Mad Moose Baits

So the Heddon Torpedo back hook eye is just a screw in? Interesting.....

Okay, I just found this new company out of England and wanted to share. Pretty nifty looking machine. Spinbox

Thanks guys, I am used to the barb that is part of the mold but was curious if there was a big advantage for the wires that are molded in. I think it will be a matter of fishing more and deciding based on what I see. Fishing more always seems to be a good plan.

What do you prefer? A wire keeper to keep soft plastics in place or the molded triangular piece (or ring collar)? said I'd never pour lead.... look how that turned out....

Can't post the pix right now but... IT WORKED!!! I got some 1mm ID silicone tubing. It is a little small so 1.5 or 2 mm would be best. I pushed it onto the swivel. Heat w heat gun. swish in paint. turn tubing while it cools to keep the swivel free. Yay.

Just wondering if anyone has tried it. Because it seems all we do is try new stuff.....

When I finally get rolling in earnest, it may be. Who knows what I will end up with lol. Yeah, the internet is awesome, my friend and I were just talking about if we would have survived the 80s intact if we had the internet back then lol

Being new to pouring lead I wasn't sure if I could use a little painter's tape. That could help a ton. And it is the area that hook and wire meet that seems to cause the problems. Thanks for the ideas, will try them tomorrow!

Yeah, I use Colorados on mine too

I am getting a hole or dimple in the keel head buzz baits I am pouring. I make sure to preheat the mold but still getting that little spot where the hook and wire meet. Is it due to the mold being still too cool or maybe my lead isn't hot enough?

Have you tried using powder paints? I know a lot of people use an air etcher or mini sandblaster to airbrush w powder.

I actually had a provisional patent on the same design a few years ago lol! The only difference is I bent the upper arm back more parallel to the lower

So....now knowing the high heat silicone is readily available, this should work. Now ya know why I asked for a discussion! Thanks a ton TU Peeps!

Even better...I didn't realize there was silicone tubing already made!

Sorry, I wasn't clear. The straw is just the mold and wouldn't be used since, you are correct, it would melt.\

OK, on the way into work this morning I thought I would pour some horsehead jigs tonight. Now I know people use foil etc for the swivel so you can heat and paint the jighead and keep the swivel turning freely, but I thought "there has to be a better way" and that way would be a tube form over the swivel. Now heat shrink would work but then you have to cut it off etc and other soft materials would melt with the heat. Hard tubes wouldn't work either. So here is my possible solution: pour some RTV silicone in a straw and let it cure. Cut it in lengths that will cover your swivel. Poke a hole through it lengthwise with a heavy needle. You can now slide it onto the swivel, heat up the bait, paint and then pinch the silicone to remove it. The main worry would be it will remove a bunch from the jig head itself too. The silicone can definitely handle the heat. Please discuss!

I put one on page 4

Feel free to share!

I tie bucktail trebles for my lures. I have been using Eagle Claw 375 #4's for them. I really like them but I tend to "over dress" the treble some times and was worried the added hair may hinder hook ups with that style treble. Is this correct? I am looking at the Mustad M35647BR which has a more round bend to it. So am I okay sticking w the 374/375 EC or should I look for a more round hook? What do you guys prefer? Thanks in advance!

The AR folks told me using a regular lighter near the bait will do fine. *edit I also asked about hair dryers and they said the lighter is better because it doesn't blow.

Thanks!!

I took one of my lures and put it in a plastic bowl filled with water and left it in there with lid closed for 9 hours. Now this obviously doesn't simulate bouncing off rocks, docks, toothy critters etc etc etc but I figure with the average cast maybe lasting 30 seconds this simulated the time in water for well over 1000 cats. No change. Still super clear, super glossy and I could find no softening. I can't wait to drag some cranks through the pea gravel in the river behind my house. That will be a much truer test.

No, If I was worried about dust I may though. The box itself would bock the heat...or melt.

Great idea! I am in Ohio so we may not be as frigid, but we still get cold. Because I have been here long enough to know how you operate. You don't say anything unless you're confident and your confidence is built upon math and study. I did not know this. Thank you!