Bushmaster Posted May 1, 2003 Report Share Posted May 1, 2003 I use gold and silver plated blades in addition to black nickel. The gold and silver blades are meant for use in water with "color" and I have found the black nickel to be useful in clear water where blade flash could be a negative, although at times I include a gold or silver blade as a secondary blade on tandem lures. In your opinions, do you think I am spending too much for the "precious metal finished" blades, or would I do as well with plated nickel and copper or brass blades? I think I will stick with the black nickel because it is nearly invisible in the water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Splash Posted May 2, 2003 Report Share Posted May 2, 2003 I think you should offer your customer the option of gold and silver. Be sure to prominatly display the fact on your packaging, then your sales record will let you know if they want it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glaucus Posted May 2, 2003 Report Share Posted May 2, 2003 I use 'Regal' plated blades and I think they are worth the cost. I also use brass and copper when I want some metalic flash when gold is too bright. Silver is much brighter than nickle and has a greater 'radius of attraction'. Jed Davis who owned Pen-Tac spinner components wouldn't use nickle as an underplating for genuine silver because it would reduce the brightness. Hagens silver plated blades have a nickle underplate, you can check with a magnet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celticav Posted May 2, 2003 Report Share Posted May 2, 2003 I would use an high-end laquered blade instead. Just my opinion, but I have never once had anyone "ask" for gold or silver plated blades and really don't think it has that great of an impact on the market. I use the black finished blades alot myself, love the hammered ones and they sell great too. The most expensive blades I use are the kyrstal painted ones and I only really keep two or three colors of those. I think the vast majority of fishermen buy a bait because the blades are the color he or she wants them to be, not because of what they are made of. If you are catering to the ones that are looking for "precious metal plating" or getting a significant portion of your business because of the plating then it would be more important. I have used "premium" finished blades for years and in all the custom orders I have ever gotten, "gold" or "silver" plated blades has never been requested. Thats my market though and you should base that decision on your market, why they use yours. Ask your best customers why they buy and use your baits and see if even one of them mentions the plating. Be careful with copper blades, they are heavier than regular blades, not always a good or a bad thing, but can be different. I wish I could find some 100% copper buzzbait blades, I aquired some awhile back and am getting low, anyone know a source for those? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushmaster Posted May 2, 2003 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2003 Thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Splash Posted May 2, 2003 Report Share Posted May 2, 2003 The importance of offering gold and silver may have a lot to do with your geographical location. I know here on the west coast one lure manufacturer is doing well with the gold and silver finishes. Thre is a fellow on one of the fishing shows here (Sportfishing B.C.) who preaches the importance of the gold and silver finishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushmaster Posted May 3, 2003 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 Celt, I searched and searched the internet for copper buzzbait blades but couldn't find any. Well, I did find one site, but at $1.25 each, I thought that was just a little out of our price range. However, I found some information in the back of the book "Luremaking" by A.D. Livingston. I don't know if these businesses are still active. You could try to contact them...even if they are not active anymore, they may be able to put you on the right track. Al's Goldfish Lure Co. PO Box 51013 Indian Orchard, MA 01151 Midland Tackle Co. 66 Route 17 Sloatsburg, NY 10974 Blade Tackle & Sporting Goods 2103 33rd Street Erie, PA 16510 Carolina Novelty Co 10526 Brief Road Charlotte, NC 28227 Like I said, I have no idea if these people are even still in business, but it's a start. Have you thought of making your own or having some made for you? It wouldn't be too hard....shears, benders or pliers, and a drill???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celticav Posted May 3, 2003 Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 I have tried those already, but thanks for posting them. That lure making is a great book, really needs to be updated but overall worth reading. As far as making them myself, well at the prices I charge myself for labor I can't afford to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Ratz Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 I had a company make me some Black/Nickel buzzbait blades. This is a hot color around here and no one makes this color that I am aware of. It should worlk great in high pressured water with a slightly different look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
