bassfearme Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 im about to throw in the towel when it comes to salting my lures. i have no problem pouring plastic or adding anything until salt somes around. it instantly clumps and the burns and becomes unpourable. i am using popcorn salt, but even when i remelt heavily salted baits i get the same reaction. very very frustrating, not sure what the problem is and ive tried adding salt before heating, during, after, slowly, fast. no clue. the salt is not iodized and i am using a small pot on my burner. anyone had this problem or more importantly have a solution? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 I don't pour, but there is only one thing that can go wrong with salt and that is moisture. Try drying the salt, spread it out on a tray and heat it in a regular oven (not a microwave). Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 I don't use salt much but when I do I use Kosher salt and grind it into a powder in a coffee grinder. I have to keep it stirred as it sinks to the bottom. I have never had it clump or burn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallmouthaholic Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Never a problem using heavy salt in a Presto Pot w/ stirrer from Bears Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 If your using a burner how are you gauging the temps? Sure sounds like your cooking it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 im about to throw in the towel when it comes to salting my lures. i have no problem pouring plastic or adding anything until salt somes around. it instantly clumps and the burns and becomes unpourable. i am using popcorn salt, but even when i remelt heavily salted baits i get the same reaction. very very frustrating, not sure what the problem is and ive tried adding salt before heating, during, after, slowly, fast. no clue. the salt is not iodized and i am using a small pot on my burner. anyone had this problem or more importantly have a solution? You don't need to spend $200 to pour a $5 bag of bait (you can if you want to the stirring system is great!). From what you describe, it sounds like not you're stirring enough and not getting your plastic hot enough. When you are hand pouring sticks you need to stir, stir and then stir some more. In order to get consistent baits you need to stir every 2 sticks. Flouring the salt will help it suspend better, but the baits will be more opaque. I've always used Morten's Pickling salt in the green box...right out of the box. Any salt should work ok, though. It is humid where you live so i would do what Dave suggests just to eliminate moisture being the culprit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red's Baits Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I think you are not stirring often enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassfearme Posted May 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 it almost has to be the moisture because i cant stir more then i am doing, and im not overheating it because ive been pouring without salt perfectly fine for a while. it has to be the moisture in the salt. and yes on the coast of florida is about as humid as you can get haha. but i will try this new salt you guys are talking about. if this doesnt work, i dont know. ill try it in the microwave is my last resort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 it almost has to be the moisture because i cant stir more then i am doing, and im not overheating it because ive been pouring without salt perfectly fine for a while. it has to be the moisture in the salt. and yes on the coast of florida is about as humid as you can get haha. but i will try this new salt you guys are talking about. if this doesnt work, i dont know. ill try it in the microwave is my last resort. Drying the salt takes very little effort and about 30 - 60 minutes depending on amount and oven temp. A quick blast in the blender to fluff it up after baking and you are done. I have to do this regularly, as I too live in a very humid climate. It would be beneficial to yourself and other TU members, if you would try this solution and report back, as this problem is likely to come up again in the future. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerworm Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 i may have this one how are you pouring your salt into the hot plastic? if its in a pyrex it takes a bit of coordination to pour salt and stir at the same time just pour slowly and remember if your using a 1/2 cup to 1 cup of plastic you just dropped your temp down under 300 degrees and your salt is not going to suspend it will clump then when you microwave it the clumps of salt they will have some plastic inside and are going to get super hot and burn just like what you are describing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassfearme Posted May 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 i just tried microwace for the first time, ive always done it on a burner before, and added salt before doing anything and was able to do1/6 cup into 1/2 cup no problem with all of the same ingredients before done the exact way a stovetop. there has to be something about the microwave difference then the stovetop because that was the only variable. beyond confusing but im estatic i can get these senkos made for a friend of mine now. guess microwave for salt and stovetop for nonsalt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red's Baits Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I add my salt before I even cook the plastic. While cooking the plastic nad stirring about every 30 seconds all the moisture is cooked out of the salt. I do buy the ultra fine salt from Bears. I also live on the gulf coast. I haven't never added the salt after cooking the plastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallie Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 i just tried microwace for the first time, ive always done it on a burner before, and added salt before doing anything and was able to do1/6 cup into 1/2 cup no problem with all of the same ingredients before done the exact way a stovetop. there has to be something about the microwave difference then the stovetop because that was the only variable. beyond confusing but im estatic i can get these senkos made for a friend of mine now. guess microwave for salt and stovetop for nonsalt The microwave worked because of the speed that it heats the plastic. The standard senko recipe is 50% salt . Heating on a burner, you would have to stir the plastic almost continually to prevent the huge amount of salt in a senko style bait from settling. I haven't used a burner in over 10 years so I don't remember the exact time it takes to bring a cup to temperature but I know I couldn't keep stirring for the entire time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallmouthaholic Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 You don't need to spend $200 to pour a $5 bag of bait (you can if you want to the stirring system is great!). Correct - just buy them in the store! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oksparks Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 I use floured salt. I heat the salt to 300 F in a pan on a hot plate then stir slowly into plastic. Moisture is gone and it will not cool your plastic. Works Great!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
