Floating CD3?

panger · #1 16-05-2005, 12:17 AM

Does anyone know if it is possible modify a CD-3 into a slow floater?

luke_H · #2 16-05-2005, 02:32 AM

i doubt it
mine still sinks with a single stinger on the back and unless some how you could take the weight out of it, they will always sink
cheers
luke

Bream Addict · #3 16-05-2005, 02:39 AM

yeah i dont think its possible mate, it may work if u stick a bit of polystyrene on the bottom and top, but u would have to paint it the same colour and seal it with an estapol or something similar

panger · #4 16-05-2005, 03:35 AM

Thanks, thought you couldn't do it.

Shortlite · #5 16-05-2005, 04:29 AM

Yes, but it's fiddly and it may alter the performance of your lure.
Basically, you have to remove some of the lead ballast. The problem is that in getting to the ballast, you also have to remove some balsa.

Locate the ballast. On the Rapalas, this is normally just above the middle hook hanger, about halway up the body. Drill into the lure body from the side with a fairly small bit, until you hit the lead. Then drill out some of the lead, being careful not to damage the wire harness. Seal the hole with epoxy.

The more central the spot you remove the lead, the less affected the total orientation of the lure will be. It will just weigh less. The epoxy, however, has none of the buoyancy of balsa, so as small a hole as possible is recommended. Or you can make a little balsa plug and glue that in, then sand it flush and paint and varnish over it.

Bream Addict · #6 16-05-2005, 07:39 AM

i think u got too much time on ur hands shortlite

it sounds like a lot of work, thats very fiddley, ill just make do with hundreds of other types of slow-flating lures out there.

the_fanatic · #7 16-05-2005, 09:57 AM

correct me if im wrong but dont rapala do a F3???

panger · #8 16-05-2005, 06:16 PM

Rapala do make a floating F3. I was asking the question because I can get some CD's cheap.

Shortlite · #9 17-05-2005, 12:42 AM

Not really, I'm busy at Uni up here with Owen (PiscineIdiot).

I have been a luremaker (design and crafting) for a few years now, in my limited free time. I have also seen, read about and done many of the lure modifications one can think of.

I think the F3's are really too light to fish effectively in anything but flat calm conditions and at close range. The CD's are heavier, cast further, but they sink. Those are not the smallest lures Rapala make anymore. There are the new CD1's, and if I am not mistaken, a floating F1 as well, which only have a tail treble.