rixon529 Posted May 27, 2005 Report Share Posted May 27, 2005 Hi Guys. I am still reading everything I can on this site to learn as much as possible before I commit myself to this endeavor. From all I've read, I easily think this is going to be my newfound interest and I can't wait to get started. I have started to make a workspace for myself in the basement end of my garage under the house, and accumulating the necessary equipment. I have a few ideas about baits I'd like to try, and hope to be experimenting and trying to make a few plaster and Durham's molds soon. When I'm satisfied that I know what I'm doing, I'll try making molds from resin. I live in Connecticut and fish saltwater. My questions are about making saltwater baits for striped bass fishing... My personal best a few years ago was a 39" striper. Last year I had reasonable success with Storm Wild Eyes and Slug-Gos. This season, SuperFlukes are very popular bait right now. Anyway - : How much hardener do you think I should start off with to make saltwater swimbaits? Can plastic with hardener added be melted down and re-used? Has anyone bought, seen, or made a mold for an eel bait? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. This is a great site with a great bunch of people, and I look forward to being able to contribute once I get going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted May 27, 2005 Report Share Posted May 27, 2005 Lure Craft's 502 formula plastic is VERY hard. I don't think you'd need a bit of hardener if you use that. Haven't tried Del's tube plastic, but I hear that's a very durable product too. You can reheat any plastic, as long as it's not made by 3-G corporation. Of course, that's just my opinion. Many of the major companies use 3-G and you will have a miserable time trying to melt down their plastics. My eel bait is a little under 7 inches long. This is one of the few I made with resin. Not perfect, but it does the job for me. Good luck with your new hobby! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rixon529 Posted May 28, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2005 Chris - thanks for the response. I appreciate the info. The color of those eel baits is excellent. The red is an outstanding touch in the middle. By the way, I took a good long look at your website. Very well done, and a terrific offering of styles and sizes. The colors are awesome. Keep up the great work! Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charkins Posted May 28, 2005 Report Share Posted May 28, 2005 I like the Lure Craft 500 plastic for tubes and salt water baits. It is just a little harder than the 502. This is just my preference. Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one. I make some of my molds out of Durham's Water Putty. If sealed properly, I believe it is as good as resin. What I really like are the aluminum molds that Del makes. None better. Cal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted May 28, 2005 Report Share Posted May 28, 2005 My mistake. Cal is right. I forgot about the 500 formula. Now I'M SURE you don't need hardener for that stuff. ....and thanks for the kind words Rick. There is such an abundance of talent on this site and these guys are always willing to help others. Just ask! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
