Making up some more lures.

Well I have been playing with my lure crafting this last few weeks.  I have been busy so have just fitted in a little here and a little there.

I made up quite a few but wanted to make them a little more detailed.  I spent some time making new stencils today.  I just had some simple hand cut stencils I made before.  I am still learning the airbrush and also found by turning down the pressure I don't get so much paint blown under the stencils.  The lures with the upgraded stencils I am working on are really looking good. 

Here is an older batch of jigs.  The flutter jigs are all epoxy coated and painted with createx paint.  The heads are powder paint coated and baked.







I have been playing around with a 6oz flutter lure.  I am making my own stainless inserts.  They are made in a bondo mold and were coming not as smooth as I would like.  I had to sand and grind down the rough spots on the lead by hand.  So I spent some time fairing up the mold and coating it to get a little smoother pour.  I can't wait to try the improved mold.  Still these should work fine.



I made up the assist hooks from 5/0 octopus hook and braided line.  I slipped a small piece of plastic tubing over the line between the hook and the swivel to stiffen it up and protect the line.  They worked out well and are more labor intensive, but cheaper than store bought.

I have made up quite a few so far  .  Each side of this crate is covered in flutter jigs and heads.  I also have 4 tackle trays and a wood box full of lead heads and flutter jigs!  I definitely have a surplus.  It is an addiction………



I started doing some triple colored plastic pours.  I have gotten better and am getting some real nice clean lines.



A few little “Tadpoles” for the rockfish



I also started rigging some of my squid lures.  I used a doll needle to run a hook and leader thru the bait.  A drop of super glue holds the hook upright and in place.  I hope to see these get munched by the halibut in Humboldt Bay this year!  I bet the rockfish will like them as well.



I am open to suggestions or different patterns to try.  What lure colors and patterns have been a favorite of everyone lately?  I am still trying to make my lures store bought pretty, but of course the fish don’t seem to be as picky as I am.

I will be having a lead for lure program at GMS 4.  I am happy to trade lures for wheel weights, old sinkers, flashing lead, ect!

Thanks, Matt

Love that crate display    Can't wait til RF season open!

Rootbeer flake scampi or a green/blue swimbait with a red stripe.

I definately need to try that red stripe swimbait amphibian.  I will make up some more rootbeer scampi's.  I have some black and purple flakes I can put in them.

I went out and tried out my new stencils.  I really like the 6oz stencils.  I will have to play around with the 4oz stencils more.  I made them a little too "busy".  Here are the half finished lures.  I will let them dry and add the eyes and epoxy coat them.







Matt

Those jigs are looking really good!

I almost dumped a box of old sinkers.  Let me know how to get them to you.

Like this stripe but a little longer. I have about 30 lbs of lead for you.

Great work Matt,

If you are going to turn any head knockers and gaffs?,
 I have a gaff hook in need of one of your handles 
let me know if so and I'll send you the hook and some $$$


I thought you were over at the coast this weekend?

Let it rain, the lakes need it!

Tad
 

Good work Matt.  Those flutter jigs are looking really good.  Looks like a fun hobby for winter time.

very good work.....i've never dropped an Iron, but have seen them out-fish the swimbaits at times.....but maybe not THOSE swimbaits!
VERY GOOD!! 

seems the Fish Trap Brands rip/tear easy. Bill(NCKA founder) made some years ago and those out lasted the FTs. he mentioned a stronger material was out there.....i know nothing of this stuff, just wondering if all of the pouring materials are beter now, than before.

YOUgotSKILLZ!

Hey Tad, no problem.  I can turn you out a nice handle and rope it.  We need to meet up when this monsoon is over for a bass trip anyways. 

Thanks FisHunter.  I have been using Lurecraft 500 and 550 saltwater plastic.  It is pretty tough stuff.  It isn't as flexible as the softer plastics but swims fine and holds up well.  I tend to loose them to the rocks well before the fish have properly torn them up 

I like the looks of a swimbait, but the simplicity of the irons.  The irons do get down quicker with less weight.

Grumpy, hold on to those.  We can meet up somewhere along the line.  Either a tourney or I hope to head to Monterey a few times this next year for some sand dabs and some diving.

Amphibian, i just poured some red throat swim baits.  I have not demolded them yet, but will post a picture when I do.

Thanks all, I just epoxy coated anotehr batch of flutters.  The cooler weather is slowing down the paint and epoxy cures, but I am not in any big hurry.

Matt

I'll be the first in line to buy some of those goodies come Shelter Cove Matt. Nice
work bro.

Jedmo

Nice job Matt.  Looks like you've had some time on your hands.  Andy

Thanks guys, I really enjoy making the stuff.  I really like that I am finally getting better at painting and pouring!

Amphibian, here are my first trys at a red belly pour.  Give me your critique.  Should the red be more translucent?  The 4 color pour is definitely more time consuming.  It is hard to keep 4 different colors hot and I have to watch out for drips down the sides of the mold.  I may also try adding some lines like a mackerel to dress them up a little more.  I still need to trim the flashing and flame these, but they give you an idea so you can give me some suggestions on how to proceed.  I consider these "proto types" so far.



Also here is my new 6oz Mackerel iron epoxy coated and ready for hooks.  I really like how the stencil came out.



Matt

Great stuff Matt, Ill buy some too.