Making large silicone baits at home. Do-it-yourself biodegradable “silicone”. Where to get the silicone itself?

About ten years ago, no one could have imagined that baits made of such a soft material as silicone would appear. The bait is so similar to an animate object that a predatory fish does not spit it out, but tries to try it, which gives it time to hook.

What silicone to use for filling

Effective silicone baits can, of course, be purchased. Or you can make it yourself. Especially if you have a lot of old baits in your arsenal that were damaged during fishing.

It’s easy to melt down old baits and make a new bait. In addition, this will save money. And when you make it yourself, you can “play” with color and taste, as well as with shape and size. Among the disadvantages of homemade products, it is logical to note the time required.

You can also make silicone baits from purchased material. For example, for injection molding machines. Its advantage, of course, is the quality, but the price of this material is not cheap. In addition, most likely, you will have to order silicone and wait for it to be delivered.

Note that a non-shrinking silicone compound based on a tin catalyst, for example, “Elastolux (TV 25)”, has a low viscosity, thereby filling all small parts and it is possible to paint it in a different color. The product does not shrink, which can be attributed to its positive properties. Shrinkage product, for example “Petallast 710”, “Pentallast 718” - shrinks by 1.5% of the volume of the mold, which must be remembered during manufacturing.

Silicone cost

If we compare the costs of producing silicone baits, the conclusion is simple - it is more profitable to make them from old baits. As for the cost of purchased silicone, you will have to fork out some money. For example, a two-component non-shrinking product from Elastolux (TV 25) and Elastofor costs from 830 rubles and more. Shrinkage component “Pentalast 710”, “Pentalast 718” in the range of 300-400 rubles.

Making silicone baits

Silicone molds

To make silicone baits, first of all, you need a mold to fill the material. You can also do it yourself. For example, from plaster or plexiglass.

What you will need:

• Dental or building plaster.
• Dishes where the plaster will be mixed.
• Tablespoon.
• Scales.
• Water.
• Liquid soap.
• A sample of the product that will be copied.
• Dishes for plaster.

All dishes are used in their pure form, without plaster residues. The ratio of gypsum and water is precisely maintained: for 25 ml of water you will need 100 grams. powder. The temperature of both ingredients should be 20 degrees. The bulk mixture is slowly added to the water and mixed for one minute. Monitor the solution for bubbles, if any, and remove them by tapping.

There are two types of matrices:

• one-sided;
• bilateral;

Let's consider the first type of matrix

We'll use gypsum as the material for it. You will also need a sample nozzle. It can be made from clay, wood, or use a finished product. The model should be lubricated with petroleum jelly, grease or silicone grease.

This is done to ensure that the sample does not stick to the plaster. Next, we fill the container with gypsum, the thickness of the fill is taken to be twice as thick as the sample. The model is immersed in plaster to a depth of slightly more than half of it. We wait for the plaster to dry completely (10 minutes) and remove the sample. The matrix should be covered with construction sealant, the one-sided matrix is ​​ready.

Double-sided matrix

For a double-sided matrix, you will need a rectangular container. Half of our container is filled with plaster and now the bait model is lowered onto its half. Leave all this overnight and only then start pouring the second part of the matrix. So that the molds can separate into two halves, they should be lubricated, for example, with Vaseline. Here the solution is made more liquid to allow bubbles to escape.

After pouring, we send it out to dry again for a day. Then separate the matrices, remove burrs, and take out the sample. The parts take several days to dry. Cover only the area for the layout with construction sealant.

Now you need to make air vents and sprues. From the beginning of the sample to the edge of the mold, scratch a groove with a sharp object, which then needs to be worked out with a drill.

Air vents should be made with a thin knife, up to 8 pieces, this is dictated by the complexity of the bait.

Using this mold makes it possible to prepare voluminous baits that are more realistic with live bait. This effect cannot be achieved in a single-sided mold. There are, of course, disadvantages. For example, there are more complex models when you can underfill silicone into some cavities of the prepared mold.

The process of making silicone baits with your own hands

• First of all, you need to melt the silicone. To do this, for example, the old parts of the nozzles are put into a container and melted (over an open fire or in the microwave) or immediately put into a syringe and sent to the microwave. The first case is convenient when several people are involved in the process and a large amount of material is melted, or there are Several prints available.
• In the second case, the syringe should be filled with waste, close the syringe nozzle and place in the microwave. The beauty of this method is that there is no fumes.

