You can minimize the drips by alternating the hanging of the bait. I hang the bait first by the line tie screw eye. Then turn it around and hang it by the tail end. I leave the tail pins in when I'm refinishing so they don't plug up, and also to have something to hang the bait tail-up. How often to rotate the bait will vary, but every 15 minutes for the first hour makes for a good start. Then rotate as needed from there. Also, applying the finish duing the warmest part of the day will help control the drips.