CA Delta

Final step: Once I get to this point I just dip the tail in some 30 min. D2T, just coating the tips. My baits are on the large size, so I hope this will still work for yours. Tim

Next three steps:

B.P. here are some step by step photos. Hope they help. Tim

I take the paint brush ( looking at the thin end) & slide a piece of sand paper between a thin layer of bristles. Once I get a thin even layer, fan out the brisles with your finger & pinch them to the sand paper. Bend the bristles back & insert the blue tape about 2/3 down. Press the brisles firmly down on the tape. You should be able to take the sand paper out & then align another strip of tape, leaving 1/3 revealed. Now cut the paint bristles off & epoxy about 1/8" at the end. I like to use Devcon 30 minute epoxy for this. Hope this helps & good luck. I learned this technique right here on the one & only TU. Yes, the fibets are kind of expensive. Tim

I've used the bristles off a high dollar paint brush & also cut out a tail shape from a thick rubber boot. Some guys use fibets, I think these fibets are used to tie flys. Hope that helps. Tim

John, I'm speachless, no, really...OK maybe not entirely. Lets break it down. First, not only do you build things we could only imagine, you turn around & share it with all the TU members & answer any questions we might possibly have. Thanks for giving back & keep up the hard work. Tim

I was finally finished with two new baits & then installed the paint brush tail fins. I did a final swim test only to find out the tail killed all the swimming motion entierly. So I borrowed The Rookies tail design & presto. The Rookie tail actually enhanced the swim action overall, like I added a whole new section. It's funny though I have a trout swimbait that I put the paintbrush tail on & it actually helped the action by toning it down, giving it a more life like swim action. Here is some before & after photos & a link to some swim tests. Maybe you won't make the same mistake I did. I get kind of excited when I fail on something now a days. It only means I have to try something new... http://www.youtube.com/4swimbait Click on the bluegill swimbait or the large shad/hitch swimbait to see their final tub tests...

Mr. Blaze, very nice job on your swimbaits. The swim action will definitely be getting some attention from some healthy females, for sure. Looking foward to seeing your smaller bait. Keep us posted & thanks for sharing. Tim

Thanks for the input guys. I will be ordering larger hooks ASAP. I just sent this trout to a local tournament guy & after reading your advice, I got to looking at this picture & the size #1 hooks do look a bit small. Do you guys prefer a long or short shank hook?Thanks Again. Tim

Pete great tutorial. You are the one who convinced me into buying my first airbrush (PS9000). Then you shared all the do's & don't with this brush, saving me countless hour of frustration. I personally can't thank you enough. Tim

What would you guys recommend for a swimbait that weighs 5.5 oz & 8" long. The lure is painted rainbow trout. I have had a suggestion, that I should put a larger hook on the front, due to it being spring time??? I do like using the Gamagatsu EWG trebble hooks if that helps. Thanks in advance. Tim

After watching this feeding frenzy video, I am determined to make a smaller 3-4 section swimbait. Yes, I will be trying to paint that off white with faded spots (key word try). Can't wait to get started... Any suggestions would be great? Love that video, gets me all worked up. Tim

Jed, that looks sweet. It looks like you've done a lot of homework to get where you are with your lures. Great job. Tim

Thanks Vince, I will be getting a boom light for sure. I bet they charge an arm & a leg for the daylight bulbs verses the standard cool white. I'll definitely look into that. Thanks, Tim P.S. I've seen that you have been pumping out some amazing looking lures in your gallery. Are you sure your not the one doing the NFL Harley??? Keep up the hard work.

I wanted to emphasize the importance of taking the propper safety precautions before spraying any hazardous chemicals. Plus I always wanted to post a picture of myself, got the idea from hazmail, thanks Pete. Yes, I know, the suit makes me look fat... Life is already to short. Please stay safe. Tim

Can you guys reccomend the best lighting for airbrushing. I have some flourescents hung above my work bench & a 150 watt quartz light that clamps to the side of my bench. I still have a hard time seeing the lighter colors, as I am laying them down. Thanks in advance. Tim