Color of future bait

The color of the future bait depends on the wishes of each fisherman. You can melt baits of the same color together, you can mix them - then the color will change.
When using ready-made silicone, you can add dye and glitter, for example, from Glitter. They are applied as the first layer to the matrix. Food coloring of any color is mixed with the material and sent to the print.

Taste of bait

To increase the number of bites and improve fishing results, the bait can also be given taste. To do this, during the manufacture of bait, you can add salt, fish oil, attractant, etc.

It is worth remembering that if the bait is impregnated with an attractant after its manufacture, it loses its properties after the next fishing. You need to additionally coat the bait with flavoring after fishing. This is done in this order: the used product must be washed, dried, placed in a bag and an attractant or flavoring agent dripped inside. Stir and leave for 3 days in a dark and dry place.

Form fills

Having melted the silicone, pour it into the prepared mold. If a one-sided mold is used, then pour our product on top, wait a few minutes and remove the finished bait from the print.

The casting process for double-sided prints is slightly different. Here two halves are used, which must be connected to each other. Then, hot material is poured into the impression injection channel until the die is completely filled. Hold the matrix at an angle.

Removing the bait from the mold

After hardening (about 5 minutes), the rubber products are removed from the molds and placed in a container with water, where you can add ice until it cools completely.

Trimming the shape

If necessary, ready-made nozzles must be freed from excess silicone: we cut off the excess with scissors, making the product completely similar to the used sample.

What baits can you make yourself this way?

You can make many attachments this way:

• worms that have many tails and legs;
• passive vibrating tails without snout tails;
• crayfish with tentacles;
• two-tailed twistors.

Additional elements move expressively when retrieving and create a hydrodynamic wake, to which predatory fish actively react.

Safety precautions when making bait yourself

In the process of casting baits, do not forget about safety precautions:

• Check the syringe for heat resistance if this melting method is chosen.
• Wear gloves.
• The syringe should be wrapped with electrical tape.
• There is no need to draw a lot of material into the syringe.
• When melting over an open fire, it is better to use a respirator or work in a well-ventilated area.

• The matrix should be larger than the sample on the sides and in volume.
• For a double-sided matrix, use the correct consistency of gypsum. To prevent the sample from being heavily immersed in the solution under its weight, it must be clearly half. Too thick a batch can cause the matrix to break off.
• Waste should be crushed as finely as possible, this is the key to rapid melting.
• Don't ignore safety precautions.

In this article we will analyze in detail the process of making silicone baits at home. You will learn about the materials of molds for casting baits, silicone, dyes, flavors, glitter, tools and other important details of this matter. The article will also contain a video on making a mold for casting from plaster.

What types of silicone molds are there?

Silicone molds are made from the following materials:

1. Metal
2. Sealant
3. Fake diamond
4. Plexiglas
5. Alabaster

Molds for casting silicone baits

You can buy molds for casting or make your own. As you can imagine, the mold consists of two parts that fit together to form a sealed area.

If you want to buy a ready-made mold for casting, then it’s easier for you to do this on the Internet, since online stores sell a large variety of all kinds of molds for casting silicone and other devices.

Shapes can be made from various materials and colors.

Several contours for several baits can be cut out in the molds at once, which speeds up casting.

Good casting molds should have air ducts that allow air to escape when the silicone is poured. The walls of the molds should fit tightly against each other.

DIY mold for silicone baits

Most often, craftsmen make their own molds for casting from plaster, as it is inexpensive and quite simple. To make this mold you will need: plaster, water, dishes, lubricant, a sample of silicone bait. For more information about making plaster molds, watch the video.

What you need to make silicone baits

1. Silicone casting mold
2. Silicone heating mold
3. Microwave
4. Fluoroplastic syringe
5. Silicone Grease
6. Clamp
7. Gloves
8. Scissors
9. Silicone
10. Sequins
11. Dye
12. Flavoring

We've sorted out the casting molds, now let's move on to other tools. Ceramic, glass or fluoroplastic cups can be used as a container for heating silicone. Fluoroplastic is preferable, as it holds the temperature longer and is very durable.

Handle containers heated in the microwave using gloves or a cloth.

Glitter, dyes, flavors

Glitter is not necessary in silicone baits, but is desirable as its shine is similar to the shine of fish scales, making it more natural for predatory fish. Sequins come in different colors and sizes (from 1 to 6 mm).

Dyes (pigments) There are a variety of colors: black, white, red, green, blue, orange and others. Pigments are simple, photoluminescent and fluorescent. It is worth noting that to obtain the desired color, it is not necessary to buy all the colors, since to obtain the desired shade you can simply mix several different dyes.

