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"That photo is probably older than I am, & one of my favorite avatars, had to fix it 4 you". That Pix has been with me a while taken by Max Hunn (deceased) a great Photographer and Fishing Writer .. Taken sometime in the Middle 70's .. Lucas Lake FL,, that was just over 9 lbs (my 2nd largest) taken on a Snagless Sally .. yellow with red frog trailer ... He had an article on it in Bassmaster Fishing Guide 1977 Edition .... The pic (avatar) was sold by his widow to an advertising firm for K Mart and was used in several mags (in the 90s) ... Just a little history. (By the way he "Staged" the pix) .. JSC

Thanx Jerry that looks better than the last one ... JSC

Thanx for the info Did it but the new does not look as good as the last and it was from the same file?? Thanks Again

Jerry ... My avatar is in my profile but is not showing in post ??? JSC

---------------------------------------- Mark thru the years I have noticed a lot of color fading in soft plastics ... I have noticed it more in stores that I worked and if they had direct sunlight on the display you could see a fade or discoloring happen .. this varied on how long the item had been on display some times for a short time only .. others it took a little while .... One of the worse cases I saw was a "Carded" display for Manns Sting Ray Grubs White color that Yellowed up with in 2 weeks .. never will forget that one as the guy was new to carrying any tackle (farm supply) and we had a heck of an argument over that one... Takes all kinds. Hope some one has more information on this one .. but have my doubts. 2 cents worth JSC .......................................

I think if you pull a search on this subject you will find quite a bit of information on it. JSC

Ditto on both of the above. Also add that there have been a few copper ones made as well. I would think that stainless steel would may be to hard to cimp as well (Their I go Thinking again .. get in trouble all the time doing that) JSC

Good question ... Yakihma (spelling) owns the Hildebrandt Brand ..... Hilde would have sold you some but it would have been a premium price don't know about now .... Good Luck JSC By the Way the Bass I am landing in my Avatar has a Yellow Sally with a red uncle josh frog hanging out of his mouth .. that is the largest one I have landed on a Sally ... lost another one that may have been as large.

I checked an Old (about 1990) Mustad Catalog and the 3365A & 3368G were "Large Ring Eye" Did not find it in "Shortys" listing but I would give them a call. Hope this helps a little JSC

The original "SS" used a Mustad Sproat Hook ... Do not have the exact number .. will try to find it. JSC

All the information you need to know about how to get started is in this very informative forum. Pull a search and scratch it out ... try some of the things and then ask some questions You can get some great help then. Good Luck JSC

If you really want the eyes. You can get the stick on ones I had rather "Spot" them on ... use the Paint that LC has for painting soft plastic. 2 cents worth (I am really not an "Eyes" person but their is a point of confidence to consider) ... JSC

Unless they have changed their policies they would sell in bulk several years back. JSC

For Years Comal Was the Styro Float People Did not check out see if they are still in business JSC

It all boils down to the fact that the one MAKING the Item must Pay the 10% FET on the price he sells it for. Any other taxes at retail (City, County, State) would have to be collected at the Retail Level. JSC

The one thing with epoxy is that with a soft model while it is going thru its "Heat: can cause distorions of the soft model ... Now it has been many years since I have done this but I do remember that being one of the problems you have to look out for. JSC

LongHorn " U The Man" Great Work JSC

Before Curing the paint you can get the paint off of the hook eye by "scraping" it off. JSC

Open 1 pc molds can make some of the best looking baits "IF" the one pouring them is skilled at it ..... Practice ..... You can do a lot of things with it that U cannot (with out a lot more work)do with 2 pc, This is where the "Art" of "Hand Pouring" comes in .. some of these guys are really good at it (Wish I was) .... It takes practice and a study of the properties involved with the plastisol .... Good Luck .. JSC

I do it the same way .. got an old wooden handel bait knife and every so often I grind it a little to keep the right edge to it. JSC

???????? Would like to see a "Law Confirmed" comment on this. I would like to add ... Please this is No Offense to any one. Knocking off a lure by a big company is to be expected .. they are in business to make money ..... If you were in their place what would you do ???? (I was knocked off hard back in the 50's ... so been there done that) Just my 2 cents worth JSC

"Any other suggestions. Really don't want to buy any new parts as I have a TON of Stainless chatter head blades and Colorado spinner bait blades." How about Powder Painting what you have with Gold .. Comes out real good .. have done it with some spoons and jig heads. JSC

============================= (Hope this does not come thru Twice.. having some posting trouble) I prefer "Butt Rings" over "Split Rings" Thanx to Cadman on this one. JSC

Mark Better Late than never ... I think you would have found out in due time .. makes for good practice to re do all that work JSC

You need to Powder Paint or Epoxy any lead that you are going to mold into plastisol. Yes you will get a reaction that will turn a milky white/gray to the plastic and a gray/white coating to the lead. JSC