Dipping Swim Baits

[floridanative]

I just made a few dipping blades from some old butter knives I got from work but I'm having trouble dipping them. I read the previous thread about the technique that Del uses but I'm having trouble with getting them to look "right". The first one I made out of all of them actually had the best action but looked real uneven and had some drips in it from trying to turn it to get the right profile. Every one after that was just too thick and had little to no action unless burned back at a ridiculous speed.

What I want to clarify is....

How many dips are you guys doing?

What plastic are you using?

(I'm just using remelts at this stage because its still experimental for me)

Are you lubing the blade to make it easier to pull off?

(It seems like the plastic shrinks up and grips the blade if I let it cool to much and if I take it off too soon the walls inside are still tacky and like to stick together.)

I'll get pics up when I get off work.

Thanks,

Native

[mainbutter]

I've never heard of the technique of dipping swimbaits.

I'd love to hear more about it!

LC sells a tool for making tubes by dipping steel rods into your plastic. They suggest lubricating the rods with worm oil (one of their scented oils) I believe. I have to imagine any of the soft plastic oil scents would work as a lubricant then to make pulling off easier.

[351mustang65]

I've never heard of the technique of dipping swimbaits.

I'd love to hear more about it!

X2.

When I dip tubes I lighty lubricate any metal the plastic will touch.

Edited February 3, 2010 by 351mustang65

[stephanec12]

I started dipping swims as my first foray into homemade plastics last year. I too use a modified butter knife with colorado blade attached for the paddle.

In my experience you won't produce professional looking baits, but if it's just for your own use you don't need to,my swims while not as attractive have out produced all my store bought paddletail tubes.

The real advantage in making your own is customized colours to match local forage, and using softer plastic for a realistic action at slower retrieve speeds. My baits don't survive as long as store bought, but what does make it back to the boat just goes back in the melting pot.

As for your questions, you definately need to lube the blade before dipping, I give mine a light rub with a paper towel soaked in cooking oil. You also have to experiment with timing the removal of the bait, you'll eventually know how long to leave a bait to set before removing from the blade.

As for plastic, I use regular worm plastic, i find its softness is perfect for slower retrieves, although it does tear more easily and your baits won't last as long, but if they catch fish, who cares.