Curing baits

[Mic]

I have been making lures for about 2 months and have just read (on another forum) that baits need to cure for 2 weeks.  Is there anyway of curing the baits any faster than that?  What time frame does everyone else use to cure their baits?  What is the reason for curing the baits?  Does the longer cure time remove some of the plastic smell from the baits? 

Mick

[CasterCreekTackle]

I just let them cure 24 hours. Then I put them in a ziplock bag and add scent. Let them dry for a little bit then add salt to them and bag them up. You want to give them long enough to cure on a flat surface so they dont get bent and retain that bent shape.

[Jason]

24 hours.  We will put them in the refrigerator when we have sample request we try and get out the same day.  The plastic smell diminishes as it cures.

Jason

[captian chaos]

refrigerator ??

[Jason]

refrigerator ??

It helps cool them / cure faster.  I don't think it's as ideal as letting them sit overnight, but it makes it so we can ship most samples the same day.  We won't normally do it with something with a boot tail (frog, sb, etc.).

[Denny Welch]

I thought last nights dinner was a little chewy.  TPO's eyesight isn't what it used to be.

[andrewlamberson]

I had some worms curing in the refrigerator...once...I will never make that mistake again!

The Boss Lady chewed me up one side....and down the other!

(lucky for me she didn't notice the leeches I had in a brown bag at the bottom of the refrigerator!!!!).

[superharmonix]

I cure mine 24 hours as well- As soon as I de-mold I put them on an aluminum drip pan to cure.

[Keith Stone]

Saw a YouTube video where guy put them in water immediately after de-molding for up to several hours. I tried it, seemed OK but when I asked on some forums, all thought it was a wacky idea with not much value. Don't know, what do you guys think?

[floridagrimp]

I believe Jason says in one of his videos to put them in water after taking baits out of the molds.

[XFactorTackle]

24 hours is pretty standard.

I have some baits in the shop right now with a small fan blowing on them...that can cut it down to a couple hours and they will be ready to bag.

Jeff

[Dave]

Saw a YouTube video where guy put them in water immediately after de-molding for up to several hours. I tried it, seemed OK but when I asked on some forums, all thought it was a wacky idea with not much value. Don't know, what do you guys think?

I put mine in cold water as well! The only problem to watch out for is the explosion of hot oil and water if your plastic hasn't solidified! Be careful with this technique.... 

[Jason]

Just for further clarification on the water - the only time I used it on a regular basis was on our Big Fat craw, the MD5.  It is just so thick that laying it out would cause it to flatten some has it cured.  However, I've redesigned this mold and turned it vertical so it can now setup enough in the mold that I don't need to use water. 

Be careful with water around plastic.  Best suggestion would be a bucket on the floor if you need it for baits, or as a safety precaution against burns.

Jason

[ghostbaits]

Ditto... I no longer use any water to put baits in.

Also, if you add salt in your baits, they will absorb some water while soaking/curing.

Jim

[BareKnuckleJigs]

24 hours is standard, but I try for 48 hours, and much longer if at all possible.  If I can, and am not trying to fish with them within days after I shoot them (Choot 'Em Elizabit!), I'll leave them on the pan while I'm at work for 2+ weeks.  I despise crooked baits.