Finished swimbait

[Fishwhittler]

Here's the swimbait I posted a few days ago. I'm very pleased with how it turned out. It's far and away the best swimbait I've ever made; the action is good, although it could be a little more snaky, but I'm not complaining! It sinks moderately slowly, and it swims with an S-type action. I can't wait to fish this one!

Let me know what you think.

Ben

[jbass]

It looks great. Do you mind me asking; what did you use to make the tail?

[Fishwhittler]

I used 1/16" lexan sheet for the tail. It might swim better with a rubber or soft plastic tail, but this bait swims well as it is.

[.dsaavedra.]

looks very good!

[Steven Ladner]

Very nice, I could see that one getting some bites 

[BIG M]

Good work Ben, how much time did it take to carve the scales.

[whittler]

Talent, there is no way you can reach this level of bait making in such a short time without it, Fantastic work Ben.

[NateFollmer]

Great job, I've been waiting to see this finished I'd even take a bite at this thing.

[Fishwhittler]

Thanks guys.

Big M, I posted how I did the scales in my first thread about this bait (see reply #8).  It took about 20-30 minutes for each side.  I also tried using this scaling technique on a cedar bait, and it's a bit more difficult because you have to use a hot wood-burner.  It took longer and it didn't turn out as good as I hoped, but it's definitely doable.  I prefer working with PVC though; it's what I feel most comfortable using.

For those of you looking for a PVC supplier, try vintagewoodworks.com/.  I just got my first order from them the other day, and I'm very satisfied.  For one thing, I can get wider boards than they had at Menards, and also they have several different thicknesses of PVC.  Make sure you get the trim board, not the decking board.  Their decking board has a woodgrain on one side, and that will substantially decrease the useable thickness of the board. 

Another nice thing about the PVC they sell is it doesn't have a plastic coating on the outside.  This is especially good when you're making baits in two halves instead of from a single thick blank.  You also don't lose any thickness from sanding off the film, and it's just much easier to work with.  I'll definitely be ordering from them again.

[Big Bass Man]

Very Nice Work !!