Big Jig Rangler Posted October 12, 2013 Report Share Posted October 12, 2013 I'm reposting this on each forum: Hey Everybody, I'm new to this site, I usually post on the BBC Boards. I'm really impressed with all the vast information on here, it's become really helpful for me. Currently I'm considering taking my hobby to a new level. I already do a lot customized paint schemes for people that want something more than what bass pro or other vendors offer. Fishing lures have always intrigued me and my dream since childhood has always been to become a lure manufacturer. Well now I'm thirty years old and I've decided to start pursuing this dream. I was recently contacted by a friend of mine whose brother bought a lure business from a man back in the 90's. It's scale consisted of several retailers along with a local wal mart. However, several years ago this man started having health issues and stopped the business all together. Unfortunately last year the man pasted away. His wife was left everything including all business and the equipment. Well I was asked yesterday if I would be interested in getting it from her. Well they didn't have to twist my arm much before I said yes. Right now I'm just waiting on price negotiating. If it all comes together I consider it a great blessing for me. Right now though I do have some questions about speeding up process, equipment I should look into buying and clear coats.Right now I buy blanks or strip old lures then paint them. When it comes to scale masking what's a faster process? I've been told pad printing and if so where would I get the pad designs?When it comes to clear coats I currently use either Devcon or MCU. Mainly only use devcon for greet applications. Is there a better way to do glitter then just devcon? And I want to find a more industrial type clear coat rather than MCU. What out there holds up better?Finally equipment.....I want to speed up my process and still retain detail. I've thought about going to photo/foil applications because it does seem faster than painting but I'm open to suggestions. I'm also currently looking for thin holographic foil with an adhesive side(or without if I have no other option), , does anyone on here know of a retailer that I can buy that from?Again I'm looking and hoping for any good, sound advice that anyone can give me. I'm gonna do my best to try to make the business work. I know a lot of big dreams have small beginnings and this is Hondas just take a lot of time and money to make happen. But God willing it's gonna happen. Thanks for any info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painter1 Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 I admire your passion, but all you need do is search and read this forum. There are virtually hundreds of replies to the dozens of similar "opinion/information" requests. The short answer, IMO; it is a great way to turn a large fortune into a small one. I do, sincerely, wish you the best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toadfrog Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Amen Brotha . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apdriver Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Hey, hey, hey. None of that talk. My wife might hear you guys.:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonteSS Posted October 13, 2013 Report Share Posted October 13, 2013 Was or is the business profitable? Big difference between the 90's and present as far as bait companies go. Is this a part time or full time job? I found part time bait business take ALOT of time and suck the life out of you. Anything different or proprietary about the baits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Jig Rangler Posted October 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2013 I agree about sucking the life out of you. Just the customizing I do takes up around six hours a day. Now that's after I come home from my 8 hour full time job. Gets hectic. As far as the lures go all I know is the company comprised of jigs, spinnerbaits, buzz baits, worms, craws and trailers. I'm going to set up a meeting with the widow of the owner sometime within the next week to see everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted October 15, 2013 Report Share Posted October 15, 2013 One thing you might consider is setting up a regular retail store that sells items from established manufacturers. In other words your normal tackle shop. Then you could offer the custom tackle you build alongside the regular stock. This might be a way to "keep the lights on" until you get established. Of course stocking a tackle shop isn't going to be cheap, but it would give you a place to showcase your custom tackle as well as getting people in the store to see it firsthand. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
