loodkop

I've got my fat free shad tied on and my DD 22 in the box with the lipless cranks.

I have had 3 spinnerbaits break in half in the last couple of months. All 3 broke at the line tie. Which are the strongest s/baits around? The last one broke with a 5 pounder on the line and I don't want a repeat performance. Thanks in advance for the advice.

Weedless. Hollow frogs, toads/buzzfrogs, rats and buzzbaits.

Very neat work.

+1. I love all the cranks. Wish I could get some of those colors in my plastics.

Looks good. What is the size? Now the fun starts playing with color.

Thanks. I will try it out this weekend. If this works it will save me loads of fuel and time.

KVD recommends in his book Bass Strategies that you build an arsenal with rods/reels from the same manufacturer. The reasoning being that you will be able to develop a better "feel" for your tackle and become more efficient. Any thoughts?

What are fin weights and how do they work?

I have had success with chigger craws and speed craws. I'm looking forward to try the rage products asap.

WOW. Those are good looking lures.

I personally like action trailers year round and just fish slower. I like to imagine that my trailer and skirt look alive even when I'm dead sticking. I also like to offer a bigger meal in cold water so I wouldn't downsize to much.

Capt O you have made my day. Thanks. There is lots of dicks in over here. Unfortunately they don't sell tackle.

Congrats. First's are always special.

x2 I would buy all off those if I could find them.

Loodkop is Afrikaans for lead head. I have made a couple of 1000's of them through the years and selling them keeps fuel in my boat.

I buy gear whenever there is a bit of spare cash lying around. ( Not often enough) I think about new gear when I'm awake and might even dream about it as well.

If you are talking about the one piece hard plastic molds like those sold by Barlows no release agent is needed. Just let the lure cool down a bit and it lifts out without any problems.

First is a heat source to melt your plastic. Perhaps the easiest way to start will be a microwave. Use a pyrex cup to heat the plastic in. There are lots of threads on this here on this forum and a search will give more detailed answers on various aspects of the pouring hobby. Just be warned before you start that you will get addicted and will not save money as there will always be a new mold you "need". Working only with remelts only will soon be limiting as well and you will start buying virgin plastisol, coloring, glitter and various additives. Don't hesitate to ask questions as this can shorten the learning curve. Good luck.

I like to work floating worms around lily pads. My "highly scientific" color choice is to match the flowers. Pink lily flowers pink worms. Same with white and yellow. Doing it this way just seems to give me more confidence. I also like to use braid and a leader joined by a small swivel.

Those are very neat. I love the stealth rod! There is just something about the matte blank and dark wrap that screams " serious tool" It might be because of my fly fishing days but I just can't see myself buying or using any of these bright white, orange or red toy rods.

I agree with Fuzzygrub and the Captain. The main reason for making my own is to make colors and shapes nobody else is throwing. Buying plastic in ingots would also mean that I would have to spend time either cutting it to pieces or grinding it down before heating adding an extra step to the process.

Bass eat craw baits and jigs in South Africa where we don't have any freshwater crayfish. IMO bass will eat anything that looks/ acts alive.

I would love to see it in the water. (Preferably at the end of my line).

I know that I should slow down but I find it hard to sit still on a piece of structure or cover when I don't get the bites. It is one off the things I will be working on this year.