Newbie Hoping For Some Help - Tube Question.

[MarkW99]

Wow, what a cool forum!  Glad I found this place.

 

Hoping to get some help.  Just about to start pouring my own.  Maybe the best thing to do is explain what I'm after.  I fish a lot of smallmouth and some largemouth.  My go-to softbait is a Gitzit tube bait.  I go through a ton of these things since panfish and smaller bass tear the hell out of them.

 

First, I'd like to know, other than hardening, how to make durable plastic.  I have some Strike King Elaztech worms that are almost indestructible and still pretty soft.  You just about can't pull these apart.  I think there are some other brands like this out there too.  I'm told the "secret" is closely guarded, but I figure someone has to know.

 

Second, how much of a pain are tubes to pour?  Any good guide for doing this?  Molds?  Not having much luck finding these and everyone says "don't waste your time, they're a pain in the ass."   But I'm tired of changing tubes every fourth cast too.  That's the real pain in the ass.  Also, the "magic" of tubes, in my opinion, is that you can trap a bit of air in front of the jig head to create erratic action.  Once those little guys tear the hell out of it, you lose your little air pocket and it affects buoyancy and action, so I really want to try this.

 

Also, what's the best way to create the tail? 

 

Thanks in advance for any help. 

[Travis]

For Gitzit style tube dipping rods will give you the most consistent product similar to the original.  For the most part you aren't going to be able to make any super baits (relative to strength).  Cutting the tail can be used by commercial cutters or ones you make yourself.   There is a lot of information on the subject recently and throughout the site, you will just have to dig a little.

 

If you use Google chrome or whatever search engine, and use keywords Tackle Underground, tubes, tail cutter, and select a user name and you will find about everything you need to know in no time flat.

[MarkW99]

So no crazy chemist has reverse engineered the secret formula to super baits, huh?   Darn.  Don't suppose anyone would tell you if they did.

 

I'll dig around.   Sure would like to know how to get the same effect with regard to durability.  Just have to experiment and see what I can do. 

[Travis]

There are some additives that make it more stretchy and more robust but it does not appear they really ever took off.  

 

http://www.bearsbaits.com/BBCP-ULTRA-RD-55_p_126.html

[DaveMc1]

There are some additives that make it more stretchy and more robust but it does not appear they really ever took off.  

 

http://www.bearsbaits.com/BBCP-ULTRA-RD-55_p_126.html

That was a stretchy additive for a specific plastic.

 

The elaztech material is nothing like plastisol, does not work the same etc. I heard from a buddy that one of the plastic manufacturers tried to offer something similar to our market but it was an absolute pain to work with and dropped it. 

[Travis]

Yes I understand it is completely different.....I was giving the closest thing readily available to the common public based on pouring for the past 15 years and working in chemistry.  

 

You buddy was probably talking about a product made by Calhoun's.  

 

 

Mark have fun on your quest.

Edited September 10, 2015 by Travis

[DaveMc1]

  You buddy was probably talking about a product made by Calhoun's.  

Yes, I believe that was it. 

[fishon-son]

to me gitzits are a cheap tube....you dont need a mold to make them   just a few rods  3/8 dia. work well..heat your plastic and dip your rod..when it cools dip again...and so on...i use a razor to cut the tailings and thats it .....i fish smallmouths in lk.st clair form michigan and can say that i have had 100 fish days using my tubes....i hear the you use the hard plastic ..but i use regular and salt ....works great....get about 6 rods to start...6 in long will work ..hang them till cool then re dip...no mold and cheap....get rods at scrap yards.or steel supplyers online...alumimun rods i found work well   put i have a few steel ones that work to..

[JRammit]

Wooden dowel rods, ends rounded and coated in epoxy?

Available at any local hardware or hobby store.. And cheap!

I dont make tubes.. Yet.. But when i do, this is what ill use

[MarkW99]

I've used lots of tubes, Gitzits aren't that different from any other brand, IMHO.  They all get tore to hell.  Bluegill seem to be as hard on them as anything.  If there's a really durable brand, it may be Cabela's house brand.   

 

Where do you get aluminum rods?  I don't see any from the suppliers.   Would like a block with 10-20 rods in it for multiple dipping.  Also, where can I get a commercial cutter?  Not seeing those out there either. 

 

Thanks for all the advice guys. 

[fishon-son]

i got my rods from the shop i work at but,i see alumimun rod at the scrap yards...or speedy metals on line...ebay is a good place to....i cut by hand with a razor blade ..its a pain and id buy a cutter if anybody knows where toget them...i would not go with wood.....it may work for some but not for me  ...i think tractor supply has rod  regular steel will work but my rust after time...