Matt Moreau

The paint will hold kinda IF HEAT SET but keep in mind these are waterbased paints. Once heat set they are meant to hold up to being washed on fabrics where they have something to bind to. On my prototypes i used to give a quick spray just to give a little color when testing but i would never think about doing that on a lure i planned on using/keeping for awhile. If you are planning on using them a few times i would (I dont reccomend this just saying as a bare min) use a spray polly clear that comes in a rattle can. AGAIN this is for a bare min protection layer but the best thing to do is use one of the many Top Coats disscussed on the forum.

I wouldnt buy a new AB or any parts just yet. Do what Bob said but I would run a straight 10ft AirBrush line from the compressor with NO quick cupplings or anything directly to the AB. Then take the tip, cap, nozzle and needle out...push down on the trigger...If air comes out then the 3 holes in the cap are probably plugged.... if no air then I would guess there is valve issues I had issues when trying to use quick cupplings. they diminish the flow and when your running 20-30lbs if you have a couple of them your done. It took me many of days to get my compressor and hoses set up and working right.

I may be willing to do it again too depending on when it is. I really enjoyed the last one! Matt

ya I usually just order 4 or 5 of the 3*3*12's.... once you get them you can feel the diff in weight. I always weigh and mark each one. Then I have a variety of weights to work with. I cut them in the thichnesses I want on a table saw and usually get 3-5 foot long planks that are 3 inches wide so you can imagine you get a ton of blanks from one block. If you are going for ease of use I would ask for the dense stuff...the light balsa can be like sanding...well...nothing! it sands so fast and easy its crazy!!! Hobby Lobby usually has decent prices on balsa too if you have one close.

First off I want to say I agree and disagree with bassguy. I agree that bass like trout and to match the hatch. But I disagree that Clearlake doesnt have them. I dont want to jack this thread but there are trout in Clear Lake. I have caught 2 of them and talk to any of the old timers and they might tell you about it if your nice! They were planted years ago but did not fair well due to the drastic temp changes. In addition the lake stays too hot in the summer and only being 50ft deep in its deepest place(baring the legendary 500ft hole) the trout have no where to go to stay cool. The two that I have caught were very sickly looking with sores and leaches all over. That said a bass is a predator. Color is one of the last things I choose most of the time unless they are keying on a specific prey. If you want confidence in your bait match the hatch. My top confidence patterns are; 1. Any trout pattern 2. Bluegil (for your style lure isnt the best choice) 3. Baby Bass 4. Ayu 5. Hitch

Yes I do the same.... white with a few drops of yeller... A decent Bone if you are lazy pick up some folkart at wallyworld in "Ivory". Reduce by atleast 50% and make sure to strain it with nylon. Metalic Champagne is an awesome off white kind of bony color too!

there is a youtube video where a guy shows you exactly how to do it.

You can buy many different hole punch patterns... find the shape you like(Diamond is good) and punch out a bunch in whichever foil tape colors you like... then do like was said above.

I wonder if they heated up some kind of clamp or something along those means to re shape it like that.

just mix the pearl in createx clear gloss and shoot like normal where u want it. remember a tiny bit of pearl goes a long way!

Be careful...the amonia in windex can damage your brush some people say. I used to use it but now i use simple green. Buy it in bulk at wally world and make a very diluted mixture and it goes a long way for cheap.

Dang sorry I missed it!!! Post pics of what everyone gets and I will play next year for sure!!!

The way I paint and clear them is by wrapping a rubber band around tthe joint. Make sure its a thin one! Paint, clear and cut the rubber band off.

I have ordered the Aero Marine ones off Ebay and another brand that said ceramic micro spheres. The Aero Marine ones are ok and the other ones sink like a rock. So be careful. I am going to try the 3M ones next when I can find a good decent priced supply. FYI the Aero Marine ones make my resin baits much "softer" than just resin alone. I would say they are in between balsa and basswood. I dont thru wire them but I know they wouldnt hold up to trophy bass or bigger species. They seem to handle 5-8lbers just fine tho.

The key is getting Klean Strip Extra virgin lacquer thinner because It is much "hotter" than the others. Check out this old post... http://www.tackleunderground.com/community/topic/5028-calling-all-plastic-melters-need-help-with-dip/ I dont really use this anymore as I think it is inferior to other methods but if it helps you out and you like it then my job is done. Also I used plastic drinking cups to melt down.

Guys I have to duck out of the upcoming Swap. I will be going on vacation stating Sept 3 and will not be back for 2-3 weeks.

I would be game!!!

looks like there might be some real intrest here. Guess I will have to buy some KO RC 2.5's for the repaint!

I may be if you need people but my AB skills are somewhat lacking. What would be the lure type of choice? Would KO's be accepted?

WOW!!!! Great baits everyone!!! When I saw the box arrived I couldn't help myself and tore it open like a kid waiting for their parents to wake up on Xmas. I Love every single one of them and I want to do another swap. Even though I was pressured between tournaments and weddings to get these dine I would gladly do it again. Shoot I will make a brand new design just so I can do it again! Maybe a rattling design or a foiled lure like ones I received but who knows! TBD!!! What a great experience!!! I want to thank Gene for hosting a great event and producing a great bait.

Thanks look forward to see what others have crafted.

Sorry I just cleaned them out.... been busy and havent been able to log in. I will send you a PM

316 is surgical grade. I use 308 .35 tig wire and its super strong when twisted and like $12 for a bundle that can make hundreds and hundreds of hook hangers. I also sometimes use soft temper like Bob for my tow eyes.

Great info guys keep it coming.... I know everyone has a favorite color and with all those views we should have a lot more replies!!!!