How do you guys get the hexagonal scale patterns on your crankbaits? is it some kind of stencil that you use?

It's pretty easy. Take a piece of netting (Can be fabric such as the netting from sponges or the bags that produce comes in at the grocery store) and lay it over the lure evenly. Secure it with clips of some sort at the bottom. Spray over the netting with whatever color you like and you then have the scale effect.

Thanks, I am looking to get into painting cranks and that will help tremendously

Strickly for my curiousity... has anyone used a light pearl or white scale pattern over a chrome body?

steve