How about it? Get the Sunday morning chat going again. It's too damn quiet here!

How about it? Get the Sunday morning chat going again. It's too damn quiet here!

it won't be the same without Big fish Larry...I miss his posts..

I will pop in now and then....lets do this! Still building some cool stuff here! Retro copies of Snook Baits, Creek Chub, and some Flaptails to name a few! :uhuh: Working on a Pikie and some Polaris poppers!:uhuh:

I will pop in now and then....lets do this! Still building some cool stuff here! Retro copies of Snook Baits, Creek Chub, and some Flaptails to name a few! :uhuh: Working on a Pikie and some Polaris poppers!:uhuh:

Awesome... glad to see ya posting big guy!Nancy asks me at least once a week if you have been posting..

I will pop in now and then....lets do this! Still building some cool stuff here! Retro copies of Snook Baits, Creek Chub, and some Flaptails to name a few! :uhuh: Working on a Pikie and some Polaris poppers!:uhuh:


This is what it took to get Larry out of hiding, cool.

Hey fellas,
Can you fill in a newer member on This "Is" the place?
Sundays?

MS

We had a thread last winter called..."Is This The Place?" and it was a Sunday morning plug building discussion where us builders would grab our morning coffee and talk about plugs! Do a search...its an informative and fun thread! See you Sunday morning!:uhuh:

A Bigfish pikie? I am so in on that...
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

builders would grab our morning coffee and talk about plugs!

I thought that's what M&D's was for?


I'm in....what time Sunday am?

So it shall be!! See everyone on Sunday morning. Hope this is a good year for everyone, and best part is Larry's back!

AWESOME!!

MS

So it shall be!! See everyone on Sunday morning. Hope this is a good year for everyone, and best part is Larry's back!

I'll probably be ice fishing, as this is the last weekend before the derby and I'm torn on my exact location... if i'm home... i'll boot up the 'puter... and yes.. glad to have larry back!

I'd like to sit in myself. We can talk Patriots this week. :jump1:

I really enjoyed the last two years of this. There was some great back and forth conversation and I learned something every week. I'll tune in Sunday morning.

is every one welcome even new builders like me?

yup

Hey fellas,
Can you fill in a newer member on This "Is" the place?
Sundays?

MS

talk about plug building, whats on the bench what problems you are having idea's. oldies newbies.

Does anyone have a link to last years thread?

maybe a sticky with all the years linked to the respective posts?

i.e

2008
2009
2010
2011

last years is two post below this

I will pop in now and then....lets do this! Still building some cool stuff here! Retro copies of Snook Baits, Creek Chub, and some Flaptails to name a few! :uhuh: Working on a Pikie and some Polaris poppers!:uhuh:

A Bigfish pikie? I am so in on that...
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Maybe discuss "Pikie's" this Sunday?

7:52am....coffee in hand? Anyone there???:gu:

Headed out to my shop by 9:00am! Blues on Sunday on the radio and work on a few classic copies and organize the shop a bit! :uhuh:

Headed out to my shop by 9:00am! Blues on Sunday on the radio and work on a few classic copies and organize the shop a bit! :uhuh:

Sunday morning blues with carter allen on 100.7, great morning show indeed,

Yeah! Matt you spend the morning sorting your beautiful collection?? Have you tried building yourself Matt??

hello to all and a Happy New Year Lawrence. Home from church, wood stove filled, breakfast gone, some plugs in sealer already. Got some hand finishing, sandpaper work, and I hope to have 3 more batches in sealer today. Pretty much done turning for this year. Heck I didn't even need to turn any this year as I got a large stock pile of plugs already turned from last few years. Got a bunch of darters still need the top slope cut which I do at work on the band saw. My drill press hole drilling V block fixture has worked out swimmingly and allows me not to have to do any more of that at work. Got a couple vintage things in the mix in case we have a plug contest thing this year at plugfest and I also have a few weird mutant things I am hoping work good but still in process, head scratching, stage. I have also been very busy after work making and hopefully finishing 4 fly vises. I will be offering one up to the site for a raffle. You can see it at plugfest, and I will post some pics here on main forum when I get it done this week hopefully, and the winner to be picked at too cold to fish nite so make sure you get in on it as it is to benefit the site and we had such great involvement when I did it a couple years ago. Well that is all from here in Lakeville where all the women are strong and all the men are good looking. Peace. P.

good am guys whats the topic this week ,, great to be here as a new builder i learn alot from yall

Finish cleaning shop up today and take inventory of the wood supply, and maybe remake my spinner. I have about 2 dozen plugs primed and ready for paint. Two small Banana's have been test swam and they need to be finished along with 6 large one's. First year for the duplicator, and thanks to Paul for the carbide cutter, it works great! Slight redesign on my large Pikie and I will be turning 7 3/4" Nike Jr's also. Going to attempt a darter or two, that should be fun, and needles for the fall (didn't have enough last year!) Working the 3 big shows here in Jersey for Century and my local shop.

Yeah! Matt you spend the morning sorting your beautiful collection?? Have you tried building yourself Matt??

hi larry, go pats, haven't tried building yet, was down at mike's yesterday and he offered to show me around his shop and how he did things, which I thought was really nice of him, had to take a rain check though, and I have absolutely no space in my basement, I need to build my barn in my side yard then I can build out there, GO PATS, :pats2:

heading to the shop now for a bit.. what a mess have i feeling theres gonna be a lot of kindling wood. thengotta get my but moving on some peanuts im doing for a swap.

rene

Junior is running a fever so no hockey game today. Feeling about 87% myself, so going to be a lazy day after I take my boy for a throat culture.

Maybe get into the garage and make a mess hand shaping some Azek into gliders. Got a few protos that zig and zag great, but trying to find the right shape and balance to get a nice side to side swim at slow speed. Going to try concave sides instead of straight. Will do that on a spindle sander at school, one of the last remnants of the old wood shop not to be sold off as we now train kids for "21st century" skills. :-(

GO PATS!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Hi. Has anyone tried to make a duplicator like a vega ? I'm sure it has a pattern so I don't want to copy it. Thanks Mike.

Good morning... almost afternoon Gents... I've got something special here this morning...( atleast I think it is)

yesterday.. as i dropped off my Ice fishing partner.. he invited me to see his basement he was remodeling... hidden on top of the rafters was a stash of plugs.... there were some Atoms ( 40's) and gibbs bottle plugs and trollers... but what caught my eye was this fella ( which he gave me...) it looks like a Nike.. but the external rigging throws me.. I dont know enough about the history to know for sure.. but here it is... it weighs 3.20 ounces... it is 6 1/2" long the head is 1 1/2"... the middle is 1 5/8".. the tail is 3/4.... the head of the plug is gaurded with a heavy metal plate held on by two screws, it terminates at the same level as the rigging.. it appears to be plated or possibly stainless.. regardless.. it is quality and very heavy.. the head above the plate is slightly cupped... the eyes are an intergal part of the plug, with wood removved around them to make them stand out, I originaly thought they were glass.. but on close inspection... they are definatly part of the plug... on the rigging it has a "U" shaped section that sits in a recees inthe tail.... the rigging is secured tow the body on either side of the hook and protrudes out through a hole drilled into the mouth a wher it is terminated with a split ring..anybody got a positive ID....

