I made it this weekend.  Went with a basic design for my first try.  Thinking about going with a shiny silver to black fade for the paint.

I carved it from poplar instead of balsa.  Does anyone know if that is to hard of a wood?  It's buoyancy seemed good.  I wanted something strong.

The bait looks great, very nice job on carving/sanding.   If that's a floating walk the dog style bait, I think your balast weight is to far forward.    If it does not work like you want, try moving your balast weight behind the belly hanger.   That will keep the head of the bait up above the water.

Poplar is a pretty heavy wood for top water but I know Musky guys make baits out of it.   I prefer balsa due to the light weight, makes for a very jumpy top water bait.   If you seal the balsa correctly you will not have any problems.

Thanks Big M.  If I was to add a lip to it and make it more of a diver, would the weights be good where they are?

BTW:  Your cranks are awesome.

i say you seal the bait and go test it, see if you're satisfied with the action it has.

if not you could try adding a lip. that seems like it would be easier than trying to relocate already installed ballast weights.

Test it first before you change anything.   To answer your question, the position of the balast weights would be good for a jerk bait.

^^^^^^^^listen to Marty, he's the man^^^^^^^^^ What' s up BIGM???

I put the lip on today.  Does it matter what type of paint I use if I will be sealing it with epoxy?  I used testors model paint.