Hand Pouring Claws

[Muskygary]

When hand pouring a mold, would it help the action of the lure if you under filled the claws or tail to try to make them thiner? (more action)

[andrewlamberson]

I wonder...what makes more "noise" underwater....a thin tail/claw....or a thicker tail/claw?

Based upon my experience with spinner baits...bigger blade...bigger thump...

I also noticed on some of my really big Northern Pike grubs...they have very thick tails...and a LOT of thump!

So... if the fish are feeding visually in clear water...more motion (like the tails on the swim fry!!!!) makes sense.

If you are fishing off color water....more sound would catch more fish.

Anecdotal experience this spring during the high, muddy water was that stick baits (like the 6" carrot)  were NOT catching fish! But my Mad Dad 3xl (thick claws)....was pounding them. I also did well with big single tail grubs that you could feel coming through the water.

This fall, with very clear water...the 6" Carrot was tearing them up...especially when I molded it in medium or soft.

I'm just getting into hand pour (I'm hand pour challenged) and I just got one of CCMs hand pour craw molds and I made some up last night in medium...and then added 6 drops of softener to get more action. I'm testing them on Thanksgiving when it's forcasted to get to a balmy 53 degrees!

My 2 cents worth....

[Jason]

I prefer the thicker claws on the MD OP molds.  They are like clubs and the extra weight away from the body gives them better action.  I think it really depends on the mold - and your preference.

[pjmcla]

Maybe.  Thinner and more vibration would indicate a smaller, possibly more active prey.  A fishes lateral line is jam packed with sophisticated "radars", for both sound and pressure waves.
Several experts profess that the larger blades / tails create a larger pressure wave that signals - I.E. larger prey - to the predator fish.