longhorn

Awesome baits

The ringworm is still alive and well today and is sold by most fishing tackle stores. Barlow's Tackle Shop has them for $9.14 per hundred so I myself wouldn't even try to make them...Jann's has them as well and Bass Pro etc. Just something to think about.

Zbass is right. There are small areas of the mold that are not sealed. Recoat in these areas or the entire mold. This is common. One coat of Elmer's is never enough.

Just more info. I made a bunch of swimbaits with Calhoun's soft a couple years ago and then made a bunch with MF super soft after that. The Calhoun baits remain dry but the MF baits start to exude oil after a while. It's not a problem for me since I don't make a bunch of baits for stock and the oil doesn't hurt anything. Still would rather use MF than the others because of almost no separation. I filled a jug today with half MF super soft and half MF regular. The jugs had not been moved in over a month and there was no separation. I shook them just to be sure but there was no residue on the bottom of either jug like there is with the other brands. That's why I use MF. I'm sure this will get some argument from Del about how all plastic separates but I call 'em like I see 'em...and no harm intended Del. I still respect your expertise and input on this site.

I haven't personally but I believe all the Chinese-made hollow swim baits being sold by every major manufacturer are injected. They have a seam and external gill features that indicate injection to me.

You can see a picture of a dipping blade on Lurecraft's website...Del sold a bunch of them but I think has them temporarily off his site. Fairly easy to make there should be a bunch of photos and discussion on here about that if you do some searches.

It should be easy to make a mold like that. Just stick the masters down and pour the RTV over. There are lots of posts on here that show the process. Good Luck.

For what it's worth...I just looked at a factory Baby E and Tiny E and both have a tail dimple. Just FYI.

not a problem

Good looking bait. If you're talking bout a little dimple on top right at the tail area I wouldn't worry about it. It's not an appearance or performance issue. All my swimmers have that little sink hole at the tail and I'm pouring where it's warm. Hang on tight when you fish that thing.

Good goin' y'all. What's a goby?

Best of luck, Bear. Hurts me just thinking about it.

I'm landlocked by 30 mph wind today and was looking for an image of a bluegill when I found this site. It has some of the best photos I've found and should be a good reference to actual fish colors. Fishes of Tennessee - Reservoir and Big River Fish of Tennessee - Jim Negus

I appreciate your comments but if your jars are fine and sealed correctly then why does un-opened paint still dry up? I think this is the bigger concern. My un-opened jars started drying up in a couple months before I realized what was happening. Adding a caution about residue on the lid and jar will not help with this. Maybe you shouldn't fill bottles until they are needed and then seal around the lids with some kind of tape that is air tight. I have started sealing my lids with tape after I use them but it's too soon to tell if this works. Please do not consider my comments as negative. Just trying to help solve this little problem. Your company is great and I've enjoyed using your products for years. This is the first issue I've ever had with an LC product. If drying up of some paint is the only problem your customers have then I'd say that's pretty darn good

I just noticed you didn't get any replys. These comments are for open molds. If you make your molds with the stick down method where you pour the POP over the masters then RTV will be no different. If you use the push the master in the top method then RTV would not be good..based on my experience. If you're talking two-piece I don't have the experience. Good Luck

Made the cardboard light box and am satisfied with the results.

Good job ! Those will get bit

A respirator is a must. I know of no studies done on worm plastic but something tells me the smoke/fumes are not good. Ever notice them making you cough? Your body it telling you something. Probably much worse than smoking. A respirator is not expensive....$15-30 depending. I wouldn't pour without one

I have also

I'd take a look at Matt's bluegill colors. They are so realistic. I like the male bluegill. I'd try the green pumpkin with extra-large black flake for the back (like someone already suggested) and some tint of pearl for the belly. I'd make the belly no more than 25% of the bait. I'd also find a way to add that orange touch. I'd paint on a dark spot. I'm just assuming swim bait but in any case let us see what comes out. You have some colors on your chart already that would look great as a bluegill body. Good luck.

I would go the one-piece route. Either make your own mold or try some of LC's inexpensive silicone molds. I'm sure you can get some feedback on some of those. You can pour laminates with these and get a more realistic looking bait without having to airbrush. I think they have some with hook slots also. Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

Thanks y'all...the one Adam sent was the one I was thinking of but the one Del sent looks interesting too. Too windy to fish today so I may try to make one of these. Have a good day.

Have never heard that one. I've poured when the temp was in the 30's in my shed with no issues. The plastic will not explode in any temp range that I've heard of.

Can someone please give me the link to the easy light box thread that was here not too long ago. My searches did not work. Thanks.

Welcome to the machine. A few answers/opinions: Mold: I don't think you'll find a 10" swimbait mold for sale. Lurecraft has a bunch but not a giant like that so you'll probably be making your mold. I would make a Plaster of Paris (POP) or Silicone rubber open mold. Open molds will allow laminate pouring (no need to airbrush) and inserting the hooks before pouring. Oven: You can also pour with aluminum pans and a hot plate...most use a microwave...I use infrared lamps for heating but that's another story. Color: There are so many great colors and glitters you'll have no problem getting it to look like you want. Best of luck with your project.