Here are some that I shot yesterday. I'm pretty darn happy with the way they turned out.

CITRUS SHAD







HOLOGRAPHIC SHAD





GIZZARD SHAD








THREADFIN SHAD #1








THREADFIN SHAD #2

That is a great job. I am partial to the turquoise lateral line stripe. It has made all the difference in the world as far as catching fish on my spooks and other crank baits. A turquoise line has out fished every stripe I have put on them.

The kill dot on the last quarter of the tail has also made a huge difference; as that dot is really moving with the tail action.

Absolutely beautiful work. The one criticism is that you went too heavy on the lateral line. One coat is sufficient. They aren't very pronounced on the fish and if you are using fluorescent paint one coat is all it takes.

Thanks for the kind words


Still trying to figure out the best way to do the lateral line ..and I agree they're too heavy ...didn't know they'd stand out that much till I clear coats them

You will find that the heavy line will be a fish catcher. On my spooks the line is heavy and wide. They like it for some reason. When we are testing in Mexico we only catch half as many spook fish without a line. It flashes that GHOST image, which produces bigger fish.

Great looking patterns

Interesting. I know in many commercial baits the line is pretty distinct and heavy. That's interesting that you've caught noticeably more fish with baits flashing a distinct lateral line. Thanks for the info and relating your experience.

Thanks ...they're getting there. I'm just trying to get better and better at this airbrushing thing.

Stick with it, you won't notice the improvements real easily because improvements are gradual. I looked back at some of my baits from this time last year and I couldn't believe the progression I have made. Im still not happy with some of my patterns and imo they all have room for improvement. Honestly I think that is the mindset we all have to stay in that we can always improve our craft.

I think the desire to get better is always a healthy attitude.

Yeah, I know that my first attempts were really pretty bad, but then there was a big giant leap in quality. Now it seems I'm learning things way more gradually, but it's my feeling that those little improvements are the ones to make all the difference. Now some of what I'm really trying to learn is how paints layer together and the final effect that they will have when clear coated. I painted another shad today that looks fantastic under clearcoat. Quite honestly, I like it better than any of these are pictured. And I would guess that a month from now I'll paint one that makes these look terrible in my eyes!

I shot this one yesterday ...slowly zeroing in on a pattern I like ...

thats a fish catcher for sure

Interesting observation...makes sense to me....you should add it to CW's post on kill dots.

I hope so !!!

Still not 100% happy, there are a few things I'll "hone in on"...but it's getting close

Hmm ...maybe I'll shoot one like this ....

Thanks !