3.5" Swim Shad

[toojayz]

I haven't received this mold yet but it should be delivered on Friday. I went with the 3.5 original tail. How do you guy's like the action on this bait? I never really fished with any other swimbait than a Keitech Swing Impact before and had great luck with it but too darn expensive and can't seem to find the colors I want when I need them not to mention how easily they get ripped up on the water. I think this Swim Shad could be a great alternative. Maybe I should have inquired about this mold before I ordered it but couldn't help myself!

[ctom]

Be sure to play with different plastic strengths. I'd get at least a pint of each of the Do-It plastics to shoot baits in your favorite colors in. When you fish these different baits pay attention to the best action, best durability. Find a happy medium and use the plastic that fits your needs best based on field work.

I believe Andrew has mentioned that these baits and molds were originally designed to use the medium plastic. The medium is easy shooting but has quite a bit of strength and stretch yet still affords great action even in smaller baits.

[toojayz]

Thanks Tom! I'm stocked good on the regular ccm plastic and we have softener as well. I cant wait to experiment with this bait knowing that no one else we fish with will have one of these! Also, it seems like in my region we have an abundance of emerald shiners so that may be the color of choice but only time will tell

[jl3140]

I bought one of these molds last spring. Prior to buying it, I don't think I had tried any plastic swimbaits. I really like this bait for pike in the spring, however I didn't get much chance to try it out on bass over the summer.

From the side of making lures, you can make some pretty awesome colored baits with it and the belly is really easy to hand pour. I only pour these baits (or any for that matter) in medium plastic.

[ctom]

Medium plastic seems to offer the most flexibility in mid-sized baits. The hard, or firm, sees more use in applications for saltwater use of for specific needs where a tough plastic is called for.

I make mainly small baits and use the soft formula and in some instances even add substantial softener to that plastic to achieve the firmness I want. I suggest using the medium as the core of your shooting.

Another thought here for when you get a bit further into this maze of ideas is to shoot tail colors using your standard medium plastic so you get all the action but use firm or hard as the head-end or body plastic to get the ultimate in durability. This "hard head" stuff is a great concept on paper but I have yet to work with it so I can't offer any absolutes. I just want to mention the option but it will require some experience working with the plastics.

Trust me....you have embarked on a voyage with this stuff and it won't take you long to sail far away from your emerald shiners. 

[biglewers]

Man the 3.5 is great.  I have it in the original tail (the thick one)  shoots nice.  Med plastic is what you are gonna wanna shoot it with and hold the pressure for a count of 10-15 secs.  They like to dent some.  (if your plast is to hot)  let your plastic cool down to about the 330-325 mark, you should have no problems with the dents.  I have the 12 cavity one, It seems to shoot better than the 3 cavity.  Works great and the bass freakin love'em

[Botanophilia]

I've been shooting plastic fairly hot and in cold temps and haven't seen much denting using the 3 cavity mold.  This is using CCM medium.  It's an easy mold to work with, I just got it recently.  I've had a few of the swim baits from the last couple bait swaps, they work great and have awesome action.  Bass and pike love them.

[DobynsTriton]

They fish great on a alabama rig & on a swimbait head. 1-3 color baits shoot/pour great

[toojayz]

They fish great on a alabama rig & on a swimbait head. 1-3 color baits shoot/pour great

Thanks Dobyns! I can't wait to get the mold. I planned on using a swimbait head. Again you guys are great!

[DobynsTriton]

Thanks Dobyns! I can't wait to get the mold. I planned on using a swimbait head. Again you guys are great!

Welcome! drop a drop or 2 of loctite on the hook shank & push the bait up on it the rest the way & itll stay put

[WALLEYE WACKER]

Great bait that will quickly become one of your go to baits. Easy to pour and has good amount of side to side roll. Mike