Abobass

Butch uses the fish skull brand in the “earth” pattern. You can get them on tackle warehouse

I have no experience with tru coat. I swear by envirotex or the alumilite clear coat epoxy. It’s 1:1 with no headache.

Hi All just thought I’d share my latest project of restoring an old first version 2x4 top water. The bait is 10” in length and 5.6 ounces. After stripping the epoxy and sanding the bait I removed the 3 eye screws. Since I primarily target large striper I opted to install rotating spro swivels (250 lb rating). To do this I used a 1/4” fortsner bit to drill into the belly to take the swivel and another hole intersecting the belly to install the brass pin to hold the swivel in place. I also coated the holes with super glue a few times to water proof them. To cap the intersecting holes I used 1/4” dowel super glued in and then sanded smooth. I also plugged the hole for the tail eye screw as it was off kilter and drilled a new, centered pilot hole. Next order of business will be adding a one knock into this bait which I will share the process with you all if anyone is wondering how to do that. That’s it for now. More photos to come !!

Some baits to study that are great burners is the poppa pete, sneaky pete, and JSJ siren slide

In my experience to make a glide be able to burn it needs to be weighted on the heavier side and the tail/joint has to be open enough that the tail section can flop over to almost 90 degrees

Thank you very much. Excited to see how it turns out. Probably going to keep it very simple and not do any gill carvings, etc

Hey y’all … hope everyone is doing well. Just wanted to share a new project. Castaic chubby cheeks inspired wake bait. Haven’t decided yet if I going to keep this basswood carving as a master to mold or just a one of one to fish. Will keep you guys updated !! currently measuring about 10.5” with the tail !!