parrothead127 Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 I have seen some some fiber optic eyes on some custom crankbaits listed on e-bay. I haven't been able to locate any, does anyone know where they could be purchased? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CreekMonster Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 You can do it yourself. I just posted a couple of pics in the gallery of some I've been working on.Here's a link to where I got the fiber. fiberopticproducts.com Go to fiber optic lighting, then archery & gun fiber Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GASMAN Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 But how are they putting this in the plastic baits? I am stupid about these things. What size fiber would be used? I would like to do it to a couple of baits to fish with. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 I read somewhere that a short piece of the fiber optic cable is glued into a through hole, from one side of the bait to the other, to allow passage of light through it, creating a shifting eye flash. I read it, but I haven't done it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GASMAN Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Thanks, any more help from anyone else would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReactionAttack Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 This is something that I, too, have been interested in. If anyone knows of a link to post, or can submit any other useful info, that would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CreekMonster Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 As far as the size goes, just use the same size fiber as the size of the eyes on the bait. you might have to do a little converting, (metric to standard, or vice versa) Just as was mentioned above, you need to drill a hole through the lure. This can be a problem in plastic lures, as the ballast weight or other obstructions are between the eyes causing the lure to bust or break when you attempt to drill. (this might explain why you see mainly rapalas with these eyes) I tried the plastic, but couldn't afford to keep breaking them till I got one right. So, I decided to use them in my handmade baits. This is how I did it: 1. cut your profile from your stock. 2. Drill a hole completely through the bait where the eyes would be.(same size as whatever fiber you plan to use.)3. roughly shape your lure like you normally would. 4. slide the fiber through the eye hole to get an approximate length.5. cut the fiber to desired length ( slightly longer than you need) 6. Place the cut piece of fiber in the lure and and or grind to match the conture of the bait (I use a dremel with a small sanding drum) 7.finish sanding the bait smooth, then prime or seal. ( NOTE: You may want to seal the bait without the fiber so the eye socket gets sealed also) 8. The final painting and clear is up to you. You can leave the fiber in and mask it, or paint with the fiber out and put the fiber in afterwards. you will have to play around with the fiber to get the desired effect. This is how I did it but I'm sure there are many other ways. As soon as I make another one I will take pics as I go and try to put together a tuturial. Hope this helps a little:) Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CreekMonster Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Oh yeah, I get the best light out of the fiber by sanding the ends with 400 grit sandpaper and if you clearcoat over the ends, it smooths out the scratches and the fiber doesn't work as well. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 When repacing fiber optic sights on my bow. I brake the end off and run a lighter close to it melts the end and lets more light threw. If you use smaller fibers and run them down the back of the lure coating with devcon they will pull in more light. Even running them down the lateral line of the bait will pull more light. Creekmonster That bait looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr max Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 Do a search under the user name mr max.I asked the same question a couple months back and had a lot of interesting replies.I think Creek Monster might have the answer as to how it is done.Kelly, I think your idea of using small fibers along the lateral line of the lure might add a new dimension to a lure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike-A-Pike Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 This is how I did it but I'm sure there are many other ways. As soon as I make another one I will take pics as I go and try to put together a tuturial. Jay. I think a tutorial is a great idea. I will be putting together a sample template and posting it as a guilde before too long.Thanks for thinking about it this early. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 I did a mr max search and came up empty. Am I using the wrong bait? ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 http://www.tackleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10191 Good thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
