Ethan Clarke
Soft plastic baits are a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts, with many opting to create their own at home. Making your own soft plastic baits is a rewarding hobby that allows you to connect with your fishing on a deeper level. It can also be a creative outlet, allowing you to design unique lures with distinctive shapes, colours, and glitter combinations. To get started, you will need a few essential items such as a heating source, moulds, safety equipment, and, of course, the soft plastic bait-making materials. In this discussion, we will explore the process of setting up soft plastic bait, covering everything from selecting the right equipment to customising your lures and the satisfaction of catching a fish with your own creation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heating source | 700-watt microwave or hot plate with a thin saucepan |
| Thermometer | Probe or radiant thermometer |
| Safety equipment | Safety goggles, heat-resistant gloves, toe-covering shoes, long sleeves, pants |
| Ventilation | Good air circulation or respirator |
| Mold type | Open pour or injection mold, aluminum milled mold, aluminum cast or stone mold |
| Mold material | Aluminum, plaster of Paris (POP) |
| Plastisol type | Soft, medium, hard, or blends |
| Plastisol temperature | 300-400 degrees |
| Plastisol preparation | Heat in 30-second or 1-2 minute increments, stir, add color and glitter, heat for another 30 seconds, stir again |
| Injector | Do-It Molds 4 oz injector, N2 Injector |
| Additives | Softener, hardener, salt, worm oil, scent, pigment |
| Glitter | Square, hexagon, whisker shapes; sizes .08, .15, .35, .40, .60, .62 |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a mold
When choosing a mold for soft plastic bait, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of mold you want to use: injection or open pour. Injection molding is a faster method that allows you to produce a large number of baits, but it may limit your creativity in terms of design and colour. On the other hand, open-pour molds offer more design flexibility and allow you to create intricate baits with various colour options. This method is also more economical as it doesn't require an injector.
Another factor to consider is the material of the mold. High-quality molds are often made from artificial stone, a durable and heat-resistant material. Alternatively, you can opt for aluminum molds, which are known for their innovative designs and high quality.
Customizability is another important aspect when choosing a mold. Some companies offer custom mold sizes and cavity designs to meet your specific requirements. You can also select the desired colour and type of your bait, with some molds even offering the option to inject multiple colours simultaneously to create more detailed and diverse baits.
Lastly, consider the accessories and add-ons that come with the mold. Some molds come with hand injectors, air vises, quick clamps, and other accessories that can aid in the production process. Think about the specific tools and equipment you'll need for your soft plastic bait setup and choose a mold that includes those accessories.
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Heating the plastic
When using a microwave, heat the plastisol in 30-second to 2-minute intervals, stirring in between. The optimal temperature for plastisol is between 300 and 400 degrees, but this may vary depending on the manufacturer. It is important to monitor the temperature with a thermometer to ensure the plastic does not exceed this range, as it will start to turn yellow. A digital infrared thermometer can be used to check the temperature of the plastic.
Before heating the plastic, it is important to put on safety gear, including safety goggles and heat-resistant gloves. It is also crucial to ensure good ventilation in the workspace to clear any fumes that may arise from heating the plastic. Wearing long sleeves, pants, and toe-covering shoes can provide additional protection in case of accidents.
Once the plastic reaches the appropriate temperature, add any desired colourants, scents, or glitter to create unique and enticing bait. Stir the mixture well and then put it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds before giving it a final stir. At this stage, the plastic is ready to be poured into the moulds.
If using an injector, allow the plastic to cool down to 330-360 degrees before sucking it into the injector. This can be done using a budget-friendly injector like the Do-It Molds 4 oz injector, or higher-capacity injectors like the N2 Injector. Place the injector tip into the injection port of the mould and push the plunger down until you feel resistance. Hold the pressure for a couple of seconds to ensure the hot plastic fills all the cavities of the mould.