As for flavors, special heat-resistant attractants are used that can withstand the temperature of molten silicone well.

In online stores you can find the following scents: fish oil, caviar, anise, garlic, coffee, caramel, lemon and others.

Casting silicone bait for perch

Syringes for casting silicone baits

Ordinary plastic syringes are not used, as they immediately deteriorate from the temperature of liquid silicone. Glass syringes or special syringes made of fluoroplastic are used. Glass syringes are fragile, you need to be very careful with them. PTFE ones are more reliable.

It is worth noting that silicone can be melted in a separate container, or directly in a syringe. In a separate bowl, mix melted silicone, dyes, glitter and flavors. After stirring, the silicone must be heated before pouring.

If silicone melts in a syringe, then it should be placed in the microwave with the spout facing up. The nose of the syringe can be plugged with a toothpick or match to prevent the silicone from leaking out.

Silicone lure casting process

1. Grease the mold with silicone grease.
2. Clamp the mold with a clamp.
3. You need to heat the silicone in the microwave at a power of 200-300 watts, stirring the silicone every 30 seconds until completely melted.
4. Draw silicone into the syringe. If you heat the silicone in a separate container, you need to draw the silicone into the syringe. If the silicone melts in the syringe, move on to the next point.
5. We turn the syringe upside down with the needle, pull the piston back a couple of centimeters, and then smoothly squeeze out all the air until liquid silicone flows out of the syringe.
6. Take a mold for silicone baits, insert a syringe into the sprue and squeeze out the silicone until the silicone flows out of the air vents of the mold.
7. After filling, slowly remove the syringe from the mold while continuing to squeeze out the silicone. This must be done so that the bait does not have hollow noses.
8. Leave the whole thing for a minute until it cools.
9. Remove the bait from the mold.
10. After removing the silicone bait, you need to put it in cold water.
11. Next, use scissors to cut off the excess silicone.

The bait is ready.

You can also melt down old silicone baits. Before heating, they need to be cut into small pieces.

Silicone is placed in the microwave at a power of 200-300 watts. From time to time you need to check the silicone and stir it until it becomes liquid.

If silicone is overheated, it begins to burn and change color, which is very bad. Burnt silicone begins to smell strongly and release substances harmful to the body.

Before each use, the mold must be lubricated with silicone grease.

Fumes from molten silicone are harmful to the body, so ventilate the room or work outside!!!

The secret to silicone baits

Casting silicone baits using Redbug molds

The Redbug company sells products for casting silicone baits. In their store they have molds for casting baits, silicone, glitter, dyes, flavors, fluoroplastic syringes, mixing containers and other auxiliary tools.

Particular attention should be paid to casting molds that are made of artificial stone. The quality of the molds is quite good; before each use they need to be lubricated with silicone grease. The assortment includes molds for casting both one and multiple baits. There are shapes of the most popular lures such as Keitech Swing Impact, Pontoon 21 Awaruna, Dexter Worm, Imakatsu Javastic and many more.

You can get acquainted with all Redbug products by following the link.

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Today, fishing has become not only a very popular way of spending time, but also quite expensive. And in this vein, it is very relevant to make some baits and lures with your own hands, for example, a simple silicone bait for fishing.

What is the advantage of silicone bait?

Silicone, as a material for making bait, is quite soft and flexible, and that is why it is such a popular bait for independent experiments. Thanks to lures and baits made of silicone, with the correct execution of wiring maneuvers, you can easily catch fish:

• in shallow water;
• on the rifts.

One of the important rules for this type of fishing is the proper placement of the bait, which should sway slightly during the retrieve, creating the most natural play of natural baitfish.

As experience shows, making such bait at home is not particularly difficult; you just need to strictly follow all the advice and recommendations of experienced fishermen and specialists.

What kind of silicone can be used for pouring molds?

Of course, any bait can be purchased in fishing stores, specialized centers and just small fisherman's shops, but it is much better: more efficient and cheaper, to make silicone baits with your own hands.

This is especially true for those fishermen who, over many years of “fish hunting,” have left various silicone baits with some defects and wear, since they can be melted down at home to make new ones. Such events will allow you to significantly save on fishing accessories.

Making your own silicone bait makes it possible to make it in any color, shape or size, and not be content with what the store assortment offers.

However, there is one drawback, namely the large time expenditure, which actually stops many from such a long and painstaking task as making silicone bait with their own hands.

