Custom Baits - Forum

Soft Plastic Bait Making => Getting Started / Customer Support => Topic started by: Shane on 08/13/13 13:50 UTC

Title: Tube mold questions.
Post by: Shane on 08/13/13 13:50 UTC

I use a lot of 3.5" tubes for smallmouth and I was looking at getting the mold for it.  But I have always had better luck with a finesse type tube rather than the flipping style.  So my question is;  is the 3.5 ccm tube mold a finesse style or flipping style?   
Can they  be shot with salt? 

I use bass pro tender tubes a lot, but I think there is too much salt in them.  But I really like the profile of the tender tube.  Any help is greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Tube mold questions.
Post by: biglewers on 08/13/13 14:23 UTC

I have shot my tube molds with salt and HD additive.  It can be done. 

Title: Re: Tube mold questions.
Post by: andrewlamberson on 08/13/13 14:47 UTC

Ummm...I'm a BIG tube fan...for a long time...and I guess I didn't know there was a Flippin' and a Finesse style...except as an indication of size (length).

My favorite size tube is the 3" Smoothy tube for smallmouth and walleye.  I use the larger 4" sizes on occasion...but catch the most fish on the 3". The 4" G-tube was hot for the walleye this spring for me.

I normally shoot them hollow and use an insert head, but I also shoot them with a full body ( a couple threads on this topic are on the site using a round head bolt and the correct screw size or cutting an insert short like I did) so I can use them on a 1/2 Moon (aka Mushroom head) jig.

Use an Allen Wrench: http://custombaits.com/index.php?topic=2522.msg16721#msg16721

Thread with a lot ways to make a solid head:

http://custombaits.com/index.php?topic=2826.msg19172#msg19172

There is also a "texas rig" insert that will give you a thick enough head  to Texas rig ...or use a hook with a screw bait keeper and then Texas rig).

I am NOT a fan of salt (lots of posts on that subject too!) ...but I really like the HD additive. Make the baits a lot tougher without sacrificing action.

Title: Re: Tube mold questions.
Post by: Shane on 08/13/13 14:54 UTC

The flippin style i was referencing pertained to the body diameter more than the length.  What is the diameter of the body on the 3 and 3.5 ccm tubes?

Title: Re: Tube mold questions.
Post by: Jerry V on 08/13/13 17:55 UTC

Quote from: Shane on 08/13/13 14:54 UTC

The flippin style i was referencing pertained to the body diameter more than the length.  What is the diameter of the body on the 3 and 3.5 ccm tubes?

The three inch smooth tube is approximately 7/16 inch in diameter through the entire length of the body.  The 3.5 tube is not smooth and has a bit of a nub at the nose that's closer to 1/2 or 9/16 and tapers to the 7/16 at tail end... I've a feeling that the 3" smooth tube would suite you better for a finesse presentation but that's just my 2 cents.

Jerry

Title: Re: Tube mold questions.
Post by: Shane on 08/14/13 06:08 UTC

thanks jerry

Title: Re: Tube mold questions.
Post by: Botanophilia on 08/14/13 09:21 UTC

I have the 4" G Tube and it has a fairly narrow body.  It's a great mold and the tube works well on bass.  If I want to chunk it up with a fatter body I do a dip in a 2nd color.  That gives a smooth body that's a little fatter.