I got some earlier this year.  I like them and they seem to have a nice action.  They've produced a few fish for me.  But the friggin' paint chips off with the slightest knock.   Has anyone else experienced this?  Can I spray these with a eurathane or something to toughen up the finish?

I am a huge Bagley fan, and I have had some similar issues with them.  I have heard that some people have used clear nail polish over the finish to prevent chipping.  I have not tried it, but will be soon.

I have the same problem, I have a giant Bagley collection, and I ding them up pretty regularly, I have a huge pile to fix. What I have heard from Big M and Stringjam is that you need to coat the bagleys with something called Devcon Epoxy.  You can get it from WalMart.  Apparently it is way tougher than whatever Bagley uses for a clear coat, but I haven't tried it yet.  Hopefully then can better tell you the process.

Yup, same issue. I just keep having to buy more. :

Sorry for the late reply here.   You can use devcon 2ton epoxy to give those baits a good clear coat.    Make sure it's 2ton not the 5min stuff.

You will need to rotate the bait slowly for about 15-20 min while the epoxy cues, then hang to fully cure for 24hrs.    This is the only product I use on my baits.

Feel free to PM me if you need some help.

Big M - How fast to you rotate the baits?  And what do you use to make it constant?  A lost speed drill or something, or is the Devcon forgiving enough to rotate the bait by hand?  Is there a way to do multiple baits, because I've got about 15 dinged up Bagleys and Thundershads to fix.

If you are chipping the paint you are fishing them where they need to be fished. Quit gripeing and enjoy the fish you are catching.

Geez, You nailed it, we're just griping.  You seem to really have your finger on the pulse of this thread...Whatever...

I would indeed seal them, anytime water comes in contact with bare wood it is absorbed causing further damage. Paint peeling will get worse and rot will cause hardware to loosen. With a plastic bait this is not a problem but with wood it needs to be repaired.

I think they are all gonna chip after a while especially if the get hamerred by enough fish. Nature of the beast. Good ideas to touch up paint and re seal them though.

Big O