Dipping Hollow Body Baits

I have always wanted to learn to make hollow baits.  I figured I would make up a couple dipping irons and give it a try.  I made the irons out of an old hacksaw blade and my grinder.  I made a paddle tail around 2 1/4" long, and a carrot style bait.  The carrot bait I modeled off bass drop shot baits.  I have done really well along the Eureka jetty on this style using them like a rock cod fly, the blacks and blues love them.  A quantity over quality fish bait usually, but fun!

I really like the look of the stick baits.  I am going to experiment with different thicknesses and see what the rockfish like.  I am afraid too thin would get torn up quickly.  I like the google eyes on them and the last dip in clear plastic really makes them shine and protects the paint and eyes.  A few of these are great, a few are a bit thick but I am still learning.  Definitely some art involved in dipping them.  My first few were rough and got re-melted.

The little paddle tail swim baits move well, but are a bit small for rock fish.  I will probably use them for drop-shotting bass this winter.  They remind me of a sassy shad.  I will make some more irons and play with different sizes.

The hollow belly the iron forms really makes the baits flexible and helps them collapse on a bite.  I can not wait to see how they work as a rock cod fly.  It takes a lot more time to make these than my pour in molds, but it is fun.  No wonder they are so expensive in the shops.  I have some reflective tape I may try to mold into the body as well.  Dipping gives you a lot of options for the look and feel of the bait.


Ready for the Clear Coat


Just Dipped


The Baits and Irons, a little oil helps them slide right off


I like the Yellow Eyes


These need a little more finish work

what is the body material made of just curious? those look like a big ol rock fish would swallow those things right up.

It is just Plasticol built up in many layers by dipping and them allowing each layer to cool slightly.  I get the Phthalate free plastic as it is not quite as toxic and does not smoke as bad.  You can also melt down old worms and swim baits to play with.  I recycle most my old baits once I have enough to melt back down.

Just what I need another hobby!