Do I need softener when making soft plastics?

[Lucid_Vax]

I’ve been doing research on making my own soft plastics and can’t seem to find if I need softener or not. I haven’t ordered anything yet so is there anything else I need besides plastisol, bait color, and maybe scents or glitter? If you would like to help me and just tell me if I need it or not and the ratios it would be greatly appreciated.

Edited August 30, 2018 by Lucid_Vax

[Jig Man]

I have a bottle of softener and haven't used it in years.  One thing you do need is heat stabilizer. 

[Bass-Boys]

I use lots of softener.

 if you add salt to the mix then you need to add softener.

 if you are happy with the softness of your plastisol and do not add salt ,, then you do Not need softener.

[DaBehr]

I never use softner on my bass baits.  I sometimes use it for panfish baits. Remember if you use softner, the baits will be easier to tear and probably wear out quicker. Not something I want on a creature bait...not such a big deal on a tiny panfish bait that I can make a bunch of really quick.

I'm pretty sure the responses you get will be 50/50 !

[mark poulson]

Buy a small bottle, so you can have it on hand if you find your baits are too stiff.   I only use softener when I add salt to senkos, and then it's a teaspoon to a cup of plastic.

[Apdriver]

Same as Mark. Get a bottle to have on hand if you need some. It will last a long time because you don’t need much. Also, it doesn’t go bad. 

[Driftwood]

I keep some on hand just in case...( I accidentally mixed tube plastisol to shoot creature baits,) 

[Lucid_Vax]

7 hours ago, mark poulson said:

Buy a small bottle, so you can have it on hand if you find your baits are too stiff.   I only use softener when I add salt to senkos, and then it's a teaspoon to a cup of plastic.

Do I need to add salt?

[mark poulson]

1 hour ago, Lucid_Vax said:

Do I need to add salt?

Salt is optional, but it does give baits a natural flavor when the fish bites.  I think they hold a salted bait longer, because it tastes like a live prey item.

But salt will make baits stiffer, so that's why some people add softener.  

I do add softener for senkos, because  I add lots of salt to them, which makes them stiffer, and they need to be soft enough to shimmy on the fall.

I also add salt to other baits, like creature baits and craws, but not enough to warrant additional softener.

[Lucid_Vax]

22 hours ago, mark poulson said:

Salt is optional, but it does give baits a natural flavor when the fish bites.  I think they hold a salted bait longer, because it tastes like a live prey item.

But salt will make baits stiffer, so that's why some people add softener.  

I do add softener for senkos, because  I add lots of salt to them, which makes them stiffer, and they need to be soft enough to shimmy on the fall.

I also add salt to other baits, like creature baits and craws, but not enough to warrant additional softener.

Thanks for responding.