To make silicone baits at home, you can use one of the materials offered in stores, for example, thermoplastic. The advantage of injection molding machines is undoubtedly the high quality of the source material, and the disadvantage is the high pricing policy.

But along with expensive ones, there are also materials that can please you with a more reasonable cost, for example, “Elastolux (TV 25)”, which is characterized by a low viscosity of the mass, which allows you to fill any elements, even the smallest ones, at the time of use and actually paint them afterwards in the desired color.

In addition, the technology for manufacturing silicone bait from this material does not shrink, as a result, in contrast to materials such as Pentalast 718 or Pentalast 710, which are also still widely used for casting silicone baits. But such important characteristics should be taken into account when making fishing tackle yourself.

Cost of silicone for filling molds of baits

When choosing a material for filling molds, you should pay attention to the cost of silicone, which is why many turn to the method of melting old damaged silicone baits. Since, at the moment, most common materials cost more than 800 rubles, which not everyone can afford:

• "Eleplast (TV 25)";
• "Pentallast 710";
• "Pentalast 718".

How to make a mold for pouring silicone yourself?

The first thing to think about when making silicone baits at home is the pour mold, which can also be made at home. Such molds can mainly be made from the following materials:

• Gypsum;
• Plexiglas.

In order to start making a mold with your own hands at home, you will need to stock up on some equipment:

• Construction or dental plaster;
• Bowl for mixing plaster;
• Large spoon or spatula for stirring;
• Kitchen scales;
• Water;
• Soap, it is better to choose liquid;
• An example of the final product on which an impression will be made.

The dishes that will be used for mixing must be extremely clean and dry, without any plaster residues.
It is necessary to choose the right ratio of gypsum and water; it is recommended to stop at 25 ml of water and 100 gypsum. But it is necessary to pay special attention to the fact that the temperature of all components must be at least 20 degrees.

In order for the gypsum to dissolve as much as possible in the water without lumps, it is necessary to slowly and carefully mix it into the water for 60 seconds. If bubbles suddenly appear, you urgently need to knock them out and get rid of them.

Main types of matrices for filling molds of baits

Today there are only two main types of matrices:

• One-sided.
• Double sided.

One-way matrices are a structure made of gypsum, which can also be made independently, following the tips and recommendations. To do this, you will definitely need a sample nozzle.

Such a sample is most often made from wood or clay; the finished model must be lubricated with Vaseline to better lag the source material. The technology for making a mold using a matrix is ​​quite simple - you need to fill the matrix with the finished mixture, which is 2 times thicker than the sample.

First of all, you need to carefully immerse the model, and the plaster to a depth that will be slightly more than half of it, and wait a while until it dries completely and slowly remove the sample, leaving a cast. After the matrix is ​​covered with sealant used in construction work, the one-sided matrix will be completely ready.

For the manufacture of double-sided matrix You will need a container with your own hands to start with, it is best to choose a rectangular or square shape. The selected form must be filled with plaster approximately halfway and only then lower the bait model halfway inside.

For maximum hardening, you need to leave the model in the container for about 10-12 hours and only after that you can begin to fill the second half of the matrix. In this case, it is necessary to pay special attention to the fact that half of the double-sided matrix must be lubricated with grease or petroleum jelly so that they can subsequently be easily separated.

It is recommended to make the solution thin enough so that any bubbles that form can be removed. After the second part of the double-sided matrix has already been placed in the container, it is worth, just like the first time, allowing time for complete drying.

After this, separate the matrices and be sure to pay attention to the presence of burrs, which (if any) should be removed without fail by cleaning the matrices.

After removing the sample, you need to give it a few days for all the elements to dry and set well. When applying construction sealant, it is necessary to take into account the fact that it will only need to cover one part of the matrix.

After all that has been done, you can take on the construction of air vents and sprues with complete confidence. To do this, you need to use a knife or any sharp object that is available to make a small groove from the edge of the mold to the sample itself.

Subsequently, such a groove will need to be processed with a drill. In total, there should be about 8 air outlets in the double-sided matrix, which makes it possible, when used, to make volumetric baits at home. Such baits will closely resemble live fish, which, unfortunately, cannot be achieved using a one-sided matrix.

Instructions for making silicone baits with your own hands

To get started, the first thing you need to do is melt the original silicone to make the bait. To do this, you will need to take all the old and worn baits, place them in a bowl or selected container and place them on an open fire to melt (or in a microwave oven).

The open fire option is most often used if we are talking about a large, one might even say industrial scale, when not one, but several people are involved in the melting, and the melting takes place for a large amount of starting material.

