9 replies to this topic

[Bohica]

What material is being used to make tail fins on swim baits?

[atrophius]

Bohica, on 30 July 2010 - 10:25 AM, said:

What material is being used to make tail fins on swim baits?

Well, some people have made them out of wood, but if your looking for the hair type stuff, it is called friskets. I believe you can get it from fly fishing suppliers.

[Vodkaman]

Some use polycarbonate (lexan), some use molded soft plastic. My choice would be molded gelflex, it is a re-meltable rubber, a bit stronger than the plastics that the softbait guys use.

Dave

[koop]

Geflex sounds like it would work very well, but isn't easy to find in the 'states'. Does anyone know where to find it in the U.S.? Sounds like it would be nice to use for mold making too.

Kent

[Vodkaman]

Try local model shops, phone them first. Better deals available on line.

Dave

[MR KNOW IT ALL KIND OF]

I vote for Lexan. They last longer and you can paint them easy! Plus you can cut and design them to look like a real tail better than you can soft plastics unless your a soft plastic expert which I am not. I HATE SOFT PLASTIC TAILS ON SWIMBAITS.. THEY DONT LAST BUT 1 or 2 FISH PERIOD.

Edited by The_Rookie, 03 August 2010 - 11:05 AM.

[Bohica]

The_Rookie, on 03 August 2010 - 11:04 AM, said:

I vote for Lexan. They last longer and you can paint them easy! Plus you can cut and design them to look like a real tail better than you can soft plastics unless your a soft plastic expert which I am not. I HATE SOFT PLASTIC TAILS ON SWIMBAITS.. THEY DONT LAST BUT 1 or 2 FISH PERIOD.

Thanks guys, appreciate the info, looks like I'll try the Lexan route.
Bohica

[mark poulson]

Bohica, on 04 August 2010 - 07:57 AM, said:

Thanks guys, appreciate the info, looks like I'll try the Lexan route.
Bohica

I use both the plastic dividers from Plano boxes, and the clear plastic tops from tubs of guacamole I buy at the market.
If you want bristle tails and fins, you can use paint brushes. They come in both natural bristles, and nylon, and, with patience, you can make them work.

[DeltaMan]

atrophius, on 31 July 2010 - 06:35 AM, said:

Well, some people have made them out of wood, but if your looking for the hair type stuff, it is called friskets. I believe you can get it from fly fishing suppliers.

i thought they were called fibbets?

[Smallie]

DeltaMan, on 16 August 2010 - 10:00 PM, said:

i thought they were called fibbets?

They are. Friskets is a masking material that has a light adhesive like a post it.