Getting started in soft plastics

[5150bass]

I would like to start making my own soft plastics, mainly worms, senkos, grubs and maybe tubes.  My main question is how much money would I be looking at to get started?  I would like to make my own shaped bait, not just copy another bait.  Also, what equipment would I need to get started?

Thanks a lot,

5150bass

[Glenn]

These should help:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/pouring_plastic.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/pouring_plastic_worms_supplies.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/pouring_plastic_worms.html

Enjoy!

[SENKOSAM]

You asked for it, so here goes ;D

1.Read the articles that Glenn has links to. Since I wrote them, I've discovered even more tip (which I should have Glenn edit into them.)

2. Plastic cost is dependent on shipping distance. M-F seems to be the most reasonable and have the best quality plastic that is consistent. Del has been having a bit of trouble with Calhoun and bad batches have gone out to customers. (I still like Calhoun's the best.)

3. To make your own designs, you have to have a model. The more detailed the model as far as super thin appendages and tails, the more difficult the mold and pour. Keep it as simple as possible. Only professional injection molds can easily pour the tiny detailed stuff!

4. Dye colors are many and it only takes drops, not teaspoons, to color a 1 cup of plastic.

5. Glitter is cheap (I sell it in 4 sizes and in 22 colors) and a little also goes a long way. There is no lure I make that doesn't contain glitter, especially black and sometimes dye isn't needed.

6. Aluminum molds are well worth the cost depending on the lure design. Two part mold produce texture and roundness on all sides; one part molds from Lurecraft.com do not. The finish is glossy for metal molds, flat for silicone molds (LC) I make many copies of baits using plaster from Home Depot (Can you imagine how many molds you can make from 20 lbs. at $7!! Don't waster your money at craft stores or Walmart for plaster!) I save plastic tv dinner trays and margerine cups for plaster mold trays.

7. Very talented handpourers lurecrafters in this forum will always be able to help answer all questions related to a hobby they've spent a lot of time at, which is evident by their on-line sales.

8. A $29 microwave from Walmart is the easiest way to heat plastic as long as it is done in 20 second increments with stirring in between. Electric burners are okay to keep large amounts heated, but you electric bill will shy rocket.

9. Salt can be added for weight/texture. but it works best if ground fine in a cheap coffee grinder.

A friend recommended a super market brand, which is supposed to stay suspended in hot plastic.

Remember, plastic floats without a hook and slowly falls with hook rigged.

10. Tubes can be made, but the skirt cutter is key. Lurecraft just came out with one, but I haven't heard of reports as to how easy to use and thinness of strands. Tubes take much more time to make, especially if they are double and triple dipped. (I dip Tender Tubes from Bass Pro in salted plastic and they work great.)

11. Once you and your friends catch fish on lures you've made, you will be hooked!!

Get started and have fun!