with the results. To me, it goes on better and you can do up a bunch of heads before it gets difficult to work with. Shawn

In my opinion...he's just a kid. Maybe overzealous, but looks like he loves fishing and messing around making some lures. How many of you dreamed of making the ultimate lure as a kid? I've had a couple ideas and have posted them, but I don't care if someone uses that idea to catch a fish or two (that's why I posted them). I'd actually think it was cool that an idea I had helped another TU member. Fishing is fun and I hope more kids are as interested as Willie is. Shawn

I like 60 strands for 1/2 oz, 50 for 3/8 oz, 40 for 1/4 oz, and 35 for 1/8 oz. It is personal preference, but those work for me (and the fish seemed to agree last year). Shawn

I haven't been able to find a picture of the jig you have made from any of the posts?!? Anyway, good luck and keep making lures...it's fun, plus catching a fish on something you made is a great feeling. Shawn

Nice looking spinners! Your absolutely right, not too many folks talk about spinners. I am just as guilty as the next, I have caught tons of fish on spinners, but for whatever reason don't use them often enough. I posted a spinner with a grub body awhile back and have had great results with it. Water temps are in the 30s, but still have caught fish on it. They seem to work most of the time. The beauty of spinners is that almost everything that swims will eat one. The only frustration is around weeds or once the water gets some "gunk". Spinners are magnets for slime and that destroys their action and can be quite irritating picking the sludge off after each cast. Since I have really had a blast making spinners myself, I'll be using more this year. They are golden when the conditions are right. Shawn

I prefer to band my own for SBs, just like making my own combinations. If I had to pick 3 colors that seem to work best for me, I'd go with white/chartreuse, white/black and bluegill (many folks have there own versions). For jigs I like using brown and black colors. Shawn

They have some real cheap stuff! Has anyone bought from them before? Shawn

Adding the skirt makes for an interesting looking bait. I'll have to try it out and see how the bass here like it. Great looking pour also! Shawn

Josh, I remember seeing a post before about this, I hope the family is doing well. I'm not in the same league as most of the folks here, but would be willing to send some of my stuff for the parting gifts. Please give some more details. Shawn

Hey guys...I've been banding my skirts with a pair of needle nose pliers, but after 10 or 20 it gets pretty tedious. I've been looking at the skirt making tools out there, but am not seeing how they really work (I was thinking about making one). I don't make too many at a time, so I figured it might be better to make one instead of buying. Does anyone have some opinions on using a commercial one compared to pliers or a home made one? The pictures I've looked at are too small to really see how they work. If anyone has made one and would like to give me some tips on construction I would really appreciate it. Thanks! Shawn

Sorry, I should have said nail polish remover. I am curious Nova, what is wrong with fingernail polish remover?? I've used it often to thin epoxy and had great results. Granted, I've only used it to thin epoxy for SB heads, so if there are some down falls please let me know. Shawn

I agree with Nova, some fingernail polish (acetone) works real well for me and is easy to find. Shawn

Thanks for the additional insight Matt. I surely don't want to waste my time and do a half *** job, but will be able to chalk it up to a learning experience no matter what. I agree, the break seems to be in a bad area and I recommended just putting a new tip on but my friend has more faith in me than I do. I may have a fiberglass rod I could butcher also, but need to head into the dreaded basement to see what is lurking down there. I hope you don't mind, but I'm sure I will have some more questions to ask as I try to figure this one out. Shawn

Thanks for the reply Mattman. The diameter at the break is about an 1/8 inch. So six times that would be 3/4 inch. It did break pretty clean, so I assume the graphite isn't too bad off. I never traveled this road before so I don't have a rod blank laying around. I do have another rod I could sacrafice, does it have to be fiberglass or is this even an option?? I don't know what "rod bond" is, could I use either 5 or 30 minute epoxy? I'm not sure what size "D" thread is, is this a heavy thread? What about using some braided line? Looks like this is to hold everything in place until it cures before you finish it with some other thread? I don't have many choices locally, I usually order stuff from the States via the internet, so it would be nice to be able to repair his rod from what I may have laying around or can get my hands on easily. Sorry for so many questions, but I really have no experience with this. Thanks again!! Shawn

Hey guys, A friend dropped a 7 ft spinning rod off to me that he broke about a foot off the end of. I have absolutely no clue if there is anyway to repair this, other than putting on a new tip and calling it his new 6 ft spinning rod. Is there anyway to fix this?? The only thing I could think of was to cut it down a bit and trying to slide the 1 ft tip into the rod. Using epoxy and maybe wrapping the broken spot with thread and epoxy to hold it together. I honestly think it would end up about the same length. I read a previous post about using a ferrule(??) to make a 1 peice rod a 2 peice. Could I make his 2 peice a 3 peice? I've replaced tips and guides with some success, but never had anyone ask me about this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Shawn

I got the spring spacers from Netcraft and put together a few SBs with them. I am looking forward to trying them out. Shawn

Here is a 1/2 oz SB I put together with a single #6 chopper blade. I will hopefully be able to try it out this weekend to see how the action is. Tell me what you think. Shawn

Interesting Del. I love that show, but haven't seen that episode. I had bought some glitter from Netcraft and it says "do not use in the microwave". I may give it a try afterall. Shawn

I have been happy with colorado blades and wide willow blades for "thump", but never considered an indiana blade. I've used indiana blades as the second blade on a tandem though. I plan to order some 1/2 oz SB heads soon, so I'll give the one chopper blade a shot before I order some. Thanks, Shawn

Some gitter cannot be used in the microwave (metal). I've bought most of my glitter from Del and it works great. Shawn

The Red Hot Shad.

I have Bob's 3.5" mold and absolutely love it, one of the easiest baits for me to pour. I don't use salt and fish them on a jighead or texas rigged on light tackle. I like them better than the beavers. Shawn

These are the ones Stamina has: http://www.upnorthoutdoors.com/stamina/spinner_blades/chopper_spinnerblades.html I keep looking for the unique blades that may show the bass something different. Do they live up to the "The unique shape and cup make for a great vibrating action"? Shawn