DaBehr

Injection molds: http://store.do-itmolds.com/Tube-Molds_c_291.html In my opinion, the only way to go. (hand cutting tails and I never did get along!!).

COTTON Long sleeves ...Polyester can melt. I found some welder sleeves that I use when I'm wearing shorts sleeves and when I'm pouring lead.

I REALLY wish you hadn't posted this! This is too cool not to try! Oh well, it's only time and $$ ...and it's a long winter up here in Minnesota!

https://www.barlowstackle.com/Shakee-Jig-Heads-Closed-Eye-P3153.aspx We recommend a size 3 or 4 regular or heavy duty split ring and a size 2 or 3 duo lock snap for the lure. I use the "standard size" , standard blade (no extra holes). I prefer the paddle tail swim baits for the trailer .

I would agree that the Bass Tackle Treat Worm will be darn close ! I have a couple sizes of the Treat Worm and they are great. Very good molds. Press the easy button and get it! For example: http://www.basstackle.com/6_Treat_Worm_p/165-kj-4.htm

I like the wire keepers. On molds that don't have them I cut off the lead bait holder up to the collar (which makes the bait a little lighter) and then wrap one of the wire keepers onto the shank with some heavy duty fly tying thread.

I have the 4" carrot and it's a great bait on the Ned Rig and really effective for smallmouth on the drop shot. Super easy to shoot. It was one of our top Walleye baits this year in Canada on the Do-it Walleye jig. I also use it on Worm Nose (1/2 moon) in sand and weeds. http://store.do-itmolds.com/Walleye-JigbrSz-116-332-18-14-38-12-58brHk-570-or-575brCollar-Ring-amp-Barb_p_1053.html Unfortunately, the hammer handle Northern Pike also liked it and we got bit off a lot! The 4" works really well on floating jig heads...kind of Carolina rig style. Overall...it's one of my favorite baits.

My suggestion is to wait for a rainy day and start reading ...especially the " Dont's for Newbies section! Also search this section for key words related to getting started, new, etc. There are dozens...and dozens ...of threads with all the info you seek. There are also some very good videos on YouTube.

Buy the Bass Tackle version. Lock pins, well made, "standard capacity". Cheap ones have thin walls, friction fit. Pain in the @#% to usee. You get what you pay for!

Wow, Small change Big difference. You are a Genius! No...not really.....there are a couple threads on the Do-it site that mention it! Marc (PartyCrasher) is the expert and I do whatever he suggests! (like make and use blade baits!!!). Andy

Basstackle has a 3 color.... I haven't been brave enough to order one! When possible, I hand pour one color then use the 2 color injector to get 3. I only do it to "show off"....bass don't seem to give a darn! Andy

I have NO problems with the bait keeper falling out if I use the 3-5% antimony lead mix from Rotometals. The antimony makes the lead harder. The difference in weight (due to the density of antimony) is only in the 100ths of an oz . for the small baits! (if my math was correct!) so for all practical purposes, the weight is not affected for small jigs. I also cast all of my small jigs with keepers with this mix (for example the Herring Head) and it makes a big difference. Andy

I no longer use white in any of my baits. I use the powders instead. Add a little glitter (especially black string glitter) and WOW!

I use alloy of lead and 3-5% antimony from Roto metals. I calculated the difference in density and weight between pure lead and the alloy and it is negligible. https://www.rotometals.com/antimonial-lead-metal-3-5-antimony-lead/ Works great on small jigs and underspins. Some people say to add a wheel weight...but I've heard a lot of stories about contamination.

Making good stencils is as much of an art as the painting is! Lots of good info on YouTube and this site. As mentioned, milk containers work amazingly well. There are some mentions on this site to folks that sell material on ebay.

Also, check out the Do-it Essential Series Beaver Bug. It looks a bit different...but it's a great creature bait and you sure can't beat the price of the mold! I have 3 of this mold! http://www.lurepartsonline.com/Online-Store/Do-it-Softbaits-Essential-Series/Essential-Series-Molds.html

Enforcer Baits: https://www.enforcerbaitmolds.com/craw-creature-molds I have a couple of his molds and am very pleased. If the one you want is in stock he ships right away. Andy

The LPO kit with an Essential series mold. Also order a thermometer and gloves. Then go to Walmart and buy a cheap (low power) microwave and a couple Pyrex cups. Then go to a big box home improvement store and get a 3M respiratory, Safety glasses and a box fan for ventilation. http://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Paint-Buckets-Tools-Safety-Apparel-Paint-Apparel-Safety/N-5yc1vZc5c7 Read ALL the safety posts (Don'ts for Newbies) And watch some of the great beginner videos on YouTube And then you are ready to start!

For jerk baits, ghost colors are especially effective. Purple backs (top) works well in our area due to the Emerald Shiners. A black top is also very effective. My son will only fish jerk baits with a green top. All with the rest of the bait unpainted. Last year a purple top and chartreuse bottom ( both very light) with a unpainted center was the #1 choice for poppers, jerk baits and square bills. Clown also works well for some unknown reason on top water baits.

Sorry the response was kind of short...fighting spellchecker on the "smart" phone !

Air pockets in the tails indicate the you have air in your injector. Dents are often the result of the plastic being too hot on a thick bodied bait. Take your plastic to 350 on the first heat up to make sure it has fully "changed state". Use a digital thermometer and make sure your plastic is completely stirred so all of it is 350! Let it cool to 310 (or less) and see if that helps on the dents. Holding pressure helps too.

Nope

How about this one: https://www.enforcerbaitmolds.com/product-page/large-curly-tail-grub-mold His molds are really good.

Well...if they keep having such poor customer service...they won't busy!