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I'm thinking of buying 3 molds that would mold 99% of the sizes & shapes I use to single pole. A 20+ cavity mold is fine, I have time to run multiple batches. If anyone here has an idea of the basics I should have I am asking for your input. The molds are different brands, not sure if one brand injector will work with all 3.
Start out with a small mold to see if you like it with the 4 ounce injector don’t try to go too big too fast.
You'll need molds, colorant, glitter, plastisol & an injector atleast. Whatever you do let your first mold or molds be something that you know without a doubt that you'll use the baits you make with it all the time then branch out from there. I started making bass lures & even though i've sold & traded some molds i still have around 30. Now i've bought & traded around & got 4 crappie lure molds so far too. I'll also have to buy more colorant because most crappie lures aren't the same colors i'll use for bass & I'll need a few different colors of glitter too. It can a very expensive hobby but if you don't get carried away & buy things just because you think they're cool it's really not that bad a deal & also another very enjoyable part of fishing that you can do when you can't fish. I make 90% of the things i use. My wife says i'll never use what i have hanging on my garage wall now. Ifshe only knew. :Rofl
I have been buying the BG shads when BPS puts on sale but find the "soft" formula does not catch more fish for me. Southern Pro baits work better for me but I can't get the profiles I have discovered catch the most fish. I fish with 3 profiles, 6 colors, and catch 3500+ crappie a year. I don't keep that many. There are colors that I have found catch Coastal Crappie far better than the interior lake colors.
Personally I don't care for a lot of flash. If fishing a translucent color a basic hologram flake is what is in the baits I use. Solid colors catch as many fish for me as elaborately colored, complex colored baits. Before I order the three molds, plastic, flake, dye, injector, etc the membership's advice is greatly sought. It may not be worth the effort but I pour my own jigheads and they Smoke store bought stuff. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to advise.
I also believe that you should start with a few small aluminum 10 cavity molds and an aluminum injector and see how it goes. Anything with a minnow like appearance would be my recommendations for the type of molds to look for. For Crappie I would prefer a 1.5 inch or 2.0 inch mold.
Mike
I have had time to look at equipment and a 4oz dual injector will work very well with the small 1-1.5in stinger shad sizes. Making 6 colors max would cover all my needs. If anyone has an idea of the Plastic softness of a BGBS that would be great to know. I don't like the softness of those so I don't want to buy or formulate plastic that soft. Another question, I can't see buying a single injector then later buying a dual unit. Seems it would be prudent to just buy the dual unit and only use one side as needed. Do y'all agree with that logic?
Most baits are made from medium plastic. I usually work in 4 ounce batches & if I want my baits firmer I just mix medium with hard. On my tubes I mix them 2 ounces medium to two ounces hard& they work great. You can do the same on any bait you want. What are the 6 colors you use?
Rojoguio,
M-F Manufacturing is a good company for Plastisol but lately I have been using Bait Plastics.
Bait Plastic PM 152-000 Soft lure Plastisol or Bait Plastic PM 212-000 Medium Lure Plastisol.
Both of these do a great job. For what you are desiring to do I would get the 2.5 " stinger shad type lure. Two tone your lures if you have a dual injector with a creamy color for the belly and light grey colorant with soft plastic small silver glitter in it for the top side. Those small silver glitters really resemble scales.
BE SURE AND READ ALL OF THE DO'S and DON'TS in making soft plastics. Here is that link. https://www.crappie.com/crappie/diy-...soft-plastics/
LOOK AT AS MANY YOU TUBE VIDEOS on making soft plastic baits just to further educate yourself.
Finally, practice with small aluminum molds, in my opinion, before investing in large size aluminum molds. Personally, I advise people to stay clear of plastic molds with plastic plungers in them. You will soon want the aluminum mold.
Mike
I highly recommend bait plastic in the medium for your plastic need.Quote:
Originally Posted by shipahoy41
Thank you again for your help. I will take your advice. Kinda exciting, we poured our own lead from the early 70's, saltwater stuff. I have been pouring my own freshwater heads for the last 40 years. Never making plastics we bought our plastics from Mr. Humpheries thru retailers in New Orleans. Now the prospect of making my own plastics will give me sleepless nights dreaming of what can be cooked up.