Hello Guys,

I'm looking for a source of lace or netting for applying a 'scale' look finish on my crankbaits.

I've been making my own crankbaits for a few months (turn mine on a lathe), and have been applying pretty plain finishes on them. They work (catch fish on them), but I'd like to make some to give for Christmas gifts this year, so I'd like to upgrade my finishing techniques.

I remember from the old days (back in the 70's) when they were just starting to use lace and I was contemplating getting into it, there were lace "templates" that were used. Templates as in small plastic squares of patterns that were held an inch or so away from the bait when sprayed. I've done some extensive searching on Google, but can't seem to find any such animal (figured it was a problem with my search terms that I couldn't find anything).

Can anyone give some links to places to get any such material or any lace-like materials I could use?

I did see the posts on foil finishing. Interesting application. Definitely going to try this method as well!

Tight Lines...Chugbug5

Any fabric store or a Walmart will have wedding veil in several size of mesh, $2 will get you enough to do a couple thousand baits.

You may however look a little weird sorting through the veil material but it is the price you pay for membership in baitmaking.

Thanks ___Fish!  I may try to get my wife to pick some up for me (and save myself the embarrasement)!

Tight Lines...Chugbug5

OK. Purchased the material, and tried to put a pattern on a bait. I did get a little bit of a pattern on the bait, but most of the spray was splotchy using regular spray paint (from a can).

Now I have a few more questions...

1. Do you guys use paint from a can or mix up and use one of those tiny touch-up sprayers?

2. Do you tape the netting to the bait or hold it some distance away? (I tried to tape mine to the very bottom of the bait)

Thanks...Chugbug5

Chugbug, there are several ways that this can be done. The two I use the most is put the netting in a needlepoint hoop, do not strech it tight, and hold the bait against the net while shooting one side then flip the bait over and shoot the other side. The other method I use is cut the netting in peices that will fit over your bait with about an inch to spare on each side then pull the netting tight over the bait and secure with spring clothespins on the bottom. Every maker has his own method but those are the two I use most.

Pm me and I'll get you a picture of my setup.

Either way as said above but the clothes pins are a lot faster. Just takes a little practice. Biggest problem is finding different netting. All the places I go only carries two patterns. Also do thin coats of paint and it won't bleed under the netting.

Hi Guys, Thanks for the heip.  I'll give both options a try.  My wife gave me some old hoops, and she has plenty of clothes pins!

Tight Lines...Chugbug5