a while ago i painted up a smallmouth off the top of my head,and i made it real bronze. my friend said he didn't like that and said the smallmouths where he lives are more green, and he showed me a reference picture of what they look like.

so when his bait arrived i repainted it using the picture as a guideline. i think it turned out okay. he likes it better than the factory paintjob and thats what matters

so which is the real one.

Nice job.

nice! you got some mad skillzz

lol! thanks guys.

What do you use to paint on the scale pattern, I'm assuming it some sort of mesh?

aquarium net:

D-  great idea.  thanks.

no problem. they're cheap too! like a dollar or two at walmart. i cut the netting out of mine and plan on throwing it in the washing machine when there is too much paint crusted up on it.

a bait net is probably cheaper with the same size net.

Nice color, looks just like the little ones I catch every now and again in the creeks.

a bait net is probably cheaper with the same size net.

bait nets have much larger holes. here is a bait where i used a bait net for the larger background scales and an aquarium net for the finer detail scales:

the bait net i used there was one of the 5 dollar ones in the fishing section of walmart, the net is about 10 inches across. they also have little 1 dollar baitwell dip nets which have rectangular holes which i don't like at all. the holes are still as big as the ones on the 5 dollar bait nets.

Thanks for the tip!

That looks awesome Dave, and thanks for the aquarium net, how did I not think of that lol!

thanks and you're welcome! what have you been using for scales? im always looking for different scale patterns.

Looks perfect. I like the natural patterns you've posted.

BTW, I saw the thread on TU about painting the bluegill stripes. Let us know how Tom's method works out for you if you don't mind.

I just use the net I found at Joanns fabric, they only have the coarse and fine types of "tulle" Like you I am always on the lookout for new netting. I have my eye on my wifes "lufa" (sp?)

Looks perfect. I like the natural patterns you've posted.

BTW, I saw the thread on TU about painting the bluegill stripes. Let us know how Tom's method works out for you if you don't mind.

definitely will.