Have not had a whole lot of time for building lately. Did get some stuff painted and finished and have a few things in various stages. Looking forward to plugfest.


Wanted a smaller flaptail to throw especially when mullet are around.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/pb11023.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0016.jpg

Some big 8" swimmers.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0019.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0021.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/dec24002.jpg

Some handcarved stuff.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/_0202.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/_0210.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0029.jpg


Saw what fun Muskyslayer was having with the big jitterbugs so I tried one myself.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0001.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0008.jpg

Hopefully will get a couple more of these small Goo Goo Eyes done before I head up and maybe some big handcarveds.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0028.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0012.jpg

Happy 2012!
Hey guy's, sounds like everyone is getting ready, and getting shop's sorted out, I'm in the same boat. I've started a little later this year due to a little side project. A co-worker had a butchered 1955 Les Paul Jr that needed some love. A previous owner had cut the center portion out and replaced it with Luan plywood to hide previous hacking. I cut that out, replaced it with Mahogany, epoxied it in place, added binding, filled, painted with 1955 Lincoln turquoise and clear coated the entire piece. I'd never have touched it with normal wear, but she was done.
Woody, I do know a few things about gliders, and you are right, is is all about shape, width and balance. A couple things I've found that work are, a longer shape balances much better with weight added both to the front and rear of the bait. Do that balancing act with a level fall and a sink rate of around 1 foot per second and you've got a winner. With a shorter, taller profile I've found that a centered ballast with the same sink rate works very well. With both shapes however, wider is better like 7/8 to 1" for a 6 to 10" profile. Maple is my choice of wood for gliders, it seems to work out best without a ton of weight needed to dance. Remember that when you do your sink rate test to have hooks on and guesstimate topcoat weight. You can change hook size after completion to fine tune. Line tie attachment will also come into play, generally keep it centered. Here are a couple examples from last year.

Douglas

That's quite the find Rockfish9!
I over slept this am. :wall:

That's quite the find Rockfish9!
I over slept this am. :wall:

I feel like it is....I wss up at 2 AM the day before... and went to bed late... I was in no hurry to get out of bed this morning...

Have not had a whole lot of time for building lately. Did get some stuff painted and finished and have a few things in various stages. Looking forward to plugfest.


Wanted a smaller flaptail to throw especially when mullet are around.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/pb11023.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0016.jpg

Some big 8" swimmers.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0019.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0021.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/dec24002.jpg

Some handcarved stuff.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/_0202.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/_0210.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0029.jpg


Saw what fun Muskyslayer was having with the big jitterbugs so I tried one myself.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0001.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0008.jpg

Hopefully will get a couple more of these small Goo Goo Eyes done before I head up and maybe some big handcarveds.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0028.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0012.jpg

WoW, you never cease to amaze. Very nice:drool:

Greek: huge fan of your work. Awesome plugs.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Good morning... almost afternoon Gents... I've got something special here this morning...( atleast I think it is)

yesterday.. as i dropped off my Ice fishing partner.. he invited me to see his basement he was remodeling... hidden on top of the rafters was a stash of plugs.... there were some Atoms ( 40's) and gibbs bottle plugs and trollers... but what caught my eye was this fella ( which he gave me...) it looks like a Nike.. but the external rigging throws me.. I dont know enough about the history to know for sure.. but here it is... it weighs 3.20 ounces... it is 6 1/2" long the head is 1 1/2"... the middle is 1 5/8".. the tail is 3/4.... the head of the plug is gaurded with a heavy metal plate held on by two screws, it terminates at the same level as the rigging.. it appears to be plated or possibly stainless.. regardless.. it is quality and very heavy.. the head above the plate is slightly cupped... the eyes are an intergal part of the plug, with wood removved around them to make them stand out, I originaly thought they were glass.. but on close inspection... they are definatly part of the plug... on the rigging it has a "U" shaped section that sits in a recees inthe tail.... the rigging is secured tow the body on either side of the hook and protrudes out through a hole drilled into the mouth a wher it is terminated with a split ring..anybody got a positive ID....

it's was made by P & K an called a lippy saltwater...mid 40's was about it's birth date...same family as the walkie- talkie.

I'm pretty sure I have seen some of them P & K's at VB's house.

Beauties you guys got there Greek n Rowhunter

Yup that's what they are. Got a few of them. Duplicatin that metal center strip is gonna be quite the chore.

Yup that's what they are. Got a few of them. Duplicatin that metal center strip is gonna be quite the chore.

I work in a machine shop...:uhuh:

thanks Gents for the ID...

I work in a machine shop.

you poor man
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

you poor man
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

yea.. I have to put up with a bunch of candy *** machinists that are cold if it is 70.... hot if it is 71... cry like little girls if they dont have their way.... and complain about everything in between ...most of them should have retired years ago... they still have the first dime they ever made...and most of them own more property than the Catholic church...

Looks like everyone is of to a good start! Ted your stuff looks great!! With what I am seeing I guess I'll have to step it up a bunch.
Paul, please send me some pic's of the fly vice to show to Bobby Pop.

I'll be in the garage building almost every day this week ,if anyone wants to stop by Just shoot me a PM here or CL

yea.. I have to put up with a bunch of candy *** machinists that are cold if it is 70.... hot if it is 71... cry like little girls if they dont have their way.... and complain about everything in between ...most of them should have retired years ago... they still have the first dime they ever made...and most of them own more property than the Catholic church...

And I'll bet they are damn good machinists.

:hidin:

I built a simple plug rack to hang my vintage beater examples that I use in my shop. Just something to hang them neatly on the wall in my shop!:)

I have a wire over my desk in the "shop" where I hang my "for example plugs". Some classics , some retired with honor. Hall of Fame on a string..

Couple new big darters .... one cherry and one birch

Nice darters Chris.
I didn't get much done this week, going to repaint a bunch of eelys and some other stuff I have in primer this morning. Glad to see this thread is back

Shop cleaned up so now I can see the bench :) Dupe all set up and working well. Was given a Clemens lathe, all set up but needs new motor. Going to go with this new chubby body for Pikie this spring.

Sarge... it that a metal or wood lathe that you just picked up?

Sarge... it that a metal or wood lathe that you just picked up?

Chris, that is a Clemens rod lathe.

Sarge... it that a metal or wood lathe that you just picked up?

Rod lathe!
Sold the same one about 6 years ago and kicked myself in the ass for getting rid of it. Nice to have one again.