The second option with a microwave oven is more acceptable for home use. It is necessary to place the waste in the syringe, close the spout so that nothing leaks out and place it in the working space of the microwave oven.

The color of the bait being worked on may depend on the personal preferences of the author, and this fact can be attributed to the undeniable advantages of making bait yourself. You can perform an original and extravagant experiment and mix all the old baits, and see what color the result will be - perhaps it will be something innovative and original.

If you use purchased silicone to make homemade baits, you should use dye, you can add a little glitter or small balls, which will sparkle in the water, attracting catch.

In order for the “hunt” for the fish to be successful, you can add a little flavor enhancer or any flavoring additive, for example, garlic, fish oil or salt, into the mass when kneading.

But if any attractant is added as a taste enhancer, you need to pay special attention to the fact that after the first fishing the bait will lose this property. In order to make up for the lost quality, you can specially lubricate the bait after each fishing and do this in the correct order.

So, take the bait used for fishing, rinse it with running water and dry it or blot it with a towel (napkin), put all the used bait in one bag and pour in a little flavor, then knead and mix everything in the bag and leave for 2-3 days in a cool and dark place.

In order to correctly fill molds for silicone baits, you need to melt pre-prepared silicone over a fire and pour it into a previously made mold (or purchased one).

If the technology uses a one-sided mold, then after filling it with silicone and within a few minutes you can remove the finished mold from the model.

This is a fairly simple method, unlike pouring a double-sided matrix, which uses two halves that are connected to each other. The previously melted silicone is poured into the groove (the execution of which was described earlier) until the matrix is ​​completely filled to the brim.

When hardening, it is recommended to hold the matrix or place it at a certain angle. After the time during which the silicone hardens in the matrix, you can remove the bait from the mold slowly and carefully so as not to damage small elements.

It is recommended to wait about 3-5 minutes until it hardens, depending on the viscosity of the silicone. After this, the finished bait must be placed in water, and, in order to speed up the cooling process, add some ice cubes to the container.

Then, when the finished bait has completely cooled, you will need to slightly adjust the shape, namely, cut the shape and thereby remove any remaining silicone. Using a sharp, small knife, cut off excess parts of the silicone, trying to make the bait as realistic as possible.

Types of baits that can be made using silicone

Thanks to this simple method, you can make many fishing baits, for example:

• Worm baits, which look like a centipede, baits with a lot of legs and tails;
• Can be made from silicone large vibrotails, but which do not have tails, in the form of a snout;
• Crayfish with tentacles can also be made of silicone at home;
• Double-sided twisters.

Such additional items and elements are practically irreplaceable if it is necessary to perform wiring, as they create the visual effect of the movement of live fish and leave behind a special hydraulic trace.

Safety precautions when making silicone molds

When making silicone baits at home, you need to be extremely careful and precise. comply with all safety rules and requirements:

• When melting silicone, stand first, check the syringe for heat resistance and for absence of cracks or breakages.
• Mandatory use gloves, do not remove them when working with hot silicone.
• Recommended wrap the syringe with insulated tape.
• Initially, you should not put a lot of starting material into the syringe so that it does not leak out and cause any damage.
• When melting old baits, be sure to you need to put on a respirator and open the windows or turn on the air conditioner to keep the room ventilated.

In order for the plan to come true and the whole process to be effective, it is necessary to strictly follow the advice and recommendations of experts, especially for beginners in this matter:

• Do-it-yourself matrix Necessarily should be larger in volume on both sides.
• If the technology involves the use of a double-sided matrix, It is necessary to pay special attention to the consistency of the gypsum.
• To ensure that the bait sample does not completely enter the solution under gravity, it is necessary to fill exactly half of it, as indicated in the technology.
• The gypsum solution must be mixed strictly in proportions, so that the matrix does not chip during use.
• Old and spoiled baits must be crushed very carefully, thus, the contents of the syringe will melt faster.
• In no case safety rules and requirements must not be neglected when making silicone molds and baits at home.

Silicone has long won the love of fishermen because of its catchability and accessibility. However, they are still quite expensive today and remain a dream for many spinners. But there is a way out, and it involves making silicone baits with your own hands, just like other popular spinning baits are made.

The advantage of silicone baits

The main advantage of silicones, which is noticeable to everyone who has ever visited a point of sale of spinning lures, is their low (relatively speaking, of course) price. In addition, what makes them popular is their effectiveness in catching predatory fish, and their diversity on the market can be envied by any other bait.

