Thanks for the replies. The optimum 3.5" swimbait doesn't need the bottem side of the tail notched, it some how got hot and retained a memory of a new shape. Instead of the flat side of the tail facing directly back, it it has a bend in the tail and the flat spot points left or right or what ever. This is as if you were to bend the tail in the swimming motion with your finger only thats where the tail wants to stay. Heating with the dryer did help alot but it is not quite hot enough. At work I have a hot air pencil for soldering that I can use to heat her up. I aslo have 5-8" optimum swimbaits that I have not really given a fair shake and will use as follow up to my castaic trout the next time I go out. I will have to buy one of thos rerigged Opsreys from a shop and work on mine. Does Umaxco have the rerigged versions? So this is my second 4# bass on the Castaic, this bait definately works, I just need to buy a second rod now. I have that new Corsair 400 sitting on the counter wispering "just one more rod, just one". I'm already comming down with a wed. or thurs. cold, I can feel it now.