Nice... so I can have you build me a 11' rod to go with the new ZB reel I will get this spring ... will need it for the June Cutty trip

I just started doing hydro orientation... i was surprised what I saw with the first 5-6 plugs i have used it for... definitely will continue doing it... darters... metal lips

Nice... so I can have you build me a 11' rod to go with the new ZB reel I will get this spring ... will need it for the June Cutty trip

Century 1327, cut 4" from butt, w/ my KW-LC-to single foot layout :)

I just started doing hydro orientation... i was surprised what I saw with the first 5-6 plugs i have used it for... definitely will continue doing it... darters... metal lips

Darters, unweighted plugs, yeah...but I'm with Larry on the rest http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripertalk/plug-building-got-wood/75963-hyrdo-orientation.html#post920084

I have a wire over my desk in the "shop" where I hang my "for example plugs". Some classics , some retired with honor. Hall of Fame on a string..

Do you write on the retired with honor plugs... hard to remember the stories behind each great plug and what they caught...

You remember Chris! I do anyway! I also have some retired "whipping boys" hanging in the shop!!!:uhuh:

Ted- Again, YOUR WORK ROCKS!

So clean. So polished. So original.

Thanks for sharing.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Where's Paul ?? I want to see his new Fly Vise:uhuh: I bet it is killer!!

I built a simple plug rack to hang my vintage beater examples that I use in my shop. Just something to hang them neatly on the wall in my shop!:)

Please share Larry!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I will see if I can take a pic with my phone and post it??? Have not done that yet??
:smash:

Yeah Larry... would love to see your shop plug rack... picture?

Do you write on the retired with honor plugs... hard to remember the stories behind each great plug and what they caught...

The plugs that retire have to earn it. The really big nights fishing don't happen every year, no need to write on them. I like it that way, keeps special, well, special.:uhuh:

Anyone ever try to build a CCBC 7600 surf darter? Anyone ever use one? They seem to be real scarce. Was it because they fished well and got used or because they were only made for a very short while? Always wanted to try and build one but never got around to it. I like the shape alot. Don't even know if they were more of a surface lure or if they were really a darter.

Please share Larry!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

What he said.

Anyone ever try to build a CCBC 7600 surf darter? Anyone ever use one? They seem to be real scarce. Was it because they fished well and got used or because they were only made for a very short while? Always wanted to try and build one but never got around to it. I like the shape alot. Don't even know if they were more of a surface lure or if they were really a darter.

From what I hear they didn't swim great, Gary Soldati has been working on his version for a few years and I think he has it about right now. I think there may be a pic. of it on his site.

like the top 2 CCBC ?

I heard the first version had the line tie in the mouth and they needed to put it up on the diving plane which they did in the next version...

Yes BT. Thanks Sarge. I figured as much as you never really see anyone trying to reproduce them.

Anyone clue me in on how to post pics here from my Iphone??

Anyone ever try to build a CCBC 7600 surf darter? Anyone ever use one? They seem to be real scarce. Was it because they fished well and got used or because they were only made for a very short while? Always wanted to try and build one but never got around to it. I like the shape alot. Don't even know if they were more of a surface lure or if they were really a darter.

ted-

I made the red headed one for a lady friend who uses it for fresh water bass fishing in maine... she has caught LM, SM, and pickeral with it on Highland lake in Bridgton. It is close to a CCBC darter...

Anyone clue me in on how to post pics here from my Iphone??

You could email them to your email acct ... downsize them with Picasa (export function) and they upload them via your PC

Sounds like I am outta luck because (Myassa) don't know (#^&#^&#^&#^&ta) about this stuff???

Have not had a whole lot of time for building lately. Did get some stuff painted and finished and have a few things in various stages. Looking forward to plugfest.


Wanted a smaller flaptail to throw especially when mullet are around.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/pb11023.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0016.jpg

Some big 8" swimmers.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0019.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0021.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/dec24002.jpg

Some handcarved stuff.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/_0202.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/_0210.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0029.jpg


Saw what fun Muskyslayer was having with the big jitterbugs so I tried one myself.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0001.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0008.jpg

Hopefully will get a couple more of these small Goo Goo Eyes done before I head up and maybe some big handcarveds.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0028.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/alphabaits/plugs_0012.jpg


geez love to see your stash, I'll try and find you at the fest

good morning. Sarge your area looks no worse than mine. Controlled chaos. Got a lot of plugs sealed yesterday. Outside to drip dry and wipe off for 5 min., a little too cold to let hang too long, and then into the cellar for dry to touch and then into sun room for a week. I hope to try and get some primed this week if we get to 45 plus out side. I spray outside and then into cellar quick. Stinks working days again as I can't spray in work like I used to at nite after work. Got my recreation of a classic all ready for paint. Got a bunch of darters and some jointed ones too. Mr. Musso told me he gave up on the jointed ones as they didn't work any better than the regular ones and they were wayyyyy more time consuming, I can agree on that but I like the challenge. So many ways to run aground doing them. Also got a few hybrid darters I have been scratching my head on for a few years but not enough data in to show anyone yet. I got my usual run of howdies, my fav plug of all top waters to fish, this year too and I was able to get some rattles in them too. Got 2, Jr. and Sr. slope headed eelskin Conrads for Sauerkraut to adorn with his skins and hopefully use. Some med gibbs pencil copies and a bunch of Pinchey peanut size dannies. I will probably not finish all the stuff but I usually don't. P.



Sarge I will take some pics of the vise in a little while after I find the darn card for the camera.

Dave Anderson's Pug Darter is similar to the CCBC Surf Darter I think.

Larry- If you connect your iPhone to your PC you upload pics from it as you would from any other folder or memory device within the PC.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Its hooked up but I can't navigate my way around this zoo??

You know how there are things you are really good at and things you are not good at at all and you should stay away???? This falls under the latter!

like the top 2 CCBC ?
Chris, can you send me some dim's on the large one?

Larry- Email the pics to yourself, open and save them on your PC, then upload as usual.

Work with me here big guy!

;-))
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Where's Paul ?? I want to see his new Fly Vise:uhuh: I bet it is killer!!

up in the plug builders forum.:nopics:

Wow it's 2pm. Forgot about the morning coffee session. Anyway I did my jointeds for the winter but had a request for Cowboys. Took off the dupe a free handed them off my spec sheet. Trollers for a boat. I did them out of red maple(soft maple). came in at 5oz. swim nice w/slow waggle. Modified a A-40 lip cut to 1 3/16 and curled the sides. I said while the dupe was off I had a screw up piece and said what to do? Conrad slopehead! I'll throw it in the sealer once I pour the weights. Keep the dust flying fellows.

PVC dust don't fly Billy!

It sticks to everything due to static electricity.

:-((
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Was given a Clemens lathe, all set up but needs new motor.

A very nice lathe. These are the motor specs on mine;

Manufacturer - Dayton, Niles Ill.
Model # 2M037A
115v 60HZ 1.5AMP
1/10 HP 8000RPM
Spec # 5292

I bought mine from Grainger after burning the first one out

PVC dust don't fly Billy!

