My DIY tackle projects

[Rowdie]

Have you tried repainting old cranks found along the shoreline?

 

[NodakBuckeye]

Like the looks of the hot steel one... hell, all of them.

 

[DirtyMike]

As promised, here they are with epoxy on.

Rowdie, that's what I kinda want to get into. The blanks available are pretty terrible. I have one lipless crank that has amazing action but the other ones just aren't great. These pictures are all reprints of bombers.

 

[SDMF]

That weekend wife thingy oughta have a French Whorehouse scent pad attached to it's belly.

 

[Traxion]

Great looking baits. I have pondered the idea of doing what you're doing but two things have held me up. First, I just don't lose that many cranks. But, most of all, I am just worried that I'll paint up a bunch of baits that don't have great action and don't catch much.

How have you found the action of the blanks to be? Better sources than others?

 

[DirtyMike]

Sdmf, I don't think I've been through enough squeaky saloon doors as you have.

Traxion, I've caught fish on a few of the blanks that I use. The lipless ones are as good or better than a rippin rap. The shad baits move pretty damn well but need some tuning. The reef runner look alikes move just like a reef runner. Many of the other blanks just don't move well. I don't buy them anymore and am headed more in the direction of doing repaints. There's many discontinued colors that I've done for people or colors that aren't produced by certain companies that people like or have good luck with.

- - - Updated - - -

As far as sources, one blank comes from China. The rest are from US retailers but are probably made in China. The bottom line is always cost. If I spend 4$ for a good blank, why not buy the actual crank, repaint it, and then reinstall the hardware. Prep and paint is the hardest part but putting hooks on blanks can beat up a wallet.

 

[Vollmer]

Do you free-hand paint those? Or are there templates?

 

[DirtyMike]

Mostly templates. For the side bars I use a comb just to get my spacing and then I free hand them until they're dark enough. The perch lines are eyeballed on with a couple of triangle templates. Consistency from one side to the other is my biggest challenge. What I need to do is create a vacuum dealer that uses heavier plastic. That way I can just slap it on the lure and I know it's the same as the other side.

 

[DirtyMike]

Dinger Baits sells some nice blanks. Some of them even come with holographic tape on them. I think it adds a nice effect.

 

[KDM]

Looking at your artwork is like going to the candy store. Amazing stuff!!

 

[DirtyMike]

Looking at your artwork is like going to the candy store. Amazing stuff!!

I'm bring a few with for the Jedi tourney. I suppose the host better get one.

 

[BGH]

That's awesome work Mike��. Weekend wife name gave me a chuckle, ha!

 

[FishReaper]

You guys should see the ones he painted for Warriors on the Water as prizes. They are really cool.

 

[DirtyMike]

My nephew wanted me to paint him a lure tonight. I asked what color he wanted? He screamed "Biderman!" So here's biderman.

 

[guywhofishes]

Ba ha ha! Sweet!

 

[Vollmer]

That's pretty epic. My kids would flip.

 

[DirtyMike]

Not a big fan of these blanks but I figured I'd clean out some inventory.

My new perch color pattern. I think it looks much more natural.

Introducing "F-Shack." Which should bare some resemblance to:

 

[H82bogey]

Ha. I shall call the new business, Not Scheels.

May I suggest a name like Richard's Sporting Goods?

 

[Rizzo]

I'd be up for some bucktails if your taking orders. I'd gladly be a beta tester, that's if you need one.

 

[DirtyMike]

pm sent