TOPFLiTE1994

Seems like you took my comment as bashing; it was not. I brought the topic up out of interest, looking for opinionsandr knowledge, not because I am seeking an argument with those who have knowledge on the subject. I recommended what I thought to be a valid recommendation. Your input is appreciated, I'm learning things I didn't know. I agree, the sink rates of Storm lures is certainly fast. I only use them in weedless areas or along steep ledges. They have brought in countless fish for me, but I also agree that versatility isn't there, so I usually end up using paddle tail flukes and such variably weighted. Maybe 4, 5, 10 years from now the high end swimbait makers will have the materials to make them durable too. Until then, craftsmanship is not a fit reason to put these in my tackle box. Unless I win the lottery

I understand the skepticism, and I'm sure adding a mesh feature would affect a small sized manufacturing process much more than a large business. Although the mentioned STORM lures were just an example used for mesh construction, they have much more action than most would expect. The mesh seems to add zero stiffness to the lure, and honestly the thing just plain feels like jello in your hand. It has superior action and flexibility to almost any other soft swimbait I have picked up, so I would not be concerned with that. Popular large swimbaits like Savage Gear, Huddleston, and Mattlures could greatly benefit from this. I stay away from them simply because of the durability issues; those who have the money to throw, thumbs up! But what about the rest of the world? It simply is not practical for most fisherman to buy these lures, which is sad, because they are great fish catching lures. They would sell like hotcakes if not for lack of lifespan imo. If anything I would recommend experimenting with this. Those swimming stone catties of yours are pretty interesting, looks like a long thin tail that would certainly be more durable with mesh. Good test subject?

I have a bone to pick... As many fishermen know, modern soft body swimbaits, especially higher end stuff, are not durable. Sure they catch fish, but is it really worth the money you put down on a lure that loses it's tail or rips apart beyond repair after a few fish? Several if you are lucky.. I bought a few STORM Live Kickin' Shad a few years ago which are made with sheet mesh through the center of the entire bait. These swimmers are still completely in tack today, even after vigorous use, and still lay in my tackle box. WHY DON'T ALL MANUFACTURERS DO THIS???!!!!!!!!!! I am dumb-founded by this issue. Obviously price or simplicity of manufacturing process is not an issue or STORM would not be selling them for under 5 bucks. Anyone care to share opinions on the proposed topic?

Good to know! I was certainly disappointed when I first saw the damage. I'll be re-sanding and re-clearing the bait; will try the heating method this time around to help ensure a full cure before contact with soft plastics. As for the wrinkling some are having, I found that heating the bait AND container of sealer to just above room temperature (75-80 degrees) with the heat gun, before dipping, solved the issue for me. Heat setting thin layers of paint was also key, as well as several blasts of heat after painting is complete, every 5 minutes or so for about 30 minutes before dipping.

My test was just the opposite, used a zoom worm on a rat lure coated with ac1315. Pulled the bait out of the tackle box to find a large line across the side where the concrete sealer had been eaten through by the worm laying across it (worm was fine). Tryed other brands, same problem. The lure was even cured in a warm room for over a week before the tail was added. What in the world causes this?

Snapped a couple pics before heading outa town this morning. Not trying to hijack your thread, hope this helps though.

I'm in the process of carving a 3 1/2" wake rat at the moment. I'm basically going off of pictures of the Austin Lures rat (pic below). I'll post up pics and info next weekend when I'm back in town. Grizz, if possible, post up some pics. I'd like to see what you have going. As for hardware, I'm new to making lures as well, so I picked up the smallest screw eyes I could find at the hardware store (about 3/16 wide) which I will epoxy in. Planning on using a twist-on soft plastic holder for the worm tail so I can easily replace them as necessary. The lip is clear lexan I had laying around, which I cut the same width as the lure and about the same length as the width (based on other lure designs). Will update when I get it put together, weighted, sealed, and tub tested. p.s. I have tried epoxied twisted wire eyes on a carved spook and crank bait had no problems with strength.

Glad I stumbles on this thread (and forum..). Just ordered a quart of AC, looking forward to trying it on the wake rat I'm carving. Will be working out of town for the week so it should be at the door when I return!