These products are also easy to upgrade. You can simply make them more mobile yourself, change their shape and color. In addition, manufacturers are constantly doing the same thing, supplying the market with new models of silicones with unique properties and capabilities.

Despite the fact that many fishermen speak about silicone baits as the most advanced and universal baits, we should not forget about their disadvantages:

• - silicones of any kind require careful handling: firstly, they are easy to tear; secondly, they are not recommended to be stored all together;
• - they are difficult to restore after damage; often you just have to throw it away;
• - some practice is required to effectively catch a predator with silicones;
• - Among the many offers on the market, there are a lot of low-quality products that have to be completed at home.

What kind of silicone is used to make DIY baits?

Even with their relatively low price, branded silicone baits remain expensive for most anglers. There is a way out - to make them yourself. Wherein:

• - baits will definitely be cheaper;
• - you can make those baits that really differ in catchability and are often not available for sale;
• - give products any color, shape, size, which are not in the lines of silicones produced by manufacturers.

For this, of course, you will need silicone. You can use those silicones that you have accumulated over the years of fishing and are not used due to damage, defects, and wear. They are melted down and used to cast new products.

If there is no specified supply of semi-finished product or it is small, you can cast silicone baits with your own hands from construction silicone or buy, for example, thermoplastic in a store. As a result, you will receive high-quality material, but it is quite expensive, which will affect the overall costs.

There are cheaper materials available for sale. For example, “Elastolux (TV25)”. It has a low viscosity, which is convenient for filling molds, including those with many small chambers. This material, after setting, does not change its volume, in which it differs from “Pentalast” (710 and 719), which are often used in the technology of making silicones at home.

Price of material for making silicone baits with your own hands

The most common materials for silicone casting (see above) cost approximately 800 rubles. For many fishermen, the price is not budgetary, so it is better to find an opportunity and use the melted remains of silicone nozzles. Over time, each spinning player collects a lot of them - the main thing is not to throw them away.

To add color, dyes are used - pigments of various shades. You don’t have to buy everything, but use a mixture of them.

Casting dies

Molds that are designed for casting silicones can be purchased in stores or online. They are made from a variety of materials: metal, plaster, sealant, artificial stone, plexiglass, alabaster.

In addition, for casting baits of different shapes, the matrices can be single- or double-sided. There are also those in which one silicone or several at once differs.

Stone and metal forms are considered the best, but they are expensive.

Making molds for silicone baits with your own hands

Most often, gypsum matrices are used at home. To receive the product you will need:

• - gypsum itself (astringent);
• - water for mixing the binder;
• - the container in which the plaster is mixed and sealed with water;
• - a spatula or large spoon for mixing the gypsum while mixing it;
• - kitchen scales;
• - a sample of the bait for which the matrix is ​​prepared; it is pre-made using clay, wood; it must be tough.

The container for mixing gypsum must be dry, clean, without any solid residues on the walls or bottom. To mix 100 g of binder, 25 ml of water is usually used. With this ratio of components, a sufficiently mobile binder solution is obtained, the setting time of which is sufficient to perform all the operations necessary for preparing the form.

Making a one-sided matrix

To make such a matrix, you will need some kind of container into which gypsum will be poured. This could be, for example, a plastic box. Its dimensions in plan must exceed the dimensions of the bait; height - at least 2 times the thickness of the latter.

Sequence of operations:

• - mix the plaster with water, mix it until a homogeneous consistency;
• - pour (put) plaster into the box; Use a spoon (spatula) to level its surface;
• - take a sample of the bait and immerse it in the thickness of the plaster; do this to a depth slightly greater than the thickness of the layout;
• - after the gypsum has set, the bait sample is carefully removed;
• - carefully clean the resulting matrix and cover it with a thin layer of construction sealant; after drying, it is ready for casting silicone nozzles.

Making a double-sided matrix

This type of matrix consists of two one-sided forms made using the technology described above. The difference is that the bait sample is immersed in plaster into each matrix on different sides. As a result, if two matrices are put together, inside them you will get a cavity, which in outline is similar to the entire bait.

The production of the matrices must be done in such a way that when they are folded, the recesses overlap one another without shifting. In addition, the mating planes of the molds are lubricated, for example, with Vaseline or grease. The latter is necessary so that there are no problems in the future when disconnecting them.

In addition to what is described in the resulting forms, sprues and air ducts are arranged. Through the first cavities, molten silicone is poured into the cavity; the latter serve as outlets for air when it is squeezed out by the material being poured. The presence of these elements prevents the receipt of products with flaws and defects.

