Steven Ladner

Nice fish Big Rick, looks like the bait held up well.

Really like 1 and 3

Nice, healthy fish. Gotta love that RT toad

Some nice baits you've been posting. I really like the second photofinish. Your clear looks incredible, real clean looking.

I really like the shades of green you used for it, nice scaling also. For the blue, you may try to blend it into the bait with the airbrush and have softer edges. Or you could try more of a transparent blue on the face. Overall though, it looks good

I really like the shallow diver in the first picture.

Don't hesitate on buying their cranks. H2Os and LCs are the majority of the baits in my crankbait arsenal.

You're already at the right place. Do a search in the fishing articles here on the site for in depth information on techniques for fishing jigs and crankbaits

I like the scaled spots on the first one. And the wake bait looks nice as well.

Looks good. Has a real unique body style. How's the action?

I'm looking into upgrading my airbrush at the moment to an Iwata. Wanted to hear some honest input on which one I should get from those with experience using them. Price doesn't matter. Thanks!

Nice set of baits Mike. You nailed the striper.

Looks good so far. I look forward to seeing the finished product.

Went last night for the first time this season with plenty of shallow water success. I stayed with 2 lures all night: 1. Rage Tail Space Monkey T-Rig W/ 1/8oz Weight 2. Strike King Double Take Buzzbait I didn't fish with the most famous topwater lure since the other 2 were doing so well...But you can not go wrong with an Arbogast Jitterbug, this bait is second to none.

I've used both and personally like the etex more. Either of them do well, but I think etex seems more user frinedly, performs better, and also looked like it had a cleaner finish. But both have they're advantages and disadvantages. Hopefully some others chime in. BTW, Etex can be picked up at Micheals.

Those are some fine looking baits. I'm not sure what he plans on fishing for, but I know fishing a 7.2oz bait would have me worn out by the end of the day.

Im lliking the pattern on #2.

Bears Baits sells everything you'll need to get started, including starter kits. He also has a helpful customer support forum

Nice ones, the second one looks like it would have some flash to it.

You Da Man! Great for hand painting as well

That is the sexiest bait I've seen in bass fishing so far. You may make the best custom swimbaits I've seen, your up there with TaterHog.

Cool little popper too. How long does it take you to make one?

#2 and #3 look killer

Xcalibur's XR50s and XR75s are superior lipless cranks.

This one is my favorite as well. May not be cheap, but they're worth every penny.