wnybassman Posted November 29, 2010 Report Share Posted November 29, 2010 I got interested in pouring some of my own baits a couple weeks ago and have done a ton of researching online about it. Much of which was spending countless hours here at TU reading. Lots of good stuff here. I placed an order several days ago to LC for a bunch of essentials to get me going. Mainly just plastic, colorings, additives and a half dozen RTV molds. Yesterday morning I got the itch to get started even though I have not received any gear yet. I am a carpenter so I have DWP laying around. I knew I was going fishing today and I was quite low on Erie Darters so I thought this would be a good start. I made up the box, sacrificed 4 darters, and poured in the DWP. While this was curing I drove down to the local thrift store and bought a microwave for $14 (as well as a toaster oven for $4 to cure power coated jigs) Later in the day after setting shop in my barn, I prepped the mold for pouring. I dug out some old plastics in the approximate color I was looking for, and melted them down. The pouring went quite well. I ended up making 16 baits, and every one of them came out in what I would consider usable condition. I can see already a "hard" mold like this may not be the best type seeing I have to pull the fatter section of bait through the skinny surface cavity resulting in slightly mangled baits. A flexible RTV type would be much better IMO. Anyway, on the water today I was bound and determined to use the baits I made. The smallmouth have been hitting these good lately (which is why I wanted more) even in the 40-41 degree water. By the time I left I had caught 4 smallies with one about 4 1/2 pounds. Not too shabby. Going from "I think I might make a mold today" to catching some decent fish in less than 24 hours. First time mold making and first time plastic pouring. I'm hooked. Thanks!! (I think) lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romeo D Posted November 29, 2010 Report Share Posted November 29, 2010 Congrats, I think we all started somewhat similar... You are well on your way on to getting "hooked" into making your own baits Great job on your first try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn Posted November 29, 2010 Report Share Posted November 29, 2010 Great story and super job on your first mold and pour. You're right, RTV would release better for a bait like that..but looks like the baits work just fine. That's a very nice fish...especially coming from water so cold. Welcome to the machine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted November 29, 2010 Report Share Posted November 29, 2010 Outstanding! Looks Good (Mold, bait & fish) JSC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bojon Posted November 29, 2010 Report Share Posted November 29, 2010 Looks good,and the fish proved it!Keep up the good work,you will find that this hobby is fun forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