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Adding colour and glitter
Choosing the Right Materials:
Select a colourant that is specifically designed for soft plastic bait, such as Dead on Plastics Craw and tube plastic. You can also add glitter to your bait to make it more attractive to fish. Glitter is available in various shapes, including square, hexagon, and whisker. The shape you choose will influence the appearance of your bait, with whisker glitter providing a unique look.
Preparing the Plastic:
Measure out the desired amount of plastic. It is important to shake the plastic well to mix it, as additives can separate. You can then heat the plastic in a microwave in short intervals until it reaches the appropriate temperature for pouring. Be sure to use a dedicated microwave for this process, as you do not want to cross-contaminate with food items.
Once the plastic is molten, it is time to add your desired colour and glitter. Combine the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of colour and glitter throughout the plastic. You can experiment with different colour combinations and glitter sizes to create unique and attractive lures.
Pouring the Bait:
After mixing in your colour and glitter, place the plastic back in the microwave for a final heating interval. Once complete, give the mixture one last stir and then carefully pour it into your chosen mould. Allow the bait to cool and set before removing it from the mould.
Safety Precautions:
When working with hot plastic, it is important to wear protective gear, including safety goggles, heat-resistant gloves, and clothing that covers your skin. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of fumes. It is also recommended to use a dedicated butter knife for stirring the plastic and always check the temperature with a thermometer to avoid overheating the plastic.
By following these steps and getting creative with your colour and glitter choices, you can design eye-catching soft plastic baits that will enhance your fishing experience.
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Pouring the plastic
To pour the plastic, you will need to heat up a cup of plastisol in a microwave until it has turned from liquid to molten plastic. This can be done in 1.5 to 2-minute intervals, stirring in between. The optimal temperature varies by plastisol manufacturer but is typically between 300 and 400 degrees. An infrared thermometer can be used to quickly determine the correct temperature.
Once the plastisol has reached the appropriate temperature, add your desired colour and any glitter to the mix and stir well. Put the mixing cup back in the microwave for another 30 seconds or so, then give it one final stir before pouring it into your chosen mould.
When pouring, it is recommended to start with the thin areas first, such as tails, flaps and claws. This is because if you over-pour, the extra plastic will suck down into the main body cavity, resulting in better results and avoiding overly thick appendages. After this step, pour the main body cavity and top off any areas that may have become too thin.
Let the mould sit aside to cool. Once the plastic has cooled, it's time to remove the bait from the mould. It is important to be careful during this step, as removing the bait too early may cause it to break or tear.
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Removing the bait from the mold
The first step is to carefully remove the bait from the mold. This can be done by gently pulling or peeling the mold away from the bait. If the mold is flexible, it may be possible to gently bend and pop the bait out. It is important to take your time during this step to avoid damaging the bait.
Once the bait is free from the mold, it should be placed on a flat surface to finish cooling. This will ensure that the bait retains its proper shape. It is recommended to let the bait sit upright for at least a day or two before using it. During this time, you can also add any desired scents or oils to make the bait more enticing to fish.
After the bait has cooled completely, you can trim any excess plastic that may have leaked out during the pouring process. This will give the bait a clean, finished look and ensure that it functions optimally.
Finally, your soft plastic bait is ready to be used or stored for later use. It is important to store the bait properly to avoid damage or loss. One way to store soft plastic baits is by placing them in a container with a layer of plastic wrap or wax paper between each bait to prevent them from sticking together.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a heating source, such as a microwave, a probe or radiant thermometer, safety goggles, gloves, and a mould.
The type of mould you use depends on the finish you want. If you want a shiny, store-bought bait finish, use an aluminium milled mould. If you want a dull finish, use an aluminium cast or stone mould.
You can use glitter, colourants, powders, and other additives to make your bait distinctive. You can also add salt or other additives to your mixture to increase weight and adjust buoyancy.
The type of jig head you use depends on the type of fish you are targeting. If you are targeting light estuary species like bream, use light jig heads. If you are targeting bigger inshore species, use a heavier jig head.
