I made a new blade bait mold tonight...

[21XDC]

I wanted a simple head with a pointier nose in the weights I like to use. 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 and 1 oz 

Do you like my new design or last design in the second pic better?

[fiker]

Both are good.
Have you considered using split rings to attach the hooks.
I have done that with my Silver Buddies.  I seem to lose fewer fish that way. 

[21XDC]

I used to use trebles and split rings, But I prefer no split rings and a double hook. Less tangles, less snags and fouling of weeds/rocks. The bite/hook ratio is no different. You do need to be careful when un hooking fish. You can bend and open the hook. This will result in lost hooks and fish.


I fished with Billy and Bobby Westmoreland years ago. Met Buddy Banks the owner of Silver Buddy lures. When I fished with these guys, They showed me to cut the bottom hook off of the treble to loose less lures.

Here is an old picture of Billy and I... I think this was 1983. Scotties restaurant in Celina TN.

[YpsiBass]

Nice pornstache!

[21XDC]

Only you would look at me that way...     Or were you talking about Billy Westmoreland?

I do have BIG hands!

[YpsiBass]

I do have BIG hands!

Ok Donald 

FWIW I like the old design better.  Maybe the fish would disagree though?

[Waterfoul]

I think he was talking about a split ring at the TOP of the lure where you attach the line.  I always use a split ring there... the lure will cut your line if you don't.

I have found over the years that I do lose more fish on the double hook than I do on a treble hook.  I often downsize the treble hook one size... doesn't get tangled as easy and still has a good hook up/landing ratio.

[djkimmel]

I haven't tried double hooks without a split ring so I can't comment on that. I do tend to like small treble hooks with split rings.

I use a plain small snap to attach the lure to my line not a split ring. I have snaps on all of my homemade blade baits (not made by me) and the other Bullet Blades that I sometimes use too, more for walleye than bass at times.

[djkimmel]

I like your original style better as far as how they look. Very fancy, but I wonder if the new ones will catch fish just as good, maybe better? Let us know how your testing goes!

[21XDC]

Well............... The 3/8 works OK, But every weight heavier is garbage. If I stroke the bait hard it will vibrate. Soft lifts that are needed in cold water have no action.   

I wasted some time and money on this one.   But that is how I learn.   I think either the belly is too wide, and or because the head is centered on the body...

I use a snap on top as the split ring don't go on well without ruining the spring tension.

[detroit1]

I watched Billy's tv show way back when. Bass Magnet crankbaits..where are they now?

[21XDC]

I had a bunch of those bass magnets craws... I believe they had mercury in them and stopped making them...

[djkimmel]

I used to have some Bass Magnet crankbaits. I think I sold them all??

Bummer that your new blade baits don't work! Hard way to learn but glad you're taking it well. Better luck next time. They looked like they should work.

[21XDC]

One main reason I make custom molds is so I can have certain weights that are not offered in stock form...

I have already machined another mold for 1/4oz and 3/8oz in models that  do work... 

I keep right on truck'in!

[djkimmel]

Yes you do!

[1javelin]

How much for some of the old ones without hooks?

1jav

[21XDC]

I don't sell any... Especially during fishing season. 

[21XDC]

I know these don't look special, But I machined this mold to make 1/4 and 3/8 blade baits on the 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 oz blanks...

[Waterfoul]

I don't sell any... Especially during fishing season. 

Well that seems a bit selfish!  LOL!!  All those great looking baits and you're going to keep them all to yourself?

[21XDC]

I have poured some for guys, If they buy the blanks and have them sent to me... 

I'd consider doing this... PM me if you like.

Order ZB-M blanks in nickel or brass... They will ship directly to me, save time and shipping costs. Order eyes, hooks too. I'll ship them to you as long as you pay for it... Might throw me a bone for lead and some time.

>>> http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/do-it-mold-parts/410528.aspx

PS:  BTW... I don't want to do a few... I'd rather do a lot, So order a ton and make it worth doing for both of us.