I've been on the board for a while now and have appreciated everones contributions. Been buried in the workshop a good part of the winter making baits. Here are some random tips regarding the lure making process. They may help someone...
1) I've made 2 pc molds, but find the 1 piece easier to create.
2) Drill a hole in your original where the head pin is located. Place the pin in the original before casting. Also, glue a small washer to the nose of the lure so you have a place for the line tie.
3) Cast your 1 piece mold but make sure you have 2 pour holes so all the air will escape. Put 1 near the tail so you can easily pour different color tails.
4) Slice the top of the mold open long ways with an exacto knife, but don't cut open the tail part.
5) It's harder to apply alumidust to this mold, but it is easier to make.
6) When you are making your brass wire and you slip the tube in one end, pinch it down a bit with pliers so it stays centered when you pour
7) a nail works great for weighting the lure and is much easier than the powder
If you want more colors, Spike-it can be added to the heated alumisol and mixed before you pour. Flourescent green, orange, chartruese and a little scent to boot. Be careful, when you pour in the Spike-it as it will splatter when it hits the hot alumisol.
9) You can also paint on the Spike-it after the lure cools
10) 4-1 ratio of softner works, but 3.5-1 or 3-1 wiggles a lot better, but the lures don't last nearly as long.
If you have questions about the products, call Alumilite. They have the BEST customer service!!
Ive made a 8" (1 piece) and a 11" (2-piece) so far. I was out striper fishing the other day and was getting a few fish on the standard Redfin, metal-lip, swimbait presentations and most of the strikes were tenative. After a while, I decided to give wiggly a try and it really lit them up. More and bigger. Thanks Larry! I sure do appreciate your knowledge sharing. Can't wait to unleash the big one on some Muskies!
Steve