It sticks to everything due to static electricity.

:-((
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Yes I've done a few needles with pvc trim board (ss stubbys) now they float. nice stuff to work with. No paint white is nice!!

A very nice lathe. These are the motor specs on mine;

Manufacturer - Dayton, Niles Ill.
Model # 2M037A
115v 60HZ 1.5AMP
1/10 HP 8000RPM
Spec # 5292

I bought mine from Grainger after burning the first one out

Looks like Grainger no longer carries the 2M037 A model which is CW rotation, I'm going to go with the 2M034 which I used on my last Clemens, only 1/15hp but it worked fine. Can't believe the price on these now!

Anyone ever try to build a CCBC 7600 surf darter? Anyone ever use one? They seem to be real scarce. Was it because they fished well and got used or because they were only made for a very short while? Always wanted to try and build one but never got around to it. I like the shape alot. Don't even know if they were more of a surface lure or if they were really a darter.

like the top 2 CCBC ?

I heard the first version had the line tie in the mouth and they needed to put it up on the diving plane which they did in the next version...

Yes BT. Thanks Sarge. I figured as much as you never really see anyone trying to reproduce them.

Maybe we should do a "CC Surf Darter Challenge"

I'm in for it, this is one of the plugs that's on my "give it a try list"

I would give one a try? Maybe get a bunch of guys to make a few (must be tested) and all get together on the water someplace and fish and see how they work....maybe swap them?

Anyone ever try to build a CCBC 7600 surf darter? Anyone ever use one? They seem to be real scarce. Was it because they fished well and got used or because they were only made for a very short while? Always wanted to try and build one but never got around to it. I like the shape alot. Don't even know if they were more of a surface lure or if they were really a darter.

yes... through trial and error I finally got one to do what I wanted with a tail weight( wlike the original)... I've got several on my bench in need of final paint... hopefully for plugfest...

yes... through trial and error I finally got one to do what I wanted with a tail weight( wlike the original)... I've got several on my bench in need of final paint... hopefully for plugfest...

Maple?

Maple?

no sir.. WRC... I've tried them out of everything reasonable.. best results were with WRC.. the original was White cedar..they scrapped it when there was a WC shortage so they could continue to make more lucrative plugs like the Pikie...

I would be up for it... We should get some good dims from an original... Sarge has one in his "sighting scope" at the moment...

Chris

I would be up for it... We should get some good dims from an original... Sarge has one in his "sighting scope" at the moment...

Chris

I have a primo specimine given to my by Old Goat..that's where I got all the info I needed..

I would give one a try? Maybe get a bunch of guys to make a few (must be tested) and all get together on the water someplace and fish and see how they work....maybe swap them?

That's what I like about you Larry, Always up to a challenge!
Plus I know you like Creek Chubs.

Morning all. Today I'll seal a few spooks for a friend and probably turn a conrad/slopehead again. My testing session ended in tradgedy Friday. After a few adjustments the conrad/slopehead dove to the bottom out of sight and hung up on ??? I tried like heck to dislodge it but even with 30lb fireline on a dead pull it wasn't freeing up. After it broke off I was tying on my cowboy to test and I look up and there is the conrad floating out with the tide. I quickly started to launch this 5oz Cowboy(soft maple) trying to snag the plug. After many tries the breeze and tide sent it off to a new home. It did swim great with a nice waggle and occasional sway when pausing the rod. It was down aroun 3-4 feet thats when I decided to bend up the lip to 90 degrees and turn the line tie up. By the way the Cowboy with the similar adjustment was scooping mud. This one is for a boat guy who needs a sea bass imitator to dive on local reefs. same specs as my surf casting ones except made with the soft maple.Oh well back to the lathe. Enjoy this fine looking day.

LOL. I am making a Sr. and Jr. Conrad slope eelskin for a friend and am hoping it goes to the bottom as that is what he wants. I may have to try a couple out of maple if he doesn't like the results.

Hey fellas, I keep having to miss these. A good buddy of mine came over to help me fix the drying wheel issues I've beem having. he's really good mechanically. He put together some cool bearings and a drive chain and used some cool goop to take the play out of the rotisserie motor, now just fabricating a threaded insert and she will be mint...No more balancing the wheel and if it works out i won't have to buy a new low RPM motor (although it was built to accept one if need be).

Hope building is going well for everyone!
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/download44.jpg
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/download43.jpg
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/download45.jpg

MS

Need to finish up some masters for the dupe, didn't get much done this week! I'm going to finish up some Nike's, Danny's, Goo Goo's and do a few large Pikie's for trade to bring to SurfDay. Need to get in the building mood and get back to work :wall:.
Still want to try the CC Surf Darter and have been watching one on fleebay but it looks like it's going to go for more than it's worth :confused:. Anybody have one and post some dimension pleassssse!!

Hey fellas, I keep having to miss these. A good buddy of mine came over to help me fix the drying wheel issues I've beem having. he's really good mechanically. He put together some cool bearings and a drive chain and used some cool goop to take the play out of the rotisserie motor, now just fabricating a threaded insert and she will be mint...No more balancing the wheel and if it works out i won't have to buy a new low RPM motor (although it was built to accept one if need be).


MS

Damn, makes my dryer look like a POS!
Nice work!

LOL. I am making a Sr. and Jr. Conrad slope eelskin for a friend and am hoping it goes to the bottom as that is what he wants. I may have to try a couple out of maple if he doesn't like the results.

Paul, saw this on Friday....

The Conrad (http://www.onthewater.com/fishing/the-conrad/)

I've been working on a few things for the new season. I made a couple new small profile gliders that had worked very well last year. They swim very naturally on a slow retrieve, but short taps really get them chasing their tail for a nice underwater walk the dog. They are maple, 4.5" long and 2.25 oz. The ballast weight is a .490 muzzle load placed just in front of the belly hook. The next is a darter for boat fishing with no current to speak of. It is 8" long and weighs 3.25 oz, with a ballast weight between the two belly hooks. I've found that this placement helps it dig a little better for my application. And the last is a carved popper. Oddly enough there are not many, if any poppers for Musky, even though top water lures can be a very productive presentation.

Douglas

And the popper, which is basswood.

Douglas

I started on some floating needles (thanks pbadad) and a batch of dannys this week, and started messing around with a scaled down version of frech's W-Y popper. Also came across a sheet of melamine while at the dump so I might start on building a duplicator, anyone have a delta midi with a homemade dupe? Would like to get some ideas on how wide to make the table.
Nice job on the drying wheel Muskyslayer

Douglas those are ridiculously beautiful. Darter shape looks perfect. I have not forgot our conversation about the darters either. Just real busy.

Ryan you can put a home made dup on anything. Are you going to plugfest? I will bring mine so you can see and we will discuss how and what you need to make one, sizes of table, tool heights, cutting tools , etc... Very simple.
If you are not going we can discuss here or PM's too. P.

