Twindad90

I tape the hook down. I take a piece of tape and put it across the surface where the hooks are. I have poured several and I'm still using the same piece of tape. I just peel the tape up and remove the jig. Hope this helps

That's the way I do it sometimes. I powder paint the head first then airbrush it. I don't final bake the head before I paint it. I like doing that because it smooths out the imperfections on the head. I just take a scotch brite pad and rough up the head before I paint it. But here recently I have really been working on doing multi-colored powder paint jobs. The finish is just so much more durable.

Have any of you tried the fluted willow blades? I was looking on LPO's website and saw them. The description they gave said it has extra flash. Just thought if we are looking for flash that might help.

I have the football swing jig mold now and plan on trying it out hopefully soon. I know with my football jigs they shine in rocks or hard bottom. Smalljaw is dead on football heads are not made for grass. Smalljaw have you ever tried a big (8"-9") worm with it? I like fishing a big worm like that and wondered how it would work. It could be dragged almost like a Carolina Rig maybe.

When you guys are fishing in open water do you make them without the weed guard? Also if your not using the willow blade what trailer seems to work the best for you? I really like the look of the twin tail grubs and I have some paddle tail fluke type baits to try this year. Yea I have heard great things about Fishers of Men. This is our first time fishing tournaments so we'll see. Chris

Bass100, All this info is a great help! It has given me a great starting point. The lakes that I fish range from chocolate milk to gin clear so I was trying to get some ideas of where to start. I have not fished Falls but have been wanting to this year. My son and I are thinking about fishing with the Fishers of Men legacy series this year and the last tournament is at Falls. I think for a starting point I'm going to get some nickel and brass and try them. You guys that are fishing them are you mainly targeting grass or wood cover etc...

That helps a ton! I feel better I was thinking along those lines of more flash with less vibration. Smalljaw which blade have you seen to produce more? Brass, Nickel, Copper polish etc... Also does the bearing swivel seem to work the best? I know they are a little more expensive but they seem like they would help the blade start easier. I have to order a few things and I'm trying to get up a list. Thanks for the help

Hey guys I want to put a willow leaf blade trailer on my swim jigs this year. I have read post on here that they work really good. My question is about the willow blade. What is the difference between the cheaper ones and the more expensive? I have never really been a spinner bait fisherman so I'm not that knowledgeable on the differences. I have noticed some have a better finish on them. Just need some help choosing the right one. Thanks

Thanks guys I had actually forgotten about Lureparts. It gives me more options now. Thanks again

I like this! I have tied a few and trying to get the strands situated is a bear sometimes. I will give it a try. Thanks for the tip. Also have any of you tried the silver craft wire? I have used some (26ga) and it worked fine but I'm worried that it might rust. I may drop a jig in a glass of water for a few days and see what happens.

Hey guys is there a mold that is similar to this one? http://www.bigbitebaits.com/Canethumper.htm I want to be able to make a swim bait like this to put on my swim jigs. I haven't really found one that is slender like this one. Thanks

I'm getting ready for the spring and summer and I would like to paint some deep diver cranks. Are there any good 20ft or so good blanks out there?

Hey guys those of you that are using powder from Columbia Coatings what color are you using that is close to green pumpkin. I contacted them and they sent me some samples but they were a little different. One was too dark and the other was too light. Thanks

Hey guys, I have a question about the do-it tip up jig mold. Have any of you used a different hook that is recommended? If so did you have to modify it or did you find a replacement? The hook that is recommended is not a very good hook. I like a wide gap so I can use bigger baits. I like the head design but the hook..... Thanks guys! Chris

Thanks Ben! I figured it would only be minimal at best. Chris

Ben, Do you worry about the weight when you D2T over foil, paint, and then coat again? I have tried to foil and could still see my lines so I did not try it anymore. Coating over the foil would make it seamless but how will the added weight change the action. Thanks Chris

Have you tried the stencil material at Michael's or Hobby Lobby? I have used it recently and the guy at Dakota Baits makes it look easy. Don't know if the stuff is too thick or what. Seems that when I heat it it's either too cold or too hot. I am using a heat gun and not a hair dryer. I have wondered if my stencil material is too thick. Just wondering if you have tried the bought stencils and tried it. Thanks Chris

I brought the crankbaits in that I coated and I can tell a noticeable difference in them already. They have been in the house about 5hrs. We will see how they are in the morning. I was looking through the Grainger book and they sell the Devcon 2 Ton. I may pick some up to use until I get the hang of the etex. I really like the finish of the etex but it just seems to not leave much room for error. Thanks guys for all the help. Chris

When your baits are "hard" does that mean like an epoxy? Like I said I have never used this stuff so I'm learning. Thanks

Saltshaker, I think that my baits were touchable in about 8 hours. Do you coat yours inside?

Yea I have never used this stuff so I didn't know what to expect. I have not used the Devcon (no where around here sells it that I know of) but I have used other 2 part epoxies and they dry almost over night.

Hey guys I need some help here. I have started painting cranks and have been using 2 part epoxies and ran out. I went to the local Michael's and bought some Envirotex. I have heard good things about it so I tried some. Well I painted a crank it looked good and then put the Envirotex on. Well I did not mix the stuff right first time! Though that looks like enough hardner etc... Ruined a few crankbaits lesson learned. Well I remixed the correct way and did not eye ball it. Here is my question I live in NC and the humidity has been high the last few days. The coating on the new cranks looks great and clear but they are still soft after about 30hrs of drying. They are not sticky like the first batch just soft. Have any of you had longer drying times because of humidity? I do all my work in the garage where the temp is not controlled. I brought them into the house this afternoon to see how they are in the morning. Thanks guys! Chris

HJS, Thanks for the update. I have not had a chance to try it but thought it might work Chris

Thanks Cadman for the help. I will try and let you know what happens. Chris

Hey guys I am wanting to make my own fluid bed and I think I have most of the parts needed. My question is can I use my air compressor instead of the aquarium pump? I have a regulator that does allow me to turn my air down very low. Just thought I would ask before I make an eruption of powder. Thanks guys Chris