Questions about HD additive

[bribass]

Hey guys,

So i know the HD additive makes the baits sink and you dont have to use salt to do so. But Ive heard alot of guys talk about how the baits are much more durable. Is that because you not using salt or because the Hd additive is actually making them more durable?

Also, alot of times we use super soft plastic with salt so the baits dont get too hard from the added salt. So with the Hd used instead do you just use regular plastic or still use the soft?

Thanks!
Brian

[wilks19]

I have only used the HD once so far and I noticed it hardened the bait up a little.  We were making the Gorilla Tube for a buddy and he wanted it in Green Pumpkin (color).  We did notice that the HD altered the color a little, but he was still very happy with it.  We use regular CCM plastic and this order did not have any salt added.  I don't know if it is the HD or the lack of salt making it harder, someone else will have to answer that one for you.  Hope this helped.

[andrewlamberson]

Salt does make the baits significant less durable. It can also cause injection issues due to flow.

HD additive makes the baits more durable..than just plain plastic. So compared to a salted bait they are a LOT more durable! I often get over a dozen bass or more per wacky worm with HD (see other posts that are getting similar results).

I use it in regular CCM plastic. For the bass sized baits I don't see any difference in action. I also haven't noticed a significant difference in flow during injection at 350-360 degrees in bass baits.

I use Bill's suggestion (see his post on density of HD baits vs. salt baits) of 2 tablespoons in 4 oz (use a measuring tablespoon ...not a eating tablespoon...for the correct measurement of a liquid). Add it before you heat, making sure it is completely mixed before you heat your plastic.

It does make your plastic "gray" ....so you do need to add more colorant. I use it in dark colors like black, CCM Green and watermelon brown.

Try it...you'll like it!

Andy

[Denny Welch]

Ditto re Andy's comments.  I pour a lot of stick baits and I like the HDA much better than salt.  You have to experiment a little with the colors, but the durability of the baits is much better than salt.

[MonteSS]

If you add the HDA to medium plastic in the ratio of 4 oz plastic and two level tablespoons of hda, the sink rate is pretty close to a real Senko. They are softer than a bait made with just medium plastic. The more HDA that you add, the heavier they become softer they get (they also get stickier)

I have been trying 4 oz plastic with one level tablrspoon of HDA and one heaping tablespoon of pickling salt for a customer who wanted a more clear bait. Worked out decent but I did not try fishing it.

Seems like the liquid in the HDA nay be softener. I left a container open and alot of the liquid evaporeted and only the grey thicker stuff was left. Those baits were significanyly firmer than the ones I stored and stirred the HDA properly.

...Bill

[wvspeck]

I just tried the HDA for the first time this evening.  Tried it in a blue crawfish color and it made it real pale blue.  I tried it in green pumpkin and it changed it a little but not too much.   Am I to assume that you can't use the HD and keep a transparent bait?   Thanks for any help.

Will let you know what the fish think of them Friday.

[pjmcla]

The HD additive will "cloud" any color and reduce the color's intensity.  Hi-lites will have a clouding effect as well.

[MonteSS]

Best used for opaque baits.

Black, white, GP, watermelon, browns, purples etc.

Color changing colors , pearls and hi lites dont work well as said.

Flake does not show well either.

You can try half HDA and half salt for a slightly more transparent bait.

....Bill

[wvspeck]

Thanks