Douglass

every time I see your work I am AMAZED. AWSEOME stuff:)

MS

I made some small panfish gliders a couple of years ago and ended up weighting them in front of the hook and behind. had good action but a little too much weight I think. Would zip and dance though at times almost kissing it rear :biglaugh:

http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/2010_02060015.jpg

and poppers
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/2010_02190005.jpg

In AWE of Douglass's work :jump1:

MS

A skunk pattern flaptail by friends request, will have to make more, really like the way it turned out and I'm thinking some fluorescent pait on the stripe may help the fisherman at night.

http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/DSCF2201.jpg
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/DSCF2199.jpg
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/DSCF2196.jpg

MS :uhuh:

Douglas those are really nice!
Paul that'd be great thanks, I'll be there. I'll bring a notebook and camera this time

MS those are beauties too. I try not to compare anything I paint to Mr. Rowhunter. He is the Picasso and I am the Helen Keller of plug painting. Matter of fact I will not even look at his work if I am going to paint that day as I will never be satisfied:yak5:

sounds good Ryan

I hear you there Professor....It is it's own class of work ....CRAZY COOL!!

MS

Professor M,

Big fan of your work as well....thanks for always being willing to help (may need some inserts soon also) :uhuh:

Best,

MS

I would be up for it... We should get some good dims from an original... Sarge has one in his "sighting scope" at the moment...

Chris

VINTAGE CREEK CHUB SURF DARTER WOOD FISHING LURE | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150758512021)

:rotf2::rotf2::rotf2:

You have got to be kidding, amazing what people will pay!!

Whoah... $$40 for a plug that has someones initials whittled on the top is a lot of money...

I am seeing some awesome stuff posted here, nice work to all of you. :kewl:

I have a few plugs finished up. Some will be coming to PlugFest with me along with others I have to finish up. Although I cannot duplicate the kind of numbers of plugs some of you can produce with the methods I use, I have been picking away slowly at a bunch.

Some maple needles in mackerel, sandeel, yellow/pearl and herring paint. 6.25"
50821

A new thicker bodied mack slow-sinking 7" jerkbait. (top) I will have a bunch more of these style plugs.


50822

Some small-bait plugs for backwater or finicky bass. Small mummichog is 3.75" and larger one is 4.25", both maple.
50823

Now let me find some more pics...

I also have some more peanuts done. Some are fully sealed. These are right around 4.5", maple and AYC weighted to sink slow in natural and wonderbread paint.
50824

A large basswood spook in wonderbread and a maple needle in flo pink over pearl.
50825

A 5.5" natural spook.
50826

Couple more loose pics I have laying around.

A large "lipless" plug in basswood. Larger than my smaller ones I have had good success with. My tests so far have been ok. Slight tweaks needed.
50828

A section of the plug wall with some of my newest stuff in the middle.
50829

Yes, as you can see I use a lot of handtools in my plugmaking... :)
50827

quality.. not quanity... nothing wrong with what I see here..
See you at plugfest..

Those macs, are awesome, I'm so pissed I'm missin the fest this year.:wall::wall::wall:

Morning guys,

Thought I would get things started this morning...I know I posted this last night, but I'm trying to get the most out of the Lucky 13 design made for larger predator fish.
6.25 inches, 1 3/8" diameter, plan on through wire with treble @ 2.5" back from front of lower lip. Dressed tail hook. Top lip set back a little from lower lip and I cupped the mouth a little

I would like it to chug a little, WTD a little (even if its under the surface)and dig a little...I know tall order any suggestions?
If I use a center line tie, I should be able to tune it up or down to change the action? Also thinking of weighting it between the belly hook and tail hook. I'm thinking If I can get it to sit in the water like a spook (tail down) it may be able to chug/pop and if you reel faster the lower lip will dig and get it to dive a littl/
First experience with this type of build...I realize may not be able to get everything, but the original Luck 13 was very productive lure for bass and such.
I hope the building season is going well for everyone,
Best MS
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/download-6.jpg
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/download1-3.jpg
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/download5-3.jpg

MS, I think right now you still have too many variables. I'd seal that baby up and use it as as tester to find out what all those options can do for this particular piece. Most Lucky 13's I've seen have the line tie set high to let it dig, I would think that mounting it low with rear weighting might give you a surface skimmer. Also a large cupped popper mouth with a dressed tail hook will certainly put the brakes on any WTD. Be flexible on the front hook mount location as well as it's position will also have a lot to do with it's ultimate action.

Douglas

Douglass,

Will do, thanks for the tips, and I agree with the too many variables. Also thanks again for the help last week, it's very much appreciated.
I was looking for more of a surface "chug" like a dying fish, and then a subsurface swim, so the high line tie and dressed tail hook make more sense.

MS

Morning everyone! Had a super time yesterday at SurfDay. What a great show it was. Spent some quality time talking with Gary S, Don Musso, Roy Curley, Don G. Also John Jr's plugs were amazing, paint and finish was flawless!! A GRS below from Gary and a large Nike Jr. for him. Funniest thing was guy's were trying to buy the Nike from Gary, geez talk about clueless :rotf2::rotf2:

And, Gary brought me 2 Surf Darters for reference. I will get all the measurements and post them up so we can start the build challenge! He also had his proto of a Pike Darter which is based on this plug, interesting :uhuh:

Take a look at Creek Chubs fix for the original Surf Darter which was a turd in the pic's below. They just pulled the wire back into plug, drilled down from the top and added grommet and hook hanger for a line tie!

Morning all. Nice stuff Sgt. That darter proto looks interesting. going to work on big water hardwood needles and I might do a few mini gibbs slopehead swimmers. I got one from a friend who collects minis. The lip is 3/4 wide. I have to see if CC/NJ has one . My smallest is 13/16 danny style. I could refabricate if neccessary. Heres a story: rummaging thru my scrap chair rungs I come across these chaur back rungs that have the spitting image as is of a Conrad. You see I have Conrads on the brain lately since this is my niche turning. I needed a change of scenery. The wood type is either maple or birch. I can't seem to distinquish. It's hard but so is the soft maple I use and the rock maple for baseball bats. It sands SMOOTH like them all. I know Pichney used hardwoods and pines for these denisons of the deep. I cut up the rungs for future turnings. Down to the dungeon I go. Talk to all later. Hope to meet you all @ PLUGFEST. I will have maple and ash bat pieces for any who want some. They need to be cut for plug use.

