Fishoey

Thanks Dave. Yes, it is a high production mold and yes they are hung on a rack. I was hoping there was a difference in material.

Thanks Wally! They are usually cured for 3-5 days depending on how quick they are packed. The injector super chills (for lack of a better term) which sets them cold when they come out of the mold.

Hello All - I have a question about memory as it pertains to folding soft plastics. I have a worm with a thicker tail (not ribbon). If it is bagged incorrectly or folded back on itself it will leave a permanent fold "dent" in the tail. I was wondering if it happens less the softer/harder material. I believe...soft is easier to fold, however has less memory. The reverse is true the harder you go. I was interested if anyone has thoughts on this (experience with the issue). Thanks in advance! - Matthew

Thank you all for the suggestions/referrals. I'm sure I'll be checking into them.

Thanks. I saw them listed, but I wasn't sure if they were the right fit. I may give them a call. Thanks!

Hello All - I was wondering if anyone knows or has used a large scale soft plastic manufacturer for production of their baits? I have heard of one in Central Florida, but I can't track them down. I'm not sure if it is the same one (or is) the company shooting Culprit Baits? I'm to the point I don't want to fool with it anymore and would rather someone handle the manufacturing side and I'll get the baits where they need to go! Thanks!

Thanks Brent. Yeah, I know it is very bad over there. I hope your friend(s) are doing alright. I went through the flood of 94 in GA and I know when something like that happens it touches all parts of your life. That was the reason I was checking status. Certainly not rushing anyone; I just needed to know if it was going to be the first of the New Year...etc. I want to support them with my order, but I do need to know if I need to go to plan B. My comment about "fishing" in the latter post was more to lighten the mood of the thread that somehow got WAY off topic and not meant to dismiss the gravity of the situation in LA I assure you. Thanks again for the post.

Thanks gone2long and Jeff@mf for the update. Yeah, I ordered when it first started to flood over there not realizing how bad it was going to get. I was going to start production now for early next year (that was the plan) on some two tone colors. Truth be told...I really wanted to FISH the two tones before it got too cool for the big worm!

DaveMc1 - I appreciate that. I did take it the wrong way and I do apologize for the "tense" reply. I tried to construct the post to explain what I looking for and I definitely took your reply as, "This idiot is so dumb he didn't even check the website!". Thanks for taking the time to reply and for clearing things up!

Travis - Thanks for the info. I'm not sure where you saw that on the site, but I appreciate you letting me know. He has had the same message up since I placed the order so I figure he was (hopefully) coming back online soon. I was trying to avoid calling him (already emailed twice). I'm sure he is very busy and didn't want to add to the stress. Again, I was hoping someone close to him knew if there was an update, nothing more. Thank you again. Smallmouth- Yes, it was condescending and it only takes one word. I didn't say anything until he replied the second time. I believe I said his "reply" was condescending. No one was labeled. As for the crybaby...someone else's post has you so up in arms that you are attempting to blackball me from "obtaining correct and helpful answers" from others on the site. That sound like you need a good talking to by admin!

The word "simple" used in your reply was condescending and not appreciated. If you wanted to help you would have said, "I checked the website and it said this..." Yes, I am aware of the message and saw it when I placed the order 3-4 weeks ago. Some people don't manage their own sites and David is more than likely busy or potentially doesn't have internet service to check, orders, email...etc. My question, "I was wondering if anyone knows the Bears Baits crew and if/when they might be selling again?" I did not say, "Go check the website for me and see what it says." There is absolutely no reason for you to comment on this post if you don't know the answer.

Yes, I have been to the website. My question was does anyone know if he/they have a projected eta for opening up again. A lot people on this site know "Bear" personally and could possibly give me an idea. If you read the question, you would know what I was asking.

Hello - I was wondering if anyone knows the Bears Baits crew and if/when they might be selling again? I know they went through the flood in LA. I was wondering if there was an update? I ordered from them 3 weeks ago and email twice within the past 3-4 days but I haven't heard back thus far. Not trying to rush them. I just wanted to know if they are coming back anytime soon. Thanks!

Hello All - I was wondering if anyone knew of a U.S. based company that produced wholesale lead jigs and spinner baits? I am looking for 1-10k quantities. I remember awhile back seeing a video on youtube of a company (in Pennsylvania I believe) making jig heads in mass quantities. You can request what brand hook to use, models, sizes...etc. I know there is someone out there doing it in America...I just can't find them! Any help would be greatly appreciated! - Fishoey

Hello - I was wondering if anyone has tried to mix a heavy concentration of iridescent powder with a small amount of plasticizer, heat, then dip opaque worms (i.e. white, pink...etc.) in the solution as a "topcoat"? As most of you know, it takes copious amounts of iridescent to get anything close to opaque evening after adding some colorant to the mix. I thought if you "dipped" the worm you could get a good look without having to use so much powder. If you have tried, post pics if you would (if available). I would really like to see the result. Thanks in Advance! -Shoey

Painter1 - Do you have a link to the Jacobs Pneumatic System?

Thanks for the input guys! Very helpful!

Hello- I was considering Bears' Shooting Star Injection System and was wondering if anyone could provide feedback/testimony, especially in the areas listed below: - Cleaning once cool (difficulty)? - Workable quantity in cups per pot? - Longevity of heating elements. How often do they need replacing? - Bubbles in substrate (if any)? Any help and/or advice is appreciated. Thanks in Advance, -Shoey

They didn't say "what" it was. It is probably a trade secret. I'm sure it is a different blend of resin or plasticizer, one absorbing or curing differently than the other.

