Zbass

Thanks for the replies. I did not think to try polishing compound:whistle:. As far as the thickness of the resin, vodkaman is correct on the consistency. It is very simlar to syrup. You do have to experiment with the hardener. Nova is dead on about the mold cracking and then you are back to square one. I use about half of the recommended amounts on the package. I also ONLY use Bondo brand. Have tried others and had the smell problem that Nova spoke of. You also have to be patient when pouring into the form. You want to let the resin flow to the master. This will allow it to get in all the creases and details. The detail you get can be tremendous. It will pick up a fingerprint. At this time, I only pour for myself and very few people so the large production is not an issue for me. Thanks again! Zbass

I make my own molds out of fiberglass resin. Once in a while I find the need to modify the mold for one reason or another. What would I use in a Dremel tool to remove some of the mold material but not have a cloudy piece it the lure? Zbass

A grn/orange baby brush hog. Clear or dirty water, it catches fish. Zbass

I also believe that color matters. a few years ago I was in a draw tourny and was out catching the guy in the back 4-1. We were trhowing senkos, he had a 194J and I had 194. They are both watermelon.(That opens a whole other post not tooo long ago.) One you can see thru and one you can't. We had the same size line, same hook, same huge main lake weed flat. I gave him some of mine and he started catching them too. that made a beiever out of me. Also it is a huge confidence thing like outdoor said. Besides, isn't that why we make our own stuff? To have something different. Zbass

sorry

I haven't made a 2pc POP mold in a while, but used to insert a drinking straw in the end of the master for a pour hole. Then i would take a knife and make a cone. Zbass

I haven't made 2pc POP molds for a while, but used to insert a drinking straw in the end of the master to make a pour hole. Then used a kinfe to make a cone. Zbass

Just returned from Iowa yesterday. My home town is on the Mississippi north of the Quad Cities and it is a mess. West and northwest of there it is worse. States south are going to get hit also, so it is far from over. Spike is right about the food prices and the fuel prices are sure to go up because of all the corn fields flooding. (ethenal) The area will will need many thoughts and prayers as hundrerds if not thousands have lost everything. Zbass

I have been using stealth as my main line and putting anywhere from a 2' to 7' leader of either flouro or mono. I like the sensitivity of the braid/flouro combo, but you have to be careful to back your drag off just a tick so you don't snap the leader. Zbass

Jeff, Same as the salt I use, it goes in everything. It gets cooked in the plastic and sometimes added to the bag. Currently I use mostly LC garlic and grape. I am going to try some Upperhand stuff real soon. Zbass

Jeff, I use salt in eerything I pour. I actually use two different kinds for different things. Personally, I beleive it makes a difference. Would my catch rate increase without salt? I can't tell you as I fish with it all the time. Sounds like it might be an experiment that I will give my fishing buddies saltless baits and see if I can clean some house. Zbass

Yes, my wife does know about this great woman as it is her. One in the same. She even helps me trim my baits sometimes. I might also add that she does a better job at that than me. Thanks for the kind words. Zbass

This doesn't have to do with fishing, but I would like to take a moment and pray for the people in the Midwest with all the flooding. Iowa is my home state and my hometown is on the Mississippi river. We have a levee but a lot of places do not. If it's not to much to ask, take just a second and think of these people all over the Midwest. Thanks, Zbass

Spike, I have a great woman that lets me do some of those things in the house. I use wax as my master material and carve with differnt hand tools. It doesn't get real messy. Besides, how would i watch the footbal games or nascar races if I had to be in the garage? BBB, They do take awhile to carve, but I think they are worth it. I feel like alot of other guys on this site and want to have something that I know the fish have not seen, heard or felt before. ODA, The grub was a cross between a Zipper grub and a pulse worm. It moves alot of water. Thanks for the kind words. Zbass

Just wanted to try posting a pic or two. These are baits that were carved while in my lazyboy and poured in the garage. The color is just some old plastic. Let me kknow what you think, good or bad. Zbass

Reb, Look out! You may be in for more than you bargined for. Just kidding. This is a great site and really knowledgable people. Welcome. I just joined myself. Zbass

Thanks for the replies. I will try these suggestions and hopefully have straight baits! Zbass

You hardbait guys do some amazing work. I am a softbait guy, but I may have a hankering to try this hardbait thing. I would be more interested in painting existing or premade blank bass lures. My question is what would a guy be looking at to get started cranking out some of these outragous baits? I understand that it takes time to get it right, but as far as equipment goes, what kind of funds would it take? Thanks for your thoughts. Zbass

Thanks for the welcome in people. How does a guy post a pic in the gallery and do you have any picture taking tips? Thanks in advance. Zbass

Thanks alot for the responses. This place is great!!!!!! Sticks and fries and such are not the problem. They can be bagged straight. What I was really asking about is more along the lines of lizards, creatures and craws. I do let them sit to cool and try to get them in the bag as straight as possible, but there always seems to be an appendage that has a unwanted curl to it. Does worm oil make that big of a difference? I have used scent to lube them in the past but have not tried worm oil. All said and done, I am grateful for your responses. Zbass

Quick question for the experts. How do you avoid your baits retaining the shape of being crooked in the bag? I have tried both scent and/or rolled in salt and stil get some crooked baits. I know the store boughts do it also, but some more than others. Is it something that you just deal with or is there something I can do? Thanks in advance! Zbass

Hey guys, Riplip has it right. Electrical tape(espcially 3M super 88) is the best bandage. Just fold over 1/2" to 3/4", depending on the size of cut, cover and wrap. Be careful to not wrap to tight. Being an electrician, have done it for years. Zbass

Hello, Just wanted to post my first thread and this seems to be the place to do it. I had come across this site on a link from another site. I wish I knew about TU a few years ago when I started pouring my own soft plastics. Alot of trial and error could have been avoided. Anyway, I hope that I can contribute when I have the chance. Alot of you people have been at it longer than me and I have learned alot in the short time I've known about TU. Happy to be here. Zbass