Hey guys I've been struggling with the epoxy finishing. I'm using e-tex lite and use childrens medicine syringes to measure accurate parts of each part. I also read about adding 10 drops or so of acetone which I tried yesterday. I've built a turner that turns at 6 rpm and heats to 90-95 degrees. The trouble I've been having is dimpling and a bumpy finish. When I apply the epoxy it seems to be pretty thick and drags a bit. Should I add more acetone to thin it out a bit? I've tried putting both bottles in warm water for 10 minutes before mixing and spin the plugs in the turner for 20 minutes to warm them up. Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong? Thanks, Mark

blow on them, sometimes that gets rid of bubbles, if not, try a light flame but be careful

90 dgrees seems plenty warm, 80 should be fine

sometimes when mixing, it introduces air bubbles, they go away with either your hot breathe, a heatgun/hairdryer or a flame.

try that

Mojo,
Hit your plugs with a coat of spray clear enamel and let dry, then heat the plugs in your drying wheel before you epoxy, this should cut down considerably on the drag. It will also keep the dimpling down (caused by oils from your hands). After I hit the plug with the spray clear I don't touch them again without powder free gloves I don't thin my e-tex so I can't comment on that, but if you use it after you mix you should have plenty of open time.
Go to HF and invest in a $10 heat gun. If the e-tex starts to thicken up too much hit it lightly with the heat gun on low, that will let you finish the plug your on. As soon as you finish adding the e-tex to a plug hit it lightly a couple of times with the heat gun on low (don't get too close), this will get it glass clear with no bubbles.
Sorry to get long winded, I've almost stroked out at times with anger at the epoxy step. :wall::wall:
Good luck,

MS

One note, medical syinges are made w/silicone base material. A no no for epoxy. Causes headaches with fish eye and adhesion. pick up rod epoxy syringes.

"One note, medical syinges are made w/silicone base material. A no no for epoxy. Causes headaches with fish eye and adhesion. pick up rod epoxy syringes."

Great point..... guess how I know just buying syringes at the local farm co-op won't work :wall::wall::wall::wall:

MS

One note, medical syinges are made w/silicone base material. A no no for epoxy. Causes headaches with fish eye and adhesion. pick up rod epoxy syringes.

The entire syringe that I have is made from hard plastic even the plunger. Is the plastic itself made from silicone?
Thanks, Mark

Mojo,
Hit your plugs with a coat of spray clear enamel and let dry, then heat the plugs in your drying wheel before you epoxy, this should cut down considerably on the drag. It will also keep the dimpling down (caused by oils from your hands). After I hit the plug with the spray clear I don't touch them again without powder free gloves I don't thin my e-tex so I can't comment on that, but if you use it after you mix you should have plenty of open time.
Go to HF and invest in a $10 heat gun. If the e-tex starts to thicken up too much hit it lightly with the heat gun on low, that will let you finish the plug your on. As soon as you finish adding the e-tex to a plug hit it lightly a couple of times with the heat gun on low (don't get too close), this will get it glass clear with no bubbles.
Sorry to get long winded, I've almost stroked out at times with anger at the epoxy step. :wall::wall:
Good luck,

MS

MS,
Thanks for the info. I have a heat gun so I'll try heating them once I'm done. I just went out into my shop and brought my can of clear spray in to warm up and I'll hit the plugs I have ready now for epoxy and let them dry overnight and try epoxying again tomorrow.

Thanks for the help guys, Mark

You bet Mojo...best of luck.

If you didn't get your syringes from a rod building supply site, I;d not risk it...they are cheap I get mine from Mudhole.

Let me know how the clear spray and heat gun work out

MS

I would try not thinning the e-tex. You thin flexcoatfor rods w/acetone but I never thinned with acetone. try using a foam brush.then heat gun after. I use a clear laquer spray b/4 epoxy. let it dry overnight then coat. i use gloves too.

I just cleared 8 plugs. I'll let them dry overnight and epoxy tomorrow after work. I let you guys know how I make out. Thanks

Hey guys I've been struggling with the epoxy finishing. I'm using e-tex lite and use childrens medicine syringes to measure accurate parts of each part. I also read about adding 10 drops or so of acetone which I tried yesterday. I've built a turner that turns at 6 rpm and heats to 90-95 degrees. The trouble I've been having is dimpling and a bumpy finish. When I apply the epoxy it seems to be pretty thick and drags a bit. Should I add more acetone to thin it out a bit? I've tried putting both bottles in warm water for 10 minutes before mixing and spin the plugs in the turner for 20 minutes to warm them up. Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong? Thanks, Mark

using E-Tex is truely one of those things that apply to the K.I.S.S. theory.....forget the syringe.... they are messy and cause more problems than they solve...there is no need to add anything to it... working in small batches of warm epoxy keeps it flowing just fine...

here is what after alot of trial and error i use and have done for hundreds and hundreds of plugs without a problem.. NOT ONE...

First...after paint has cured for 24 hours... clear /scratch coat your plugs...I prefer lacquer and I apply it over any and all water based paints, including Createx.. and never an issue( provided you dont touch the plug or bang them together until the lacquer dries)with lacquer over the base paint( acrylic enamel)I would recomend testing on one "scrapper" for compatibility..what this does is seal the paint.. be sure to hit the end grain as well.. wood once was a living orginisim.. even in death it breaths.. when you heat the wood ( plug in the spinner) air trapped in the wood expands and is released from the pores in the wood( even in sealed wood).. the less dense the wood .. the more you tend to have this problem .. this adds to the gassing issue in the e-tex.. the epoxy will naturaly exhaust itself...it's the released air from the plug that causes the bubbling around the eyes, gromets( end grain in their own right) and end of the plugs... on occasion you will have multiple bubbles from in one spot.. this is the plug releasing the air from a large pore... sealing the paint seems to end this problem...

First warm the epoxy...( I use the bulbs inside my spinner, but a pan with hot water to soak the containers in works as well) to 70-75 degrees... mix your epoxy ( e-tex) in small batches... I use a plastic tea spoon for measureing... 3 teaspoons of hardener .. 3 teaspoons of resin.... adding the resin to the hardener seems to make a better mix( I also read it in the West system epoxy directions )I use the container electrical tape comes in as I add each tea spoon I use a round ended splint to scrape the fluid from the spoon so each spoon full is accurate...when you begin the mix.. mix in both directions.. being sure to scrape the sides... once the mixture is clear and no longer cloudy you will see it begin to gass freely.. it is ready to use.... when i apply th epoxy... i use a acid brush ( 5/16 ) I secure the bristles by adding a bead of super glue around the edges where the bristles meet the handle.. this keeps stray hairs off of the plug.. i start at the head of the plug.. as the plug spins.. i apply a heavy coat around the entire plug( head end).. carefully working the epoxy towards the tail.. I keep adding epoxy floating a fairly thick coat... as i reach the 1/3 point( towards the rear) I now go back and move a "wave" of epoxy evenly from the head thinning the actualy ammount left on the plug until I reach just beyond the 1/3 point... i reload and continue the rest of the plug in this manner... you can work much quicker with this method and end up with a better finnish because you are floating a layer of epoxy rather than constantly dragging a thin layer of differant thicknesses... when you reach the end of the plug, as you "pull" epoxy off of the tail, the excess can be wiped into your container.. this method alows enough epoxy for 6: 8" plugs or 10 -12: 6" plugs.... it's fast the epoxy is starting to get hard to work just about the time you are half way through the last plug.. but not to the point of detriment..

using E-Tex is truely one of those things that apply to the K.I.S.S. theory.....forget the syringe.... they are messy and cause more problems than they solve...there is no need to add anything to it... working in small batches of warm epoxy keeps it flowing just fine...

here is what after alot of trial and error i use and have done for hundreds and hundreds of plugs without a problem.. NOT ONE...

