Glideb8 Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Hi there, Just registered. Very long time fisherman and artist. I'm going to be building some swimbaits/glidebaits when I have some spare time. I was thinking of possibly making the tails out of lexan just for durability's sake. I had a few questions and I've been searching, but I haven't been able to find anything. -I already have a tail design and I was going to secure it by a pin/epoxy. Was going to double stick tape my templates onto the lexan(probably 1/8" thick") to cut them out. Do all of you that use lexan tails cut them out with a bandsaw and then polish the edges afterwards with a dremel? -What would be the easiest way of coloring the lexan a specific color and what clear coat works the best? I saw a thread saying that people used concrete sealers. This first(hopefully of many) designs will be a 6"(tail included) multi-jointed swimbait. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazmail Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Try TAMIYA model car paint (In ''clear colors''). Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW Lures Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Welcome, As far as lexan clean up, yes you can use a dremel. We use just about every thing to cut it. I use a scrolling saw mostly, I clean up with files (more control and detail). I have to say this but don't pay a lot of attention unless you find I'm right. You are set up to use a tail for realistic detail, I understand this. This is my opinion, most fish hit cranks from sides, bottom, top or rear. Because they can't strike head on to be the most sussesful hook up, bill, line and speed of the bait retrive interfere. This being stated a large fin, tail sticking up or out hinders a solid hook up on average IMO. If I would to do fins I would look into a durable plastic that would give. I don't want nothing between the fish and the hook but water. I'm just giving you my honest opinion. As far as paints Hazmail can give you as good of infomation as anybody. Good luck, tight lines and again welcome, Dale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glideb8 Posted February 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 2 hours ago, DaleSW said: Welcome, As far as lexan clean up, yes you can use a dremel. We use just about every thing to cut it. I use a scrolling saw mostly, I clean up with files (more control and detail). I have to say this but don't pay a lot of attention unless you find I'm right. You are set up to use a tail for realistic detail, I understand this. This is my opinion, most fish hit cranks from sides, bottom, top or rear. Because they can't strike head on to be the most sussesful hook up, bill, line and speed of the bait retrive interfere. This being stated a large fin, tail sticking up or out hinders a solid hook up on average IMO. If I would to do fins I would look into a durable plastic that would give. I don't want nothing between the fish and the hook but water. I'm just giving you my honest opinion. As far as paints Hazmail can give you as good of infomation as anybody. Good luck, tight lines and again welcome, Dale Thanks for the replies so far. DaleSW, I was thinking about creating a soft tail, but not really sure what to make material it out of that wouldn't rip. The thing is, I want to create a much large glide bait after learning the ropes that'll handle much larger fish(saltwater) down the road. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW Lures Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 I'm sure there are few here that have experience with soft fins and tails for a bait. I know a few off the top of my head that uses them. Saltwater should not make to much of a difference, because must predictor fish hit further up on the bait fish, most are toothy tho. Someone will come a long and can give you some good advise. Dale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 A cheap way to learn how is to use Plano box dividers for tails. They are easy to shape, and will hold a split ring attachment if you leave enough meat between the hole and the edge of the tail. Clear margarine tub tops work, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW Lures Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 Mark, I was thinking of a soft plastic or wee bit harder. Thinking about this while woking on a bait today. John Hopkins use this type of tail and find a lot too I believe. I was wondering about how to do this myself actually. Fin may get tore up a little tho. Dale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glideb8 Posted February 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'm really experienced in using swimbaits for saltwater(So Cal). I started using Big Hammer, AA's, and Worm King when they first came out back in the day. All for Calicos, Sand Bass, Yellowtail, Barracuda, etc. Obviously when the cuda are around, you get a lot of plastic bitten in half. That's why I'm thinking about a lexan tail for saltwater baits. If I were to sell these in the future, I wouldn't want a customer out on the water to have the tail bitten off and then the bait doesn't swim the same. That's mainly my only concern about soft tails for saltwater. Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW Lures Posted February 12, 2017 Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 Well with those types of fish, have you thought of using Kevlar? Just sayin. Dale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glideb8 Posted February 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2017 27 minutes ago, DaleSW said: Well with those types of fish, have you thought of using Kevlar? Just sayin. Dale lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
