GotStipers and whoever else makes their own soft plastics.

[Patrick]

I was reading my Jannet catalog and I see they sell the stuff needed to make soft plastics. Unfortunately, all their molds are for freshwater stuff. So I figure if I want to do this, I have to make my own molds. Well I have a few questions because it seems like it's a great way to save money.

What do you make your molds out of. I read somewhere, I don't know if it was you or not, about using "car putty" to make a mold. I don't know what that stuff is but what do you use? What is the general process in making a mold? How do I make it so the top part of the mold disconnects from the bottom half?

Now, the Jannet company sells the plastisol, plus softeners and hardeners. How do you feel about these additives? The two things I want to make are "Sassy Shad" and rubber eels.

On the front half, I want to make it with the hardener so my hook doesn't rip but on the back end, I want to make it soft and supple for more action. Is that possible? I don't really have to make split colors. For sassy shad, I use pearl exclusively. For eels, I'll make them all black or olive.

How do you feel about adding scent to your soft plastics? What do you use? Could I just add some drops of menhaden oil? What about an eel scent? There are only two ways I know to get eel scent. One is from eels, the other is Smelly jelly. You know of any other way to get eel scent?

Lastly, do you have any other tips on making them? What is the advantage of hand-poured over injecting?

Thanks