First...after paint has cured for 24 hours... clear /scratch coat your plugs...I prefer lacquer and I apply it over any and all water based paints, including Createx.. and never an issue( provided you dont touch the plug or bang them together until the lacquer dries)with lacquer over the base paint( acrylic enamel)I would recomend testing on one "scrapper" for compatibility..what this does is seal the paint.. be sure to hit the end grain as well.. wood once was a living orginisim.. even in death it breaths.. when you heat the wood ( plug in the spinner) air trapped in the wood expands and is released from the pores in the wood( even in sealed wood).. the less dense the wood .. the more you tend to have this problem .. this adds to the gassing issue in the e-tex.. the epoxy will naturaly exhaust itself...it's the released air from the plug that causes the bubbling around the eyes, gromets( end grain in their own right) and end of the plugs... on occasion you will have multiple bubbles from in one spot.. this is the plug releasing the air from a large pore... sealing the paint seems to end this problem...

First warm the epoxy...( I use the bulbs inside my spinner, but a pan with hot water to soak the containers in works as well) to 70-75 degrees... mix your epoxy ( e-tex) in small batches... I use a plastic tea spoon for measureing... 3 teaspoons of hardener .. 3 teaspoons of resin.... adding the resin to the hardener seems to make a better mix( I also read it in the West system epoxy directions )I use the container electrical tape comes in as I add each tea spoon I use a round ended splint to scrape the fluid from the spoon so each spoon full is accurate...when you begin the mix.. mix in both directions.. being sure to scrape the sides... once the mixture is clear and no longer cloudy you will see it begin to gass freely.. it is ready to use.... when i apply th epoxy... i use a acid brush ( 5/16 ) I secure the bristles by adding a bead of super glue around the edges where the bristles meet the handle.. this keeps stray hairs off of the plug.. i start at the head of the plug.. as the plug spins.. i apply a heavy coat around the entire plug( head end).. carefully working the epoxy towards the tail.. I keep adding epoxy floating a fairly thick coat... as i reach the 1/3 point( towards the rear) I now go back and move a "wave" of epoxy evenly from the head thinning the actualy ammount left on the plug until I reach just beyond the 1/3 point... i reload and continue the rest of the plug in this manner... you can work much quicker with this method and end up with a better finnish because you are floating a layer of epoxy rather than constantly dragging a thin layer of differant thicknesses... when you reach the end of the plug, as you "pull" epoxy off of the tail, the excess can be wiped into your container.. this method alows enough epoxy for 6: 8" plugs or 10 -12: 6" plugs.... it's fast the epoxy is starting to get hard to work just about the time you are half way through the last plug.. but not to the point of detriment..

Very informative post I'll try this procedure. Thanks, Mark

Thanks guys I just finished epoxying some plugs using the methods you guys posted. They are in the dryer now and they look much better and the application went much better. Thanks, Mark

And, Gary brought me 2 Surf Darters for reference. I will get all the measurements and post them up so we can start the build challenge! He also had his proto of a Pike Darter which is based on this plug, interesting :uhuh:

Here are the measurements I took, If you can't decipher my chicken scratch let me know.
Also did a 8.5" Nike Jr., first proto I did swam very well with a little darting action mixed in.

SS,

Cool darter, no weight though? Love the color of the nike!!

MS

yes... through trial and error I finally got one to do what I wanted with a tail weight( wlike the original)... I've got several on my bench in need of final paint... hopefully for plugfest...

no sir.. WRC... I've tried them out of everything reasonable.. best results were with WRC.. the original was White cedar..they scrapped it when there was a WC shortage so they could continue to make more lucrative plugs like the Pikie...

SS,

Cool darter, no weight though? Love the color of the nike!!

MS

As Rock said they are tailweighted, how much??? Would be nice to have a beater to cut apart but remember the orig. did not swim that great so it's going to take some time with weight placement as Rockfish did to get what you want out of it.
Here's a pic of a GRS proto Pike darter that Gary has been fooling with for some time. Had my hands on it this past weekend and I like the idea.

My original swam like crap too... I ended up usuing around 6 grams of weight for the tail( as i recall with WRC).. if you notice.. the original uses 5/0 hooks.. I believe they did that to get the nose down.. the tail weight was also used as a means to get it to cast "way out" as they put it in the book... if i used the 5/0 I didnt need any chin weight.. with 4/0 they wanted to flip over.. predictable when you look at the shape of the plug... chin weighting and no tail weight would probaly make a better swimmer.. but for now, i want to try and make the original theme work.. after i fish it this summer, I'll make the needed adjsutments to suit my situation..

You will get a little darter action with the Nikes. What makes it so special
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

You will get a little darter action with the Nikes. What makes it so special
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Paul, I have not noticed it much with the original size ones, but with the larger it is more apparent. And yes it is sweet!

Hey guys,

Man I love the looks of that C.C Surf Darter....I'm thinking of giving it a go....So from Rockfish's input..5/0 treble and give it some chin weight to start with........ang tail weight right off the bat? I would be using WRC, pine, or poplar, unless maple would be better. Casting distance is not an issue for us landlovers :)
can someone give me some input on the difference in action between these and the typical darters i see posted/ I know darters seem to be the plug everyone fears to build.

Thanks,

Best,

MS

no sir.. WRC... I've tried them out of everything reasonable.. best results were with WRC.. the original was White cedar..they scrapped it when there was a WC shortage so they could continue to make more lucrative plugs like the Pikie...

Mike, I'm going to try AYC, NWC on a large one, and maybe basswood.
We really need to get Numby, Paul and any of the other darter guys in on this!

Couldn't make it to plugfest,but I finished this stuff up last night. Gonna test them out today. The needles are all floaters, except for the green one with purple around the eye that's a slow sinker. Looking forward to seeing some plugfest pictures

Very nice work Ryan. Those Wadds came out great. Catch some big ones with them. How did you weight your wadds? Plugfest was intense with plug creations over the top!.

