Oncorhynchus_tshawytscha Posted April 12, 2005 Report Share Posted April 12, 2005 Hey everyone, I tested out my bait (see the attached file if you need a reminder), and as soon as it hits the water, it flips over on its side, and won't turn back over. On the other hand though, when I finally get it to dive, it has a nice, medium wiggle on it. I tried using lead dots on it, but it doesn't help any. I'm using 8lb. line, and the hook is a Mustad 3551, size number 4. I need to know what I did wrong, so I can try to either fix it, or try to make the lure over again. Thanks in advance, Brock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishBooger Posted April 12, 2005 Report Share Posted April 12, 2005 I'm thinking you need ballast weight. But then again - I'm thinking and that's not a good thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingKarl Posted April 12, 2005 Report Share Posted April 12, 2005 Brock, just by looking at your pic, if you draw a line from the tow point to the treble point you'll see that there is more lure on the lower side than the top side. i think there is a counter weight/ buoyancy issue. what would happen if you lowered the front pull point towards the lip (increase the axis) Karl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheesehead Posted April 12, 2005 Report Share Posted April 12, 2005 Brock, Did you add any weight to the lure as you built it? you bait is top heavy causing it to roll over. If you didn't, I'm guessing you may need to add 1/8 to 1/4 oz of lead around the front hook (middle of the belly) keep it as low in the bait as you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
out2llunge Posted April 12, 2005 Report Share Posted April 12, 2005 Use some tape or a rubber band and add the weight (like Cheese said), put it in a sink and note what happens. If it still lies on its side add a bit more weight. Start light and go heavier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 The bait needs to be weighted. What is it made of? If it is balsa try 3/16 oz of lead for a starting place. If it is a hardwood then cut that weight in half for a starting point. With #4 trebles it should do just fine. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oncorhynchus_tshawytscha Posted April 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 I didn't add any weight as I built the lure, but I just got it to ride right in the water. It took 5 Suspendots along the center line back toward the rear treble. Then just behind the lip, I added an extra 4 dots in a circular pattern. So a total of 9 dots got it to set right. Now I just have to get my boat licensed so I can go fishing and try this bait out! Thanks for your suggestions, Brock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
out2llunge Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Add up th weight of the nine dots (maybe 8, because you'll drill a hole) and that's how much lead you should have added "into" the bait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Getting a bait to sit right in the water will not get the bait running correctly. Once you start to crank the bait at different speeds you will see what I mean. You need to figure out the proper weighting for the bait. out2llunge has a good idea as to where to start. Skeeter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oncorhynchus_tshawytscha Posted April 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Yeah, I understand that, and before I got it to set right on the water, it would run fine, when I could get it to run of course. I have to get out to the lake though in order to test it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