Okay... Update. I heard back from Calhoun today and spoke to one of the reps. First, he said I was saying it wrong, its "DINP" not "DNIP" for the abbreviated name for the plasticizer. According to the rep there are primary and secondary plasticizers. Apparently their secondary plasticizer would work better for keeping the worms slick in the bag. The secondary plasticizer will be absorbed only slightly by the baits, leaving the remaining plasticizer in the bag. I'll let you know how it turns out!

I want to add... I just did an internet search and I found others have posted about the same issue I am having with the worm oil soaking into Calhoun. There is a lot of... "well I don't want my worms dripping in oil" comments. Apparently, the answer given to others is to convince them having slick worms is a bad thing and they shouldn't want oily worms. I DO want slick worm (not a bag of oil mind you) but slick worms. I know Culprit's worms are very oily and they are that way for a reason. I'm pretty sure the oil prevents the tails from folding and making semi-permanent creases. Also it keeps 7 other worms from jumping out of the bag when selecting a single worm for rigging. I am starting to believe this is a common problem with some plastics which there is no fix. I believe plastisol is a combination of liquid PVC (or by product) and DNIP (which I am assuming is considered a resin additive). Now, I know DNIP is used to make some manufacturers worm oil. My question... Is there another worm oil which can be used which is not DNIP? Maybe this would fix the issue?

Yes. I am using laminated worm bags. @wynbassman - I don't know if I would go that route "adding raw plastisol" to the worm, simply because it is toxic in raw form. Thanks for the tip though. I know it can be done. I see worms from major manufacturers "swimming" in worm oil. This cannot be a new concept.

Thanks Nova. I am actually only putting about 10 drops or less in the bag. It is enough to wet the lures and to get them in place at the bottom of the bags. I'm not sure why "more" would soak up any different than less though. I don't add salt, so I know it is not the issue. Thanks!

Hello TU Members- Before I begin I want to note if anyone knows the forum topic my answer may be found under, please feel free to point me in that direction. Thanks! I have been shooting Calhoun soft and medium and I am pretty happy with the results thus far. My only issue is when I add sent (LC) to the bags, the worms drink it up like it is last call at an Irish Pub! It might get 5 days of slimy baits, before they become a dry clump in the bag. I leave the baits out for at least 24hrs before bagging them. I do not add scent to the plastisol when it is cooking. I'm not sure if it is the LC scent or the Calhoun which is the issue. I am guessing the scent it DNIP. I believe when the scent is absorbed into the baits it changes the composition making the slightly more rigid (thoughts?). I emailed Calhoun a few days ago and haven't heard back. I want to buy a drum, but I am wavering if it is going to cause this issue. I purchased my 5gal plastisol from bear, but did not ask him this question. I know he would answer, but I also know he is really busy! Any and all help would be appreciated. I know a lot of you guys don't mind the dry look, however it is important to me to have them slightly mobile in the bags. Thanks in advance!

Some suggestions from my own experiences... To answer your questions about the LLC. An LLC stands for "Limited Liability Corporation" (you probably know this). You do not need to start an LLC, UNLESS you are producing lures which may cause you to be directly sued due to some reason or another. This is highly unlikely I am guessing. If someone were to sue you because they "ate three bags of your delicious looking worms" (not for human consumption on the bags will stop this) they can only get the assets in the LLC and not your personal assets (house, car...etc) as long as those items are separate from the LLC. Again, you probably do not need to start an LLC. There are other reasons to have an LLC, however this is one of the main ones. You can register the name of your company through the State if you chose to do so. By doing so, you will help protect the name of your company if someone tries to use it to sell fishing lures. A trademark protects the name of a lure, not the design. Someone can still take your lure design, however they cannot call it by your trademarked name. In my personal experience, if you are in a small city and grew up visiting your local tackle shops, I would approach them first when trying to sell your lures. Yes, they usually want 40% markup (if reseller price is $5.00, they would buy them from you (manufacturer) for $3.00. (reseller selling price - 40% is the way to figure this.) Now sometimes bait shops will take less markup (35%) for a cool lure manufactured by a local patron. You can even offer to deliver at no charge if it is on your normal route. They won't have to pay shipping, so sometimes they will take less. Just ask them and they will work with you if they think your product will sell. IMPORTANT: Resellers like to know other resellers are selling your products at the same price. No one wants to sell your worm for $5 and then find out Franky's Bait and Tackle is selling it for $4.5. You need to think about a reseller agreement to keep everyone on the same playing field when it comes to price. Doing this will put resellers at ease. If you are going to sell the lures strictly to resellers, you will need to get their tax exemption form. By having this, you will not have to collect sales tax from the reseller. You WILL still have to pay taxes on your profit which you will need a tax id. If you are selling baits on your own to the end user, you will need to collect sales tax unless they are out of State. Keep your day job until you are at the point of choosing one or the other. In other words, get your baits in as many local stores as possible (that could mean 100 mile diameter). Use the experience to a.) Workout all the logistics...i.e. pricing, delivery, manufacturing, marketing...etc. b.) To accumulate enough extra capital to buy bulk, find supplier(s) which can offer the best product for the best price and have some reserve to be able to step away from your day job. Also, banks prefer you being up and running to bring actual data to the table. This will help if you are going to try for a loan to purchase a fancy automated injector, more molds...etc. Again, this is what I know from my personal experience and working at my day job. Good Luck!