Air ducts and sprues are ordinary grooves that start from the cavity in the matrix and extend to its outer surface. They can be made by cutting through the plaster, for example, with a knife, or drilling it with a thin drill. There is usually only one sprue in the mold, and about eight air ducts.

Making silicone baits with your own hands step by step

Melting silicone

After making the molds for casting, they proceed directly to casting. To do this you need to melt the silicone. This is done over an open fire or using a microwave oven.

The first option is preferable for large volumes of cast products. The material is placed in a container (for example, a tin can), placed on a stove, turned on the fire and brought to a fluid state.

However, this method has a number of disadvantages: the silicone in the jar often burns; when melting, smoking is observed; the silicone changes its color, and if it burns, it will generally turn black.

The second is more for home conditions: silicone waste is placed, for example, in the cavity of a syringe, its spout is closed and placed vertically in the microwave working space, using, for example, a mug. You should not immediately remove the syringe after melting - you need to let the container stand inside the microwave for another 2...3 minutes. The latter will allow the container to warm up well, which ensures the liquid state of the silicone for a longer time.

If you use old silicones to cast baits, you will end up with a certain color; it will depend on the color of the residues being mixed. If you use purchased silicone, then pigments are added to it during the melting period, which determines the final color of the bait. At this stage, you can add sparkles and balls to the composition, which can improve the attractiveness of future silicones to predators.

Casting silicone baits

The most popular colors of silicones are those that contain red and yellow tints. At the same time, the latter should be bright and preferably with a greenish tint.

The silicone casting process is as follows:

Preparation of the form;

• - melting silicone; at this stage (if necessary) it is given the desired color, balls and sparkles are introduced into it;
• - pouring molten silicone into the matrix;
• - cooling of the material;
• - removing the cast bait from the mold;

Keeping the bait in the water.

The usual cooling time for silicone is 5...10 minutes. After carefully removing it from the matrix, the cast bait is immediately lowered into the water. This procedure is required. It ensures the plasticity of the material. If you skip it, the silicone will remain soft, which is unacceptable for bait.

At the final stage, the resulting product must be brought into proper form. To do this, use a sharp knife or scissors. Excess silicone and its smudges are cut off. At the same time, they try to give the silicone the most realistic look.

Types of baits that can be made using silicone

At home, using silicone, you can make spinning soft baits of any type, shape, or color. It all depends on the desire, perseverance, and resourcefulness of the fisherman. The main thing, and probably the most difficult thing in the whole process, is to make the correct matrix (mold) for casting silicone.

Safety precautions when making silicone baits

At any stage of silicone casting, safety precautions must be observed during operations. It all depends on the material, tools, and equipment used.

If you are heating silicone in a tin, remove it from the stove using a mitten or a rag. If this is not done, you may get a skin burn.

When using a syringe to melt silicone, the latter must be heat-resistant. It is not allowed to have cracks or any damage.

All work with silicone should be carried out while protecting your hands with gloves. This is especially true for hot material. The syringe, for greater safety, can be wrapped with electrical tape.

Melting of old silicone residues is accompanied by the release of harmful fumes. It wouldn’t hurt to put on a respirator and ventilate the room, for example, open a window, turn on the air conditioner.

Video of making silicone baits for pike perch and pike with your own hands

Silicone spinning baits come in simple and complex shapes. The first ones are quite easy to make with your own hands. But the latter require certain knowledge and skills. Especially in the manufacture of molds for casting baits.

About all this, using the example of the most complex silicones, in this video.

Everything is well filmed, everything is explained in detail, each operation is shown in detail. It talks about the nuances of the process, for example, about color selection.

They are considered one of the cheapest types of non-natural baits. Silicones are divided into several types:

• Vibrotail is a bait that imitates a small fish. There is a “penny” on the tail of the bait, which gives the fish its own game.
• Twister similar to a vibrotail, however, instead of a “penny”, the bait has a long curled tail, similar to a question mark.
• Worms basically don't have their own game. Their main difference is their length, which can reach 30 centimeters.
• Separately, there are silicone baits that imitate a variety of frogs, crayfish and so on.

To make silicone baits with your own hands you will need:

• baits that will be cast
• frame for filling
• silicone

Contents

How to melt silicone?

There are several ways to melt silicone at home. Quick melting of silicone is possible when using a gas stove. To melt silicone over a fire you will need a tin can. This could be a cut-off beer can or a canned food can.

However, there are several problems with fire melting:

• silicone burns quickly;
• smokes;
• silicone changes its color, and when burned it becomes completely black;

Melting in the microwave is completely free of these disadvantages. In order for the baits to be the same color as the original color of the silicone, it must be melted in the microwave.

