Making plastic a bait float?

[DobynsTriton]

how is it done & how easy is it to do?

[Frank]

An addative is used which is glass bubbles that float. Great care must be used when using this product, it is real bad for your lungs. It will also dull your colors so the formula will need to be adjusted. Super floater bubbles is one name that is used. Frank

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Also, on a little safer-side...Jason sells some Foam that is intended for adding to baits.  Little small strips.  I've thought about shredding them with a cheese grater and mixing them in.

[DobynsTriton]

Also, on a little safer-side...Jason sells some Foam that is intended for adding to baits.  Little small strips.  I've thought about shredding them with a cheese grater and mixing them in.

That would work but the thing is a guy wants me to put them in a 4'' hand poured mad dad, i wouldnt kno how id get it to work with that

[pjmcla]

Micro-bubbles are dangerous to work with without proper breathing protection.  They also really want to come to the top of the plastic ( DUH ).   They also dis-color and stiffen the bait.  But; they do work. Have you watched the video of Jason on the foam strips ( in the CCM Store -  Hooks and Misc. -  Foam Strips ).  I could see a partial pour; add precut strip;  then final pour as a possibility.  Especially on an open pour mold.  Another way to get the craws to float; if texas rigged, is to use a Betts Carolina Floater ( http://www.basspro.com/Betts-Carolina-Floater/product/20867/89567  )  or a lindy rig cork pegged to the hook.   

[ghostbaits]

That would work but the thing is a guy wants me to put them in a 4'' hand poured mad dad, i wouldnt kno how id get it to work with that

I would ask the customer what exactly he/she is looking for. Your baits will float up already if t-rigged as plastic is pretty bouyant. Test your baits out in the sink and you will see.

If he absolutely wants it done, I would not use the float additives as you really can't make decent colors after adding enough. You could just add a small piece of the floating foam Jason has in the claw area. Basically, I would warm my mold, pour starting at the body end, and put a layer down in the whole mold. Then, quickly add a small piece in the claw area, and resume to pour the mold full. Will take a little bit to get the timing down to not get cold cracks but I think you will see good results.

I have that OP so I think you can do it!!!!!

I'd check your baits out t-rigged in the sink first though, you will be surprised at how they already are in that "fighting position" a crawfish shows.

Jim

[DobynsTriton]

I would ask the customer what exactly he/she is looking for. Your baits will float up already if t-rigged as plastic is pretty bouyant. Test your baits out in the sink and you will see.

If he absolutely wants it done, I would not use the float additives as you really can't make decent colors after adding enough. You could just add a small piece of the floating foam Jason has in the claw area. Basically, I would warm my mold, pour starting at the body end, and put a layer down in the whole mold. Then, quickly add a small piece in the claw area, and resume to pour the mold full. Will take a little bit to get the timing down to not get cold cracks but I think you will see good results.

I have that OP so I think you can do it!!!!!

I'd check your baits out t-rigged in the sink first though, you will be surprised at how they already are in that "fighting position" a crawfish shows.

Jim

I tested it out in the sink without a hook or weight & told him that it floats & it would probable float at a angle. we talked last night & he wants to do something similar to what he does with his westy worms that have a double hook,but without seeing it in a diao or drawn out im only understanding half of his plan

[andrewlamberson]

pour 1/2 the bait. Lay a strip in the tail. Pour the remainder. I would think hand pouring would be the easiest.

I would go to Walmart...find some foam shower shoes in a close color (I actually found some brown ones !), cut some plugs the size of the tail (you can use a punch from the hardware store and punch them out on a piece of soft pine). Drill a small hole in the center...and thread the plug onto your line and eventually against the eye of the hook. Works great if you crazy glue the whole thing together! I make my bass bugs out of this material and it works perfectly! I made up a whole bunch of these last year for my 6" carrots.

You can buy some really nice drill cutters  at   Sleazy Steve's Soggy Bottom Fly Shop (he's a really good guy!)... at
                    http://www.jvlnet.com/~swinters/

If you buy the cutters from him...you might as well buy the foam there also. His price is about as good as anyone's and he has a great assortment of colors (including brown and orange!).

Betts also makes a floating "bass sinker" for Carolina rigs....and there are a ton of different floating heads for Walleye fishing.

Google:
Cabela's Two-Tone Floating Jigheads

Paul posted the link to the Betts product

[ghostbaits]

Post a picture up if you can Andy, sounds interesting and something worth trying.

Thanks for the links as well. I have sheets of fly foam I have used in my baits for years!

Jim

[ghostbaits]

PS  I used to carry this quart rubbermaid container with me to tournaments to show guys the difference in how my baits would act vs the "salt-filled" alternatives.

Simply toss the 2 baits t-rigged into the container filled with water and it was like magic!!!! My baits floated up off the bottom and the other baits sank like an anchor. Then I would ask, you want baits that get up in the fished face and they can eat, or ones that lay on the lake bottom and go unoticed??? Easy sell!!!!     

Jim