Thanks again for the help with those pbadad, I weighted them with 3x 8 gram slugs one in front of hook hole and 2 behind. I'm going to spin up a few more and try out the weighting technique you described. Bummed I missed Plugfest

Good Morning fellas,

I hope everyone had a great time at Plugfest yesterday, i really wish I would have been able to make it :uhuh:, hopefully next year!
I started making some smaller swimmers for my buddies as walleye season is just around the corner. i don't have a lot of experience making smaller plugs and I'm finding it more difficult than the larger ones. I'm wondering about where to start for weighting?
They are 4-3/8 inches long, 0.75 oz (20g), made from basswood. I'm pretty sure the old Rapalas were weighted a little in front of, and behind the front hook?
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/small_swimmer_2.jpg
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/small_swimmer.jpg
Thanks in advance fellas,
MS

I'm suffering a plugfest overload.... While I would love to jump into some turning, I need to clean up all the sawdust from around the lathe station, reorganize the hardware racks with new stock from M&Ds, put away handtools and paint/epoxy stations. Then catalogue the wood stock I got from pbadad and PNG (thanks guys!). Only after that will I be able to start making new profiles from new masters I traded for and building some new jigs I saw yesterday...

Headed out to shop to spin a few tiny polaris poppers and finish the bodies on a few eelie's.....also a few Creek Chub knockoffs! Bye!:)

Headed out to shop to spin a few tiny polaris poppers and finish the bodies on a few eelie's.....also a few Creek Chub knockoffs! Bye!:)

Your dead to us you NO SHOW.... very dissapointed you did not come to Plugfest....just kidding of coarse.. you missed a good time...

Sorry Joe.....just was not feeling it. Not a fan of crowds/gatherings lately??

Really missed seeing you Larry

Sorry Joe.....just was not feeling it. Not a fan of crowds/gatherings lately??

I understand... it's just nice seeing old friends... which is something I consider you as..next time maybe

Sorry guys....my head is just full of things going on these days. Glad all enjoyed.:uhuh:

Can someone tell me who makes or made this plug? I got it from a guy that I work with. Thanks Mark.

Gibbs GTS Troller!

Gibbs GTS Troller!

Thanks. Any idea how old it might be?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thanks. Any idea how old it might be?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Hard to say. I have the exact one as a wall hanger, 2oz. GTS2 which was purchased in the seventies. I've taken the GTS3 & GTS2's and made templates and recreated the plug. The lips have to be customized to match O.E. Usually a-40 & A-jr lips are the ones I redo.

Not to change the subject but your flo yel/wht Danny I traded for @ Plugfest swims terrific. Holds in a nice chop also.

Hard to say. I have the exact one as a wall hanger, 2oz. GTS2 which was purchased in the seventies. I've taken the GTS3 & GTS2's and made templates and recreated the plug. The lips have to be customized to match O.E. Usually a-40 & A-jr lips are the ones I redo.

Not to change the subject but your flo yel/wht Danny I traded for @ Plugfest swims terrific. Holds in a nice chop also.

It does weight 2oz. and he told me it was his uncles from a long time ago. I'll definitely be hanging it.

As far as the danny goes thanks. I have to thank professorM he hooked me up with a master.:btu:

Some finished up in the last week or two. New weighting on the BlueStreak/A40, ones I made last year had a little too much roll. Darter is a kit although I did a Frech darter this week and needs to be tested, looks good but we shall see if it swims. Big pikie's on the list for this week.

wao SGT, you on the fast lane dude. good job.

Well it's Sunday AM, coffee in hand. What's everyone up too?

Some Nanner's for my buddy, Blue one on bottom had an incident with the spinner last night :wall:

BlueStreak 40's and Jr's and a small loaf of bread

A few more, 8.5" Nike and 6.5", Musso Bottle and a Cap'n Bill's

I like your slices of bread Sarge
you been busy

Been turning for a couple hours....private stock for me and the Mrs. to fish from the yak!! Some small Gibbs polaris, some Creek Chub Wigglers with the Snook Bait Co. "Weasel" tail treatment for fun! Also got my hands on a large CCBC Surf Darter so....trying a few of them! Coffee break right now....good day to be in the shop!
:uhuh:

Nice work Sarge...love the Nike's!

Have alot of unfinished plugs I have to finish.......CCBC Surfster copy, some MasterLure and Snook Bait Co. copies, a few custom "Flaptail" plugs for me! Gonna be a busy next few weeks!

I've got several to finish up before I call it quits for a while. Almost ready are a larger Crappie glider and a smaller bass popper. Here are a couple of CCBCO Wiggler copies that I've made, along with a nice original.

Douglas

...been a few years since I've spun deer hair...

...got the hang of spinning ok ....but the trimming neeeds a buncha practice ...lol

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/imoldman/spun%20deer/deerhair01.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/imoldman/spun%20deer/deerhair02.jpg


Old Man aka Bob

Rowhunter.....you ever fish any of those Wigglers? Their action is awesome! Speaking of awesome....love your copies....paint is fantastic!!:uhuh:

Love them Wiggler's, and super paint!!
Larry, get to work, I want to see the CCBC stuff, you know I like that stuff. Also let us know how you make out on the CC Surf Darter, I have a few turned all a little different. when I get some time I need to test with several weighting patterns. Right now I need to get some big plugs done, big bunka will be here any day!!

...been a few years since I've spun deer hair...

...got the hang of spinning ok ....but the trimming neeeds a buncha practice ...lol

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/imoldman/spun%20deer/deerhair01.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/imoldman/spun%20deer/deerhair02.jpg


Old Man aka Bob

Awesome! It ought to be a blast to fish that!

OMG, largemouth bass candy:uhuh:

I'm done for now. Did the Pichney 5 1/8" Danny ( bootleg shape) surface (cedar) & shallow sub surface(yellow pine). Extensive testing and trial :WHEW!. Did a few sea pup spooks. & a few big water 3.5oz needles.Time to fish,already got 2 fish in local river.

I finished the last two I was working on, and started two more for a fund raiser at my son's High School. The two completed are a realistic Crappie glide bait made from 7/8" maple, 5 1/2" long weighing 3oz. It is a slow sinking glider dropping at about 1 foot per second. I like to use these type baits when fishing parallel to a nice deep weed line, say 14'. Toss it out, count down to 5-7 feet and begin that slow tap cadence walk the dog at that weed line, just defying those ambush predators to make a move. That's a blast! The other is a much smaller popper made from WRC, 4" and 1oz, should get those large and smallmouth bass moving all season.

Douglas

I thought I might post a picture of where I'll be using all of these baits as well, beautiful Vilas county Wisconsin.

Douglas

Douglas,

Man those are some beauties, and thanks for the Vilas County pics....I myself love fishing up there hard to capture the beauty in a pic especially at sun up and sun down!!
Great stuff!

MS

WOW
beautiful stuff guys :btu:

I finally got the freshwater/huge rainbow trout trolling swimmers done

Awesome looking stuff Douglas and Bruce. Doug I still owe you a darter. I haven't forgot. Bruce those would work well here. Nice stuff guys.

Happy Easter to everyone :)

Crappy Cell pics, but.......Couple more J-bugs on deck, just need hardware........How's everyone else finishing up the building season and preparing for season opener?

http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/download4-3.jpg
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac37/muskyslayer4430/download5-4.jpg
MS