Back to luremaking, the octopus.....

Well I finally got around to cleaning the shop and making a few lures again.  I made up an octopus master a while back and finally got around to making a mold from it.  I need to get some RTV silicon to make better molds, as I just used household silicone for this one.  Had to patch a few voids, but overall the mold came out pretty good.  I am happy with the results.

They are 6" in length.  I may play around with gluing some lure eyes on them for more appeal.

I figure the bait can be put on a hook and leader, and allowed to drift the bottom; or placed on a lead head and jigged.  There is enough meat on them, that the head could even be cut down to match up with a brown colored jig head (like a spires jig head).  I will play around with some different setups.  I hope it will be a lingcod and cabazon killer!

Here are a few of the first pours.  I have found the baits seem to improve after the mold "breaks in", or maybe I just get better at pouring individual molds    I have to find my round trimmer as the scissors I used on these just are not as clean cutting the flashing.  That is what i get for waiting so long before getting back to lure making, all my stuff is scattered!



Let me know what you think!

Matt

those look really cool, nice work, cant wait to hear how they fish, cameron

look sweet. so will a lead head hook come out the top (between the eyes) or will the length of the shank have in come out the back?

that is a thing of beauty...deadly. I can almost see the surprised look the huge ling is gonna have when he tries to crunch down o that thing!

can you make a slit and slip in a couple of googly eyes just under the surface?

those will make awsome trailers on a jig

that is a thing of beauty...deadly. I can almost see the surprised look the huge ling is gonna have when he tries to crunch down o that thing!

can you make a slit and slip in a couple of googly eyes just under the surface?

I just happen to have some eyes on hand.  There is enough of a slot, I think i can slide some eyes right into it.  I bet if I order some of the lure eyes with the "cat" pupils, they would look fantastic.  I do like big eyes on my lures.  I still have the master, so can alter it for a different style.  I will play with it some and post up some pictures.  I will also insert a jighead and post some pictures of what it looks like.

EWB, I bet this would work great as a trailer behind those squid heads, or off an ear jig head, it would give them a lot of movement.



Maybe my next project 

Matt

Matt,

   you always make great gear! Can't wait to see you at the cove!

              Greg

Can't wait to see these things in action.

Well here are a couple of rigging ideas.  I may play with the ball heads more, as I think it has potential.  I used the end of a flux brush to cut out the eye a little more.  I played with a craft jewel eye and a stick on lure eye.  I really like the look with the eyes.  Gives it that little extra, but is likely catching me more than the fish 

The first head is a 6oz Spires Head, poured without a shank.  The lure is held in place with a drop of super glue.

The second is a 4oz ball squid head.  I attached a 8/0 straight shank hook with a split ring.  I really like the look of this lure!  It would allow for a lot of action.

I used brown acrylic on the heads just to give me an idea of the look.  I will likely powder paint them when I go to make more.  Maybe black and browns on the lead heads.

I also poured a couple more baits while playing with these.  The mold is really starting to work great, as the new pours are very nice and smooth.  I am using a brown plastic with purple and black glitter and a bit of salt.  i may have to try some different colors as well.

Here they are:









Matt

Oh ya, ling candy for sure!

yeah that split ring one for sure. nice action when jigging I am sure! A round ball with a right angle hook would be cool. basically a ball with a hook out the back and the eye on the top

EWB, something like this?



I modified my 4oz and 6oz ball molds a while back to accept a straight shank hook, before I bought the spires head molds.  I also considered placing a stainless wire in the hooks place, and twisting a hook or swivel on.  I have some 300lb stainless wire that would work great.  If I can dremel in another slot for a brass eye, it would be perfect.  I do like the little squid heads though!  The lure has much more action with that set-up.  I will have to order some hooks like you used on your squid jigs.  Something that can be crimped in place and keep an upright posture.  Maybe I will finally be able to put my modified weight molds to use, although they still make great weights!

Matt

I'll try to be the first one in line come GSV to buy some of your lures Matt. See you
then brother.

Jedmo

I'll try to be the first one in line come GSV to buy some of your lures Matt. See you
then brother.

Jedmo

I'll be right behind ya 

yep....you got it. A eye there would be awesome to attach the hook with a split ring....great action.