goolies

I'm not questioning what makes one lure dive deaper than another. That's a given. I'm asking if I build a 5-1/2" sick bait can I estimate it's diving depth by comparing it to another stck bait? Specifically, comparing tow line angles. Shouldn't a steeper tow line angle indicate a deeper depth?

Could you predict diving depth of a homemade lure by measuring it's tow line angle on a short fixed length tow line and then comparing that tow line angle to the tow line angles of manufactured lures with known diving depths?

I am using a turner. It's taking about 1/4 oz of mixed epoxy to cover this bait.The next one I will try mixing it and thinning it quicker (about a minute). I will also thin it more. I'm realizing now that I can not treat the BSI like Envirotex. I'm taking too long. Thanks guys. Andy

I tried top coating another 7" bait last night with the BSI. The result was a very uneven coat. I mixed the 2 parts vigorously for 3-4 minutes and then stirred in 5 small drops of DA. I then exhaled on the mixture several times and could see a majority of the bubbles burst. I applied the epoxy with a 1/4" wide soft hair brush in long strokes. The mixture may still be a little to thick. Maybe I need to add more DA. You can see the waviness on the bottom of the bait in the photo. Thoughts?

I believe I read in another thread about 7-8 drops of denatured alcohol per tablespoon of epoxy. Does that sound right?

Thanks for the advice guys.

I just started using Bob Smith 30 minute epoxy. Can someone suggest the best technique for mixing it quickly and thoroughly without introducing bubbles? When I used Envirotex Lite I had plenty of time and could use a heat gun to get bubbles out after applying it to the bait. Bubbles in the BSI don't seem to respond to a heat gun. Thanks. Andy

I purchased a partial roll of stretch chrome on eBay last year. It is easy to work with but it is very thick compared to foil tapes.

Custom painted Rapala DHJ12 are popular for trolling for Walleye on Lake Erie. I think guys get the glass minnow version and paint them.

+1 on the olive jar. I dip 7" minnow baits in an olive jar.

X2. It is easier for us to think color is preventing us from catching fish and change colors than it is to think about our presentation.

I also use MS Word with its page rulers. Very easy.

It is amazing how hard the lure was that I made from HDPE. It passed my bite test.

I just started playing around with recycled HDPE about 2 months ago (been wanting to for about 2 years) and have made one lure out of it so far. I made a piece of stock using an old toaster oven and clamps similar to what was shown in the video. You definitely want to keep it under pressure while it cools or it will distort. Keep the temperature below 380 deg.F and it shouldn't produce any toxic vapor. Then I used my wood working tools to shape it. Wear a dusk mask and avoid high speed tools because they tend to melt the plastic. HDPE will float, but it is only slightly less dense than water. Specific gravity is about 0.95. Unless you make a hollow lure the density limits what types of lures you can make. I'm looking to make a suspending jerkbait with HDPE. Playing around with HDPE is number 1 on my winter tinkering list. Here is a great thread on a slingshot forum:http://slingshotforum.com/topic/22723-hdpe-sheet/

I also live in NE Ohio and do most of my lure building and painting during the winter. I have a small electric heater on my workbench in the garage. I store my createx and airbrush inside and bring it out into the garage when I'm going to use them. Same with spray can primers. I use a hair dryer and heat gun between coats to help with drying and curing.

I have been using the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS for awhile and I like it. I recently purchased an Iwata Neo CN from Chicago Airbrush Supply for under $60 and IMO it is just as good as the Eclipse for 1/3 the price.

IMO the Featherlite is a real PITA. Basically it is a 2 part resin that has microballoons premixed into each part. Over time the balloons separate and rise to the surface so you have to shake it vigorously every time you use it. I buy the resin and microballoons separately and mix them myself. Solid lures made from Urethane resins will sink without adding buoyancy. Just make sure you wear a mask when handing the microballoons.

Are those of you that are dipping your lures in Solarez also dipping the lip as well? If so, how well does it hold up on the lip and how does it look on the lip when it's cured? Thanks Andy

I use createx gloss.