ifish2

Hey bug11! I solved that problem on all my molds by modifying the molds. I used a dremel tool to cut the cavity for the hook eye larger to allow the hook to lay straight in the mold. Its very easy to do & only takes a few minutes to cut both sides of each cavity. This allows the hook to lay properly in the mold. Just be careful to not cut into the jig cavity. Use the small bit that resembles an end mill to remove material from the top of the hook eye cavity. Remove just enough to allow the hook to lay straight & repeat on other side of mold. Hope this helps! Good luck & good fishing! Tim

Welcome aboard Wilmy! Lots of knowledgeable lure builders here...should get all the help you need. I wish you many hours of fun & enjoyment in your new hobby! Check out the forums section...many of the questions you would ask probably have already been asked & you can find the answers there. If you can't find an answer to a question just ask....someone will respond with an answer or point you in the right direction. Have fun! Tim

I think it is a stainless steel leader wire used in deep sea fishing. Janns Netcraft sells it in 1/4 lb coils. I usually just order it already cut to length to save me time & its not that expensive. I only use piano wire to make big night time spinnerbaits with a big colorodo blade on them. Piano wire vibrates harder which is desireable at night. Piano wire is not a durable as stainless but does have its place.

Hey Bassbandit25! I have used envirotex lite, devcon 2, flexcoat, & auto clears. All seem to be good clear coats. Epoxy type clears are brushed on & you must have a turning wheel to keep the baits turning at a slow speed to allow the epoxy to flow & smooth out. The auto clear I use is a 2 part polyurathane that mixes 4 parts clear 1 part hardner. you should be able to buy it at your local auto parts store. Don't use the ready to spray clear coat......must be the 2 part! the 2 part is much more durable & i think most people spray about 6 coats. The epoxys usually only require 1 to 2 coats. I use them on smooth baits that I want a Norman gelcoat look. On baits with detail like scales, mouth, eyes, & gills molded into the bait I like to use the auto clear because it doesn't fill in the detail of the bait. Use caution when spraying 2 part auto clear, very harmful to your health, a proper respirator & paint booth are a must for spraying indoors! You can do a search & find all the info you are looking for. There are many knowledgable people on hear & you should have no problem getting your questions answered. Do a search first though because most of your questions will have already been asked & answered. Hope this helps! Good luck! Tim

Thanks BassinMaumee! Thats a cool idea! I am painting these for walleye! The spring run is getting ready to start & they feed on lots of trout in the river. This is a wake bait & i think it will perform well. Most walleye here are caught on top at night by fishing a #11 rapala reeled very slow causing the bait to stay on top just making a slight wake. I am hoping this bait will get there attention for I am sure they have never seen it before. With all the competition on the stream I hope this lure & another wake bait I purchased will help me catch a few! Still have to paint the other bait but will post a pic when i get it done. Tim

Thanks guys! I have been making hand crafted lures for 15 years now but just started airbrushing this past spring & I love it! The pic really doesn't do it justice! I havent figured out the trick to taking good pics to show the detail. Those paints are metallic with a fine glitter in them but you really can't see it in the photo. It has a pearl belly, silver sides, green back, copper stripes which is more of a pink, & 6 coats of 2 part auto clearcoat. Thanks again! Tim

Hey there! I use stainless steel wire in sizes .035 & .040. I use the .035 for 1/4 oz. & .040 for 3/8 & 1/2 oz. Piano wire i usually use .035. I have been using these for 15 years with no problems. I usually buy the straight shafts with the bend in the end for the hook. You can order them in 6" & 7-1/2" lengths. I like these because they are ready to pour. Hope this helps! Have fun! Tim

Just melt the other end of the weed guard together & bake at a lower temp for longer period of time. Melting the end of the weed guard together keeps it from deforming when you bake it. I bake mine @ 250 deg. for 30 min. Do-it also makes a heat resistant tubing you can slide over the weed guard to protect it during baking. i know this is a little late but i hope it helps! Good luck! Tim

Check out this Mega Bass Anthrax knockoff I got from Predator Bass Baits. I painted it in rainbow trout. What do you think?