I think I'm getting closer to 'fishy'. I know it's round and not fish shaped like the new breed of plugs, but this one definately swims more like a fish with it's side to side movement.

I tried to use more subtle colors that would work during the day or at night. This one is loud! It's got a nice loud 'clack' with the double joint. It's also got a rattle in it between the lip and the front hook. I haven't had it anywhere where I could crank it down yet, just test it, but I don't think it will go down more than maybe 1 foot. It's 9' (9.5 with this tail) and 3.8 oz. I'm still using spray paint :P but it works.

Again, I'm not planning on selling these. I just don't feel like I have anything special to offer that you can't already get. And they take waaayyyyy too long to make! Just sharing and looking for some feedback. Constructive criticism is good :-)

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/3250.jpg

Looking great Jake!!..I bet your dying to throw that sucker..Nathan
www.Bettencourtbaits.com

Thanks Nathan.

Yea, something about a swimming pool...just not the same :)

Looks like a cool plug, hope you stick a toad on it.

FIT

I like the pale color and the taxedermy eye. Always cool to have your own modified and custom stuff :)

Looking very fishy, nice job with on the paint with a spray can. I have dabbled a bit in making plugs,I know what you mean about the time issue. It finally makes sense to just buy them but it's still fun to make one yourself and fool a fish to bite your own creation. I have had a hard time with the paint job myself, yours looks real good.

What hooks do you have on the bait, if you don't mind?

Trev-

Jake that one is sweet looking! I bet it would even work well in the delta since it has a color that almost looks like a squaw fish and yet still looks sort of trouty! I don't know how your doing such good paint jobs w/ spray paint it looks real good!

Thanks guys! It's just a hobby. Gives me something to do when I should be pouring baits }( And yes, you're definately better off just buying them ;-)

The hooks are black Matzuo 3/0 front and 2/0 rear. But don't waste your time buying them! They are very, very sharp...when you get a good one. Out of 50 hooks, I threw out about 10 and had to touch up about 30 x( There is no quality control on their hooks, so once you weed through all the bad ones, it's not a good deal anymore!!!

Jake have you found the points on there hooks are crap? I had some of there worm hooks and everytime I got snagged I came back w/ no point :-(

Thanks Jake for the heads up on those hooks. They had a unique shape that I haven't seen too much, not the typical round bend.

Trev-

Trev, that's what I like about them, the shape. When you get a fish, they stay hooked good.

But what I don't like is what TM mentioned, the points. They're not the traditional cone points. They are needle sharp, but that makes them needle thin. The hook points roll real easy. I always carry a diamond file with me just in case. It only takes 10 or 15 seconds to touch up the tip, but I shouldn't have to do it!

Like I said, I'll never buy them again. I've still got about 50 of them in red and black 1/0 to 3/0. I'm too cheap to just throw them out :P

Just read what I typed before I hit the 'post message'. Kinda makes me worry. I thought "If the points roll that easy on small wood, what about the rock hard, trout slurping lips of a bass"? I think I'll be changing some hooks :o

Jake did you make a little tail mold or just pour a flat pice and cut one out?

It's kind of embarrasing. I pour plastics and my tail is the worst part of my bait :+

I haven't taken the time to actually make a mold yet. I made a temporary mold out of Sculpey. I didn't even cook it. I just spray with pam or put some worm oil in it. Before it cools all the way, I turn the mold over onto a piece of aluminum. That makes both sides of the tail shiny. It's amateur, but it works for now :-)

Yeah I did'nt make one yet either. On those trebels you should just get VMC outbarbs I am not sure if they make them big enough though? They are definatley the stickiest hooks around though


Ps here is a swimbait I just made it is just like a slammer but I added 1.5oz of weight so it will run much deeper. I only did the easy part my friend painted it for me.

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/3252.jpg

I just repainted a slammer. This is my first swimbait paint job.
Is there a good way to clean & repolish scratched up glass eyes?
http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/3266.jpg

rub a thin coat of devcon on them with a pair of vinyl/latex gloves. brings back the depth and fills in the scratches.

All of you guys have some great stuff,i'm now considering taking a wood shop and art class at college next semester.lure making 101 tthat would be a great class ..I wish ...brian