you are doing just fine I make mine the same way as you to have a good solid connection. contact Lakeside tell Chuck you want a tell mold he will make you a tale mold for that bait.

it is a good producer I used it last year on the snake River caught a lot of different fish including big perch also some mighty fine crappie with it they sure I've got some bluegills here in Texas with it. also like quite a few smallmouth bass in Oregon with it.
I forgot to mention if you ever do decide to buy a dual injector get a hold of Bass tackle they make the best it is the one that I have it does a beautiful job I will post some of mo bait used in the dual injector to show you.