The Hunt For Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg

Will Alumifoam float a 5/0 jig hook?

it depends on the size of the head and the weight of the hook. If I had to guess, I'd estimate it would take a head about the size of a two or three ounce lead head jig to float a size 5/0 standard shank jig head. I use it on poppers about the size of a 3/4 ounce lead head and it floats a 2/0 humpshank popper hook just fine.
best
L

I am working on floating swim jigs. I am using a 1oz. mold cavity. The hooks are Mustad 32886bln. I am trying to decide the best method to use, 2 part foam or EPS beads. If possible, I would prefer the 2 part, since I also have several rtv molds of the jig head. I have micro balloons also.

I have been using AlumiRes. While it does not float the jig, it does make it slower sinking.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

The alumifoam will provide more floatation than will the alumires mixed with maximum micro balloons. The other foams 310 and 620 are more even buoyant but not nearly as strong.
I would give the alumifoam a try. Mix it as per instructions, and be sure to stir until it goes from cream color to more like coffee.
To increase it's buoyancy you can add a tiny, tiny amount of water; like one drop.
best
L

Thank you Larry! I will place my order for the Alumifoam shortly. Hopefully, I will have some pictures to post soon there after.

i'm curious what you're fishing for if you don't mind my asking? I'm certain you can get it to float your hook if you make a longer cylinder along the shank, even if it's only a little thicker than a pencil.
best
L

Largemouth. Using it over matted grass.

aha! might have to do some messing around to get the hook to ride with the point up, but sounds like a good idea.
best
L

Thanks for the replies sir. I have my Alumifoam on the way. One more question. Since I am looking for buoyancy, if needed, can microballoons be added into the Alumifoam?

nope, I don't think that would help, since it's a foam.
best
L

Tracking shows my order should be here Monday. Cannot wait to try it out.

If you need more buoyancy, simply go to the 610 Foam which expands more and will give you the buoyancy you are looking for. You can also mix the AlumiFoam and 610 Foam to achieve rigid foam with a buoyancy between the two.

Mike

As for now, the Alumifoam seems to be doing the trick. While not ready for primetime yet, the jigs are doing awesome. I plan to field test more on Guntersville in a couple of weeks.

Mike- If I do try the mix of Alumifoam and 620, is it simply a matter of mixing up some Alumifoam, mixing up some 620 and then mixing them together? Is it possible to do a 1:1:1:1 mix ratio in the same container?

Thanks in advance.

I would suggest mixing part A with part A and part B with part B in what ever ratio you decide, then combine the two mixtures and mix as usual.
Pretty sure if you try it the other way it will go off before you are ready.
good luck
L

Yeah ... follow Uncle Larry's lead on this. For example:

Measure 10 grams of 610 A with 10 grams of AlumiFoam A and mix thoroughly ... then simply add 20 grams of B side. The B sides of the two are the same but if you'd like to keep your bottles equal ... use 10 grams of B side from each the 610 and AlumiFoam B sides.

You will get a mid density and expansion between the two systems.

Mike