Couple new baits.....

[ctom]

The top is a 1/2 ounce Vibe bait done in a young pumpkinseed pattern. I'm still working on the stenciling to get a better mottled pattern in the brown. Close but not quite. These will go in the box anyway.

The bottom pi is an all metal sonar-like bait that I think will tear suspended crappies up all summer. No idea on the weight as I haven't tossed on on the powder scale yet but will get back after having done so.

The eyes are Do-It's dandy attack series eyes in 2.5 size. The red is the Warmouth. The silver is the Precision Pearl. There's too much strong light in this picture to get the pearl to light up that cool soft blue ring that comes alive on the border if the light is a bit more subdued....really cool eye color.

[DF]

 Awesome job ctom. You're getting pretty good at this tackle crafting thing

[Les Young]

Very nice Tom.

[Fishermanbt]

Oh my goodness!  I just fell in love with that pumpkinseed pattern. Outstanding work sir. I’ve been kicking around the thought of adding a blade bait to my catalog.

[WALLEYE WACKER]

Awesome as they get and both will be fish slayers.

[anyfish]

Those are fantastic.   Nice job Tom!

[basscatlildave]

Great job. Love that pumpkinseed pattern

[Shaunm81]

Looks really nice ctom.

[ctom]

The small blades weigh in at .09 ounces each.

There is some bronze hi lite in the clear top coat sprayed on the entire surface of both Vibe baits, but the camera's filter won't let it show thru. It's something else though. In the sun the backs and sides look like a real fish when wet. After looking at these cranks again this morning I see the green-brown mottling has darkened slightly from when the picture was taken so I may be close enough with the stenciling and paint mixing ratios and maybe will try letting the paint sit overnight before putting the seal coat to see if further drying tones the color down more. Maybe use a tiny bit more brown in the green when I mix them. We'll see.

The brown and watermelon green are both Do-It airbrush colors. I thin the green down with plain water a bit then tone it down with brown. The white base color is also Do-It's airbrush paint.

[anyfish]

I bought materials last year to try airbrushing,  but have yet to actually sit down and give it a try.  Looks like a lot of fun.  Where did you get the small blades? 

[ctom]

Ali Express.....its a Chinese site and everything comes across the ocean. These took about three weeks. Type in the Aliexpress.com then write unfinished fishing lures in the on-site search and you should find them but they're back six or eight pages.

Here, try this link.....

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32908921964.html?spm=a2g0o.search0302.0.0.576db439Pg43Uw&algo_pvid=0dae276b-338b-4813-a49f-74aaa727c15e&algo_expid=0dae276b-338b-4813-a49f-74aaa727c15e-7&btsid=0b0a556316208472888914974e0064&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

[bassinfool]

You might try using an artists sponge on the pumpkinseeds to make your spots.  It is a technique I have used several times with good success.  They look good regardless.

[ctom]

Here are some more colors on the metal baits. I'm really liking this little sucker. Easy painting, but now I need a few more color ideas. Perch is next on my list.

[WALLEYE WACKER]

There’s a few more fish killer ther TOM.

[olsarge]

Stellar work Tom.  I am really digging on those little blade baits.  Gonna have to try some