Making Tube Baits

[Smallieguy87]

I've been a big tube bait fan and use them frequently on my wade/float trips. Over time I've become very particular about color and shape and was thinking about molding my own. I was wondering if any of you guys have done this and if you could give me some advice or how to. Thanks guys!

[fishinwrench]

I have, using the dip method.

I used pegboard pegs and would dip twice deep (4"), then 2 more times shallow (2") to give them tapered tails.

If you want a 2 or 3 tone you just dip the sides using a modified pan.

To cut the tails you just have to make a block with blades and spacers. Keep your cutting block well lubed with cooking oil and you'll get nice clean cuts.

I had 8 pegs mounted to a piece of wood so I could dip 8 at a time and it worked out great.

Here's 4 patterns that absolutely kill on LO

I lost all my stuff in a tornado but have enough tubes made up to last me a little while longer. If by chance you start making them like this I'll gladly buy from you as I really have no desire to start dipping them again.

One thing is for certain....you can't mass produce a tube that'll do what these babys will do. I'm kinda interested to see if anybody here (from back in the day) knows where I learned how to make them.

[Smallieguy87]

Those look really good! And thanks for the tips! I'm looking to put in an order for plastol and coloring in coming weeks. I like how you did the laminate on them. I plan to mold mostly 3.5-4 inch. I'm sure it will take some trial and error for before I get it down but i think the fun part would be making different color schemes...etc. I like to have a tapper in the tube that gets thinner as it nears the skirt I'm guessing you just keep dipping the top of the tube until you reach a tapper you want.

[fishinwrench]

You got it. Plus you can control the thickness of the layer of each dip by altering the temp of your goo.

Cooler temps give you thicker layers, ect.

Oh....and you can not use salt with this method, it just won't work.

[Quillback]

Nice tubes.

[Dutch]

I used to dip a few. I did vertical dipping and was considering horizontal but it was a real slow process and I had to cut the tails so I quit and started injecting them. Pricey but a lot easier and faster.

You can go to www.tackleunderground.com and do some research on making tubes.

[Smallieguy87]

Yeah I was trying to decide if dipping or injection would be best. I kind of like the idea of dipping since I can control the thickness and what not. Now with injection you have to do the skirt separate right? Thanks for all the feed back guys.

[Dutch]

Yeah I was trying to decide if dipping or injection would be best. I kind of like the idea of dipping since I can control the thickness and what not. Now with injection you have to do the skirt separate right? Thanks for all the feed back guys.

No you don't. My molds came from Bear's Baits. The total tube is made with one injection. Laminates are easy and if I want the body thicker I dip it in hot plastisol.

http://www.americananglersfishing.com/gallery/13_28_01_10_4_13_28.jpeg

[Smallieguy87]

Those are some good looking tube baits Dutch! Thanks for the info I think that will be the route I take!

[fishinwrench]

I like that fat headed one, Dutch. Nice work.