When melting silicone in the microwave, there is one subtlety so that it remains in a fluid state for as long as possible. You must not just wait until the silicone melts in the microwave, but after melting, keep it in the microwave for another one and a half to two minutes. The container in which the silicone is melted must be thoroughly warmed up. Under such conditions, silicone remains in a liquid state much longer.

Mold for silicone baits

The most readily available material for making molds is gypsum. This form is quite easy to make. It is necessary to dilute the plaster to the consistency of liquid sour cream and pour it into a plastic or cardboard form. Then lower the silicone bait of the desired shape into the plaster. The plaster should harden in an hour and a half. After which you can remove the bait.

However, when using gypsum, many problems also arise.

• Firstly, making such a form takes a lot of time, because... The plaster must be thoroughly dried. If the mold is not sufficiently dried, bubbles may form when pouring silicone, which significantly spoil the appearance and quality of the bait.
• Secondly, it is quite difficult to print small parts of the bait on a plaster mold.
• Thirdly, plaster forms are very fragile; if the plaster forms are pressed a little harder against each other or accidentally dropped, they will instantly burst.
• The fourth disadvantage is that baits are difficult to remove from the plaster mold.

And while this method is still suitable for making vibrating tails and worms, making twisters in plaster form is problematic.

Epoxy resin will help solve these problems. Using a brush soaked in epoxy resin, it is necessary to lubricate the plaster mold so that the layer of resin is as thin as possible. After which the form should be thoroughly dried. After covering the plaster mold, the baits are simply removed from it, sharp corners are smoothed out, and the problem with the appearance of air bubbles disappears. However, due to the coating, the size of the bait will be slightly reduced.

Making silicone bait

The ideal color combination for artificial bait is a combination of yellow and red. In this case, the yellow color should be very bright and have a light green tint.

The step-by-step process of making baits looks like this:

1. melting silicone;
2. pouring silicone into a plaster mold;
3. cooling of silicone;
4. soaking the bait in cold water;

After the silicone has cooled, which takes about 5-10 minutes, it should be immersed in cold water. This procedure is necessary so that the silicone does not lose its plasticity. If this step is skipped, the silicone will become soft.

Methods for installing silicone baits

Loaded and unloaded offset hooks – non-snacking options for equipping twisters and vibrotails

To mount the bait, the most commonly used method is to mount a jig head to a hook. The choice of head weight should be based on the depth of the pond. When choosing the length of the hook, you should focus on the size of the bait. Beginning fishermen believe that the larger the hook, the fewer empty bites. This is partly true, but it should be understood that if the bait is placed on the hook with the whole body, then its vibrations are significantly limited. The silicone bait may slip off such a hook. Some fishermen use super glue to securely attach the bait.

An equally popular way to rig a silicone hook is to use a double hook. The hook should be in the center of the body of the bait. To attach the hook to the bait, you first need to measure the level of the place where the sting should come out. After that, one of the double hooks pierces the bait right through. Then the tail of the hook is pulled through the silicone bait; the tail must be pulled through the body of the bait to the end part. The hook must be completely in the body of the bait.

The silicone bait can also be equipped with offset hooks. There are two forms of offset hooks:

• curved oblong shape;
• straight form.

The straight bowl shape is used with worm-type bait, and recently it has become obsolete. To attach the bait, you need to pierce the end part with the tip of the hook and immediately remove it. After which the bait is passed to the step of the hook and turns slightly. To secure the point of the hook in the bait, it is necessary to remove it through the end of the body of the bait. Then lower the bait slightly and insert the tip of the hook into the body of the bait. The silicone should not be too tight.

The bait can be equipped with a tee. In the body of the bait, approximately in the middle, you should make a small hole using a tube from a handle. Using a wide circle of the handle, excess silicone is squeezed out, after which a hole remains in the bait. Then the body of the bait is pierced with the triple tail of the hook and brought out in the mouth. After which one of the stings is threaded through the hole so that the hook is located exactly along the body of the bait.

Choosing the right shape for future silicone baits - rating the best edible rubber from top brands.

– a review of the most catchy edible baits in the budget segment.

Equipment for silicone baits.

Silicone baits are one of the cheapest types of artificial baits. Making them will not be difficult. To make the bait, you only need a plaster mold and silicone itself. The easiest way to melt silicone is in the microwave. After hardening, the silicone should be placed in water for two hours to preserve its structure.