TheBaitPhotographer

Sorry pete, just re-read your thread and realized that you said 2 peice mold. I may be (probably am) wrong in saying that you cant do a 2 peice with RTV. Anyone able to clarify?

Pete, its sounds like RTV is your best bet here. I know Del sells it, check it out... http://www.del-mart.com/shop/product.php?productid=16579&cat=335&page=1

Like most of the LC molds, I wanna say that its a one piece. Although, for what LC is asking for it, I should hope it's a 2 piece. Kinda' cool that it's molded from an actual bluegill though.

Yum, in whatever color is probably going to stain your baits. Years ago I used it on baits and frequently had issues with my lighter colored baits taking on a purple hue. I'd suggest talking to Ted from HappyTime Hand Pours (user name - Happytimehandpours). He uses Upperhand Hawg and Bass Sauce and tells me that its very good. Drop him a line, I'm sure he could give you some good info.

I've been pouring for a few months now and simply put, I love it. I've found myself growing creepily fond of the buzzing neon shop lights that hang overhead as I prepare myself for the in-fisherman "how Brad Hardy re-invented the stick bait" article and sponsorship requests from Ike, KVD, and the rest of the gang sporting boats packed with "Lip Ripper Sticks".... Well, perhaps the last part is just wishful thinking. Anyway, I pour a lot of stick baits, and due to the weather here in PA, tomorrow will be the first day nice enough to have any shot at a smallie on a stick bait. Hence, I haven't really seen my stick baits in the water. I am however told by many hand pour-ers that a hand poured stick bait (if poured with the correct ratios of salt, softener) will out-perform a GY senko any day. I'd very much like to know why this is. Any help? Thanks

Has anyone ever explored pouring a jig with a "leverage system" style hook like those found on Boyah's chatter bait? For those who have not seen what they call a "leverage system", it's simply a peice of cable that connects the hook to the head, thus (dare I say) preventing fish from throwing the hook. I've also seen this on a spinnerbait but do not recall on which I've seen it. Just wanted to know if there was a mold available for this? -Brad

AWESOME design

Guys, thanks to all of your input I was able to pour these: Tell me what you think! -Brad

Hey there guys, I've just placed an order with Del-Mart for a stick bait mold and was wondering if anyone could help me out with a decent "senko-type recipe", i.e. how much salt, softener, hardener, and any other info you think would be helpful. I, much like many others would like something close to the GY senko, but if theres a better recipe out there I'd love to try it out. I'll be pouring the 5 1/4 (don't know if that matters). Thanks in advance! -Brad

Guys, poured 40 tube heads this afternoon, came out beautifully! Thanks so much for the input. I ended up heating the mold and letting the lead heat a bit longer then I had been before. Again, thanks a lot guys. -Brad

Guys thanks so much! I'm sure the info will be very helpful

Guys, thanks so much! I did heat the mold first, I held it over the stove until it was hot. I then proceeded to pour and had the same problem. However, I did pour the lead right after the lead had melted, so I'm guessing it was not hot enough. As far as the lead goes.... I could not find lead sold soley for melting, so I purchased several hand fulls of sinkers and melted those assuming that they are pure lead. Am I correct in assuming this? I'm going to try pouring some more tommorow, I'll let you all know how it went. Again guys, thanks so much for the info. This site makes the whole process that much easier. -Brad

So tonight I arived home from Cabela's excited to try out my cool new do-it molds. This was my first time pouring lead, so I didnt expect too much. I added my lead to my hot pot, let it melt and poured away. The problem I'm running into is that it seems as though the lead is setting up before it drips down into the mold. I can pretty much see it doing this, and when I open the mold there is a small amount of lead in the cavity and not even formed to the hook. The only thing I am thinking is that perhaps the lead is not hot enough, but that also seems a bit odd - when it's melted im guessing it's hot enough to pour. Anyone have anything to offer? I'd appriciate any suggestions. -Brad