Vodkaman

Very good job, particularly the solution to apply the pull axially through the lure. Dave

I think there is justification for 'pinning' a lure-swap thread in the hardbait's forum. Perhaps Kurt could jump in here with his thoughts. Dave

I like FrogAddict's suggestion, filling a couple of screw holes is very little effort, especially on a flat blank. Looking forward to Salty's method with great anticipation - get well soon Dave

I have been following this thread since you started it, but I just didn't have anything to add. I haven't figured out how the fluid dynamics work on this one, but it is fascinating nonetheless. I am starting to think that all hunting (from standard cranks) comes down to the method that I published recently. I also believe that hunting is speed related and that just about every lure will hunt, you just gotta find the right speed. I have been studying the two hunting vids that I posted; the occasional runs were the bait did not hunt were most likely speed consistency issues. The fluid dynamics of my hunting theory backs up the above statement too. This is not derived from theory alone, but also observation. Dave

I bought an expensive brush a few years ago. This was to team up with the spray booth that I built. I then decided that I prefer building and testing and so never even opened the box. So, what is my point! I recognized the effort that would be required to reach the standard that I desired. Well done for getting stuck in. Put the hours in and you will get to the place you want to be. Maybe I will join you there one day Dave

As woodworkers, the first question on our lips is "how do you sharpen it"? A very clever, simple design, but the sales pitch needed to cover the sharpening to maximize sales. The reason why the sharpening is not explained is because it gives the secret away about how the tool is made and also shows how grossly overpriced it is. The sharpening tool, shown in the sales image, is basically a sanding block for emery cloth or wet-n-dry paper I suspect. I agree with Bob; great for large jobs but not practical for small, fiddly jobs like crank bodies. Dave

I came across this term when I worked for Chrysler in America. A local guy spoke the dialect, much to the annoyance of all around. I just spoke back in a rich scouse accent and we called it quits. Dave

Thanks Matt - a solid contribution to the thread (excuse the pun). Dave

Fantastic write-up, clear and concise, a most informative article. Anyone wishing to try this method can read over and soak up the details. The belly pour is a smart idea, as there are more bubbles in the thicker mix - I like it. The one thing that put me off trying something like this, was the possible weakness at the interface of the two mixes. You have not mentioned any problems here, and after a few hundred lures, I guess my concerns were unfounded. Dave

The epoxy topcoat also increases the volume of the lure. The increase in volume means that the lure will support more weight. The sinking effect of epoxy is there, but not as bad as you might think. As for nail polish - I use screws. DAve

I recall it being suggested before, but I don't remember anyone coming back and saying that it worked. It is a great idea, especially as we now know it is successful. Perhaps you could elaborate on the pouring method; is the pour spout on the back of the lure, I guess it would have to be. The ratio of the mix would be good information too. Dave

Saltshaker - where do you draw the line between suspending and sinker. There has to be a tolerance. An inch per second, I would call a successful suspender. Perfect even. A suspender will only truly suspend at a specific depth, which varies from day to day, depending on temperature. Dave

Saltwater - solid advice. I am relieved that you jumped in DAve

Thanks for the feedback and congrats on the rescue. DAve

A few kinks are not going to hurt. Nothing wrong with extra steps. Time is not an issue, but it would be nice to nail it first time. pre-planning and anticipation of problems is the way to go. I have ideas for this project that would involve extra steps too. DAve

I think it is a fine idea. You won't be able to lay it in one piece without is kinking. Laying the cloth in sections is going to be tedious to align without gaps. I think there are a number of possible ways of achieving this build. The one I favor at the moment, is making a temporary 'U' shaped former with tabs to sit on the frame. this will set the cloth length. Some crude stitching to hold the sections together before applying the resin. I am sure there will be more ideas coming forward to help you. Perhaps you should post how you intend to control the cloth. Dave

SlowFISH - exactly right and good advice. I use wood to mold all my crank belly weights. Dave

Dieter - it is just unproven theory that prompted my comment. My interpretation could very well be wrong, and not for the first time. Dave

Mark - so simple, it is offensive. Why did I never thunk of that Dave

The soft plastic application just shows that this material is not brittle, otherwise it would crack with the thermal shock. As a mold material, this is quite exciting. Lead is the net thing to try and cast. Dave

Well done on an intelligent build. As you realize, the success of these baits is all about the tow eye position, but that is one feature that cannot be adjusted. But you can make the lip extra long and trim it back to get the ideal depth that you are looking for. Then for future builds, you can get it right first time, providing you kept good notes of course Dave

Great idea for a new application - thinking outside the box. Sunlight or lamp? Dave

Dieter - It was good to see the video of the Heddon (second lure in the vid), as I have just designed a soft bait catfish lure with a similar lip. The lure only exists on my computer, but I am hoping someone will buy the design, as I think it will have an awesome action. If I had a workshop, I would make a soft rubber prototype for testing, but that is not going to happen any day soon. Dave

Dieter - interesting idea drilling holes, but my guess is it won't make much difference. It will be an informative study either way though, and I will be happy to be proven wrong. Dave

I pretty much design all my baits with square lips, because lip trimming is a big part of the process. A good swimming bait is a combination of several variables, of which the lip is the easiest to adjust. Having a large test tank and a belt sander only a few feet away, makes lip tuning a breeze. Looking forward to the feedback whether positive or not. A good thread always finishes with feedback. Diemai - you make superb videos. No nonsense, packed with good information and easy to understand. As for your voice - very professional and clear to me. I don't even think about the accent or the fact that English is not your first language. Keep 'em coming I say. Dave