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G finish with nail art powder? I have been continuing to experiment, this time foiling with nail art film. I made some notes about these experiments on the comments

Dont fool yourself into thinking you cant modify a mold for a bigger hook. It can be as difficult as a cnc mill, or as simple as a drill bit to enlarge the hook eye and a triangle file to open the shank opening. Or the redneck approach is to put the bigger hook in, align it perfectly and whack the mold closed with a hammer.

Might try eurethane in a vacuum pot. Works for me, but it takes a little longer to cure.

I learn something new here ALL the time , so much inspiration and admiration , thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge and passing it on

FYI - I picked up the Slider hooks 2/0 and 3/0 sizes..... they are alot more beefy in wire size (.050" and .055") than I'd thought they would be considering they are "slider" hooks... figured I'd let you guys know in case anyone was interested in the hooks - I like the strength as my goal is to use them in the weeds anyway. Also.... the 3/0 Black Nickel hooks must be tempered as bending back and forth on the bend near the hook eye will break it... but the 2/0 hooks (bronze) I was able to twist the eye up to 90 degrees - back past the original position - and then back into original position.... so if you want something you can adjust a little to make your jig just as you like - these may be the ticket. J.

I could send you a picture of a broken 18lb test super-braid. That is all that was left after a LMB hit my mini mouse.

This is kind of what I had in mind

Hey Mark, I still use etching primer for my lead jigs , like you mentioned. The spray jig with paint and clearcoat. It has worked for me for many years and still does today.

When I paint bismuth and use powder paint, I have to lower the temp, so I don't melt the bismuth. Other than that, I have no problem pouring lead-free. Some molds release the bismuth better than others. The ones I found that are easier to release are jigs with smooth surface and no features on their sides. Like a round head jig, Bullet bass, or football jig. The Poison Tail mold is troublesome, but I manage to get good pours. I know there is a lot of debate about lead and lead-free jigs, but I try to accommodate everyone.

Thats a great feeling isnt it. I once gave a lure to a tourney fisherman that had taken me out on his boat a few times. Just as a gift. He was in a tourney later that year and the bite was tough. Only two fish were weighed that day and the winner hit my lure. He ordered three of them after that. One to throw, one as a backup, and one as a display.

Was so glad to see the community still here after years away. Irreplaceable resource.

I think these look much better in the water... https://store.do-itmolds.com/Ultra-Minnow-BladebrSz-34-1-1-14-1-12brHk-Mustad-TR78NP-2-or-4_p_1269.html

vibratos are lead jigs with center tie and hooks on each end. They fall horizontally and vibrate like crazy. I fished them in 3 sizes for rockfish and they didn't fish any better than other jigs. Lot more resistance cranking them in because of the design and center tie. Available in sizes up to 10 oz. Bottom line: nothing special, more work to fish.

I completely agree. What an amazing resource. The info I've gathered here has taught me everything I know! And all the amazing lures in the gallery keep giving me inspiration to get better and try other techniques!

A pair of locking forceps can grip a hook hanger while you paint or epoxy a rattle bait. After clearcoating, I transfer the bait to an alligator clip on my turner. Yes, it can sometimes flop around a little while turning but it never falls off. It all depends on what equipment set up you start with as to how you get it done.

I use the lacquer version a lot. When sprayed over white you get a blue sheen on the white. The darker the background color is the more pronounced the blue color. Over black you will get a beautiful iridescent blue. In the picture you can see the colors it produces over black starting with green on the tail to blue to red to gold.