I am thinking of going off the deep end and starting to pour/dip some plastics. Mainly dipping tubes, and making some hollow swimbaits. The reasoning is so I can make custom colors to match forage in the places I fish(rocky creeks and rivers).

Let that be the reason. Soon enough it'll be too late. It's a disease and it sounds like you may be getting it.

JK

I already plan on trying some custom paint schemes on crankbaits. I just cant find the colors I want. With the ultra clear water we have right now replica baits make the most sense.

Once you start pouring your own it is hard to stop. Figure maybe $250 budget to get started for what you want. A single cavity hollow swimbait mold is about $70 then you need an injector for $50. Tube dippers are about $25 then you may want to get a tail splitter for $140 otherwise get an injector tube mold for $70. Then figuring out the recipes for what you want may add to it some. It is fun and takes a little effort to learn the whole process. If you decide against it I do pour custom colors at no extra charge.

I did for a while. traded my supplies. I made over 800 baits and was going to have to start buying more tackle boxes. You have to pry yourself out of it once you get into it. Good luck!

I've got the stuff to pour senkos but decided I would rather fish than pour.

I found this blade dipper for swimbaits for $25 but I am certain I can make one for about 1 hour worth of time and no money. I realize that with that I can only make one at a time but I dont intend to sell them.


I also found this tube dipper for $25. I think I could make one of those too since I have a lathe.

I'm about to start pouring some of my own stuff. I've made my own jigs and blades for years. I'm not doing it to save money, I have some designs I want to play with. Working with plastic isn't near as easy as lead.

I have no experience with that dipper but I will guess maybe 4 to 6 dips per bait. Also I am a little concerned with the plastic stretching over the tail portion on that dipper and the hole it may leave. You will not be able to use regular Pyrex cups to heat the plastic in for that dipper. They will be too shallow. You may try using a tall can like energy drinks come in and heating on a hot plate. You will have to stir it up good between dips but it should be doable. It really depends on how much time and effort you want to put into it. Dipping will be slower then pouring or injecting.

can you pour or inject hollow body baits?

I am not aware of hollow belly that you can hand pour right off hand. I believe they are all injection molds. Usually when you add extras like hook slots or hollow belly you need to move the plastic under pressure to get a solid bait. Same goes for smaller parts like lizard tails, craw pincher's, critter legs and tube skirts come out better when injected. Not trying to steer you away from getting into plastics just trying to save you money and some headaches if you do decide.

thanks for the replies, I will keep in touch if I decide to go that route.

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