This is an off year for me sadly, but I can comment from my own perspective. When I started pouring my own baits 15+ years ago, I obviously did a lot of experimenting. I still believe catching has more to do with the man holding the rod, then the bait at the end of the line. My gradual transition was away from super soft baits, which caught great, but lastest for only a fish or two. When I developed my own baits, my goal was to have baits that could be made to act very lively with the right rod-line manipulation; rather than relying souly on the baits softness. I wanted baits to last and I was counting on design and experience to do the rest.
When I started to pour on a limited basis commercially, again I wanted it to be "my signature" bait, which might not be the favorate softness for all people. To me it's a tradeoff, but I keep catching at a rate most would die for and my baits catch 20-30 fish at a crack, so the formula works for me.
If and when I get back at this commercially, I will offer a softer version when pouring larger orders. If I wanted to make more money, the easiest thing I could do would be to soften my baits up, because the shapes and actions are already proven. Still my trademark is durable baits, so I'll probably stay closer to that formula, maybe a tad softer; with a super soft option.
When the weather breaks, I will likely pour a very large batch of the 9 and 13" jerks, since the eel situation might mean people would be looking. I'm guessing black and it sounds like the masses might want them softer. Hey I can make them so soft a case of Viagra wouldn't stiffen them up
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Tight lines.