ccm smoothy tube questions

[basshunter5]

Hello all I was hopeing those of you that have this mold or Jason could answer a few questions for me. I currently have the dels 4" tube molds and I really love it but cutting the tails is really becoming a pain lol the reason I like the molds are because I like really heavilly salted tubes the extra salt in my opinion gives them a great fall rate without the need for a worm weight. At one time I swirched over to bears tubes which have a similar spline as the ccm and with the salt I used in my recipe it made the mold impossible to use bc the tenticles on the spline would not shoot completly with that amount of salt but I'm thinking the new HD additive could solve my problem so with that said here are my questions? Lol sorry for rambling

1. I know what the spline is and I assume the tube insert is the rod that makes the bait hollow but what is the T-rig insert?

2. Does the tube have a solid head?

3. Has anyone shot this mold with the new sinking additive? Maybe with a similar recipe to stick baits but without the softner. And do the tenticles consistantly fill with this recipe?

[basshunter5]

Thank you for any help I appreciate it.

[Jason]

The T-rig Insert is for Texas Rigging vs. the Tube Jig.  The difference is the T-Rig has apox. 1/2" solid head and the Tube jig has aprox. 1/4" solid head so the jig fits all the way up.  They screw into the spline so you can use either or both with the same mold.  The spline will also work in all of our skirted molds.

The HD additive is awesome for tubes vs salt as it is much smaller and fluid.  You can shoot them in regular and will get all the action, increased durability and it will fill the tail out really well.  The key to the tail is to shoot it hot the first time to warm the spline.  You could also use a hair dryer to warm the spline, or dip it in plastic, really anything to warm it.

I'm sure others will chime in as well.

Jason

[andrewlamberson]

Living in smallmouth country a tube is a "go to" bait and I really like the CCM tubes and not having to cut the skirt!!!

I have been shooting all of mine in the High Density material and it works great. It is especially helpful with increased durability. I don't have any issues with the HD plastic not filling the skirt. Stir in (completely) the HD additive BEFORE you heat the plastic. It will stir in 100%. When you first start using it...stir it in one cup...pour it into another to heat...and that will give you the confidence that all the additive has gone into suspension. I've been using Bill's formula (see the post of how it compares with Salt) of 2 tablespoons per 4 oz. FYI... it does take a lot more X2 colorant to off set the gray color of the additive. For example, for my watermelon brn/red flake I've been using 50 drops (I may be over doing it !).

A couple tips to help get good skirts.
1. Watch your plastic temps...but shoot as hot as you can (350). You really need the plastic to flow.
2. I rub some worm oil on the mandrel every few shots.
3. Once the mold and mandrel gets hot...you will have perfect results every time...and you can back off your plastic temp a bit.
4. For a bigger bait (body) I like to dip the head a few times. Either to change color...or just give it a bigger profile.

Andy

[basshunter5]

Thank you guys very much for the fast responses I think I'm sold on the idea of switching over to ccm tube. As soon as I get my last few tube orders out I'm gonna sell the ones I have and get the smoothys. Thanks again!

[gone2long]

You can replace the tube insert with an allen screw and make a solid tube, thats an oxymoron isn't it

[Jason]

You can replace the tube insert with an allen screw and make a solid tube, thats an oxymoron isn't it

We have those, the Skirt and Skirted Chub Grubs use them.  They are pretty inexpensive ($.25) and have just been adding them to orders when requested.  I can add them to the site if there is a broader interest.

Jason

[gone2long]

I've rigged the solid tube like the fat ika with a nose weight has good action and the fish seemed to agree.

[basshunter5]

Most of the lakes I fish here are pretty dirty and I have to have a bass pros shops xps tube rattle on the inside of my tubes or I have no confidence in em. Lol it may sound crazy but those babies call em in. I'm excited about getting those new tube molds hopefully I can find a buyer for my others fast. I'm pretty sure I heard a guy on TU say he has been waiting on his for 6 months and hasn't gotten it yet. So maybe I will make someones christmas

[andrewlamberson]

A CCM Smoothy  "Cylinder"  in HD...would sink like a rock!!!

I'm making some tonight!