Matt Moreau

If I remember correctly the KBS Diamond Finish is a MCU just like DN S81. It has the same challenges but also produces good results similar to that of DN. You have to heat set! But if I were to purchase a MCU I would support those who are sponsors to the site like DN. He gives great discounts to us and is top notch in customer service.

Featherlite is the one that floats with MB already added. I have found that 1-1 ratio is about all I dare with MB and yes for me it does weaken the bait. I also add cork to my baits for more bouancy but there are better methods disscussed here on the forum. I cant remember the thread name tho. The people may chime in but I would do a search for that thread had tons of great info.

Hey Guys, Just wondering what is your favorite crankbait color for ALL conditions? I know I know....But pretend there is one! Let’s say you’re going on a trip and hitting clear deep water, shallow muddy water and everything in between..... If you can only bring one color what would it be? Since this is a custom forum lets have the production color and if you want your version of that color. You don’t have to give up any secrets here and I am not looking for recipes but if you want to add that to your reply please feel free. The reason I ask is that I am going to participate in the lure swap and want to know what is the favored color amongst anglers. Then my 10 cranks will be a version of that color. I fish mainly shallow stained to muddy waters and my favorite colors are craw and bluegill patterns. I would have to guess I am in the minority here though. I think Shad patterns will probably win. Lets hear what you think will be the favorite. Thanks for the replies!

That makes 2. Count me in! Matt

I think my version of IE isnt very compatible with the upgrade. When I try to view anyones gallery it comes up in a halfed blanked out box all the way to the left of my screen. I cant see any photos or anything. In addition when I goto the main gallery and not a personal one I can only see 2 rows of pics and not the 3rd row. I cannot scroll over either. Again this is probably a compatibility issue with my system but I cannot change anything as I log on from a work PC... Owell... I still have the forum!

The AB is $15 and a piece of junk in my mind. I used it two or three times and never again. Some people on here really like it for the price tho... if it were me i would buy an Iwata AB and then the best comp u can... but thats double the $$

Esox, I bought a box of 100 off ebay. they are vet ones though as I heard they are better. if you want to try some of mine I can send you a few. I never have fish eye issues.....YET! They are 3ml...kinda small but they work!

Before I started using etex I read up on it. One of the things I came across was this issue you are talking about. I think they said that its the silicone in the plunger that can cause it. I dont think they had a solution only suggestions.... 1. Buy epoxy syringes like flexcoat ones 2. They suggested try verternary syringes (this is what i bought and no problems so far) 3. and so on there are other things they listed like clean the bait and dont touch... mix better la te dadadada DA! But as you are experienced user i wont go into those. Try a search and see if you can find that thread. I dont remember if they said you can clean them off or not but maybe try thinner as its a bit more aggressive.

I would say those lines are taped off using the "ripped masking tape method" or the person has a stencil.

I buy my lexan locally at TAP PLASTICS but you can buy online too. I dont know about the prices tho. Ease of use makes me go back and I can buy scrap pieces for dirt cheap.

Here is a quick gold bait using pearl.... I did a black base, 5 layers of pearl and no topcoat. I dont plan on fishing tis bait as i didnt take the time to sand and prep it I just wanted to show the effect for you. Background is photo shopped so you dont have to look at my dirty garage...

Your doomed!!!! errr I meant hooked for life!!!! But I learned/still learning exclusively from the teachings of this site. A couple things to remember... 1. Practice with your AB and thin your paints... Clean it well! 2. Devon is much easier to use but I like Etex finished product better... read up on etex and dont follow others mistakes 3. You can only learn from trial and error dont get discouraged. 4. Seal and test before paint and TC Have fun with it Matt

Ya I kinda want to try it with gold not too! It should have a gold anodized look to it.

Another idea.... 1. Base coat your lure black 2. Get some powder pearl.....Mix with your choice base(createx gloss coat works ok. I use about a 1/16tsp per 2oz bottle clear.... Auto clear is the best) 3. Spray in light layers heat setting each layer Havent tried this with gold but other pearls look very good like this. The black base sets them off.

Foil is the best that I have found. But, I was at wallyworld perusing yesterday and in the automotive section there is a rattle can gold chrome trim paint. Looked interesting but I didnt buy any. It may be a good choice for you. Anyone try this before?

lol new gil pattern....Khaki Cracker!!!

Thanks Gene for all the trouble you are going through.... Cant wait! Matt

You really need some transparent colors to get the layering I think you want. I have heard that other companies have good green's to work with but I have only tried createx. The Transparent Createx I like is Leaf Green but I add black to darken it to the shade olive I like. I buy extra 2oz bottles and mix my colors in there so for the ratios below is about 1/4 of a 2 oz bottle for a drop of the added color If I painted that bait I would go in this order; 1. Createx Pearl white base 2. Createx Pearl White mixed with a drop or 2 of yellow for a very slight bone hue applied to mid and top of the bait 3. Dust some AA Hi Lite Gold Pearl all over 4. Dust some AA Gem Sapphire to the mid/upper part of the bait for the blue shimmer in certain light 5. I havent mixed this color green so it would take some trial and error but this is where I would start... Transparent Leaf green dulled with a drop transparent white for the shoulders and part of the sides fading as i go down towards the mid section 6. Transparent Leaf Green mixed with touch of black for olive side bars and I like a darker top so I would hit the top too but this wouldnt be in your pic Just remember that every bluegil is different. I can go catch 20 off my dock right now and they will all vary in color. As long as you are in the ballpark you will be fine even in clear water.

Sounds like fun. Thanks for going through the trouble Lincoya! Matt

The only time i have a real bubble issue is when i have recesses....Exp...eyes, carved gil markings and what not. The bubbles seem to get trapped in there... While stiring to get less bubbles you can use a paperclip but really all you need is a quick hit with a heat gun on low... it pops the bubbles, thins and sets the epoxy faster. It really helps with cure if you use Etex.

Just google the name that Bob gave you. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&biw=1004&bih=630&q=Brite-bak+silver+foil+&aq=f&aqi=m1&aql=&oq= FYI....be aware that this method will add a lot of weight to the lure. Foil + epoxy + Paint + TC = no bueno for suspenders... If you are painting a crankbait with lots of bouyancy then its fine and if you are painting a sinker then its fine. BUT if your painting a suspending lure it will be a sinker once your finished. It will not suspend unless you drill out some ballast to compensate for the added weight and this can be tricky.

Ya I ruined a RC 2.5 KO the first time as i heated it up to quickly. That was a $3.50 mistake! so now I put the heat gun on low and heat it up VERY slowly. has worked ok since but takes about 5 mins to do

Ya I would like to try them too but I just cant find them. Bustin has the 95's up on his site but has been sold out.

Ya dave my hair drier would touch my stuff either and I use the clear. but the HD is older and not very powerful i imagine.

Just reading in here for fun as I know hardly anything about soft bait making.......but I have a newb question....how do you clean an injector and will a large cathedar style syringe melt with the hot plastic? I have been thinking about making an RTV mold of a softbait and want to know if Ican use the syringe to inject