Why do they float?

[NeWcS]

I just made my first batch of plastics and am having a prob with my finished product floating. After I pull them out of the mold and put them in water they just float on top. I need them to sink?

Im using lurecraft Formula #502 plastic.

Am I doing something wrong?

Thank you

-Jay

[SonicWonder2000]

I think plastic (without additives) normally floats. Put a hook and a split shot on it, it'll sink. If you really want it to sink, add salt. Also, you can carolina rig a floating worm - great for suspending the bait over bottom cover (rocks, weeds, etc.)

[siebler_custom_baits]

yea,. it will sink with a hook usually ( depends on size of bait).

[NeWcS]

Ok, thanx for the heads up. Ill give um a try this week end

-Jay

[nerdy]

the density of plastic is lower than the density of water. salt additives will make the bait more dense, and the denser it gets, the faster it sinks. that is what allows senkos to be cast so far and sink, the salt. most major soft plastics bought from the store will flost as well. however, when added, the hook will add just enough weight to make it sink.

[NeWcS]

So at what point do I add the salt? Before I heat the plastic, into the hot plastic or what?? And how much?

Thank you all for the help thus far.

-Jay

[SeminoleFan]

You can add it either way. I prefer to add it after its heated and then reheat some more. When you add the Salt it will lower the temp of your plastic.

[alsworms]

There are mixed opinions on that one, but for me it works best if I add the salt just as the plastic is starting to gel. I put my glitter in at first when the plastic is still cold, add salt and color when it begins to gel, then add my scent just before I'm ready to pour. Make sure everything is well-mixed. You will triple the mixing with the addition of salt, and make sure you continue mixing to keep the salt suspended in your recipe.

Chris

[alsworms]

Sorry Rick - didn't mean to step on your post. You brought up a great point about the salt lowering the temp. on your plastic. This is why I like to add it when the plastic is gelling. It seems like it takes forever for the plastic to heat if you add it cold. Probably not any longer; just seems that way to me.

Chris

[SeminoleFan]

Chris, Its a personal prefrence for most people. And You have guided me so much in the past, I still consider you Da Man !

[NeWcS]

Thanks for all the info guys/gals. From what Ive read it really just up to the person making the bait as to when the salt should be added. Ill give it a try.

Thank again,

-Jay

[KickerWormz]

Sometimes if you want the plastic to float put a little wax on your line. It'll make your bait float, that is if you want it to float....

[nerdy]

that makes your line float. a lot of guys do that with their poppers.