Carolina Pumpkin is one of those soft plastic bait colors that has stood the test of time. It's been a staple in anglers' tackle boxes for over 40 years, and its popularity isn't just a stroke of luck. There's a craft to its creation, a blend of art and science that makes it irresistible to bass across the country.
This color's magic lies in its uncanny ability to mimic a range of natural prey. From the sandy banks of Southern rivers to the murky waters of Midwestern lakes, Carolina Pumpkin captures the essence of crawfish, panfish, and other bass delicacies. It's like having a buffet on a hook, offering something for every bass's palate.
When you mix up a batch of Carolina Pumpkin, you're not just creating a lure; you're conjuring up decades of fishing lore and expertise. The subtle orange tint, the sandy brown hue, and the signature black flake - each element plays a role in crafting a bait that speaks the bass' language.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, using Carolina Pumpkin is like tapping into a rich fishing heritage. It's a testament to the ingenuity of anglers who've refined their craft over generations. So, let's dive into how to bring this legendary color to life in your bait-making journey.
Recipe Notes
- Adjust the hue and translucency of the bait by adding fewer drops of the liquid colorant for a less saturated and opaque bait. Adding more drops will increase the color saturation and opacity of the bait.
- When adding powdered pigment, less is always more. Adding a single drop of black colorant will help the powdered pigment’s “pearl” effect “pop” more.
- For a slightly different presentation add 5-10 drops of Dead On Plastics Snowshine, Joker, or Dorothy Pearl Effects Colorants. These colorants will add a “sheen” to the bait.
- String-cut glitter/flake likes to curl at temperatures not too far above 300f, so keep this in mind, and check the plastisol's temperature with an immersion thermometer before adding string-cut flake.
- Neo/Fluorescent colorants can lose some of their vibrance and unique properties when overheated. Just like with string-cut flake, check the plastisol's temperature before adding the colorant.
Recipe Instructions
- Base Setup: Use 1 cup of your preferred brand and hardness of plastisol. Shake or stir in the original container until the plastisol is uniform in color to avoid curing issues.
- Oil-Based Additives: If required by the recipe, add any oil-based plastisol additives at this stage. This includes hardener, softener, or heat stabilizer.
- Initial Heating: Heat plastisol in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until plastisol starts to turn clear. Check temperature and continue heating in 15-30 second bursts. Monitor temperature after each round to ensure the plastisol reaches the manufacturer's recommended “cooking” temperature. (Usually 350°F) Try not to overshoot this temperature by very much.
- Scorch Warning: If the plastisol's temperature exceeds 380°F, it will begin to scorch and could burn. If this is the case, vacate the area due to toxic fumes, and return only after adequate ventilation has occurred.
- Degassing: If your plastisol requires degassing for bubble prevention, complete this step now.
- Colorant and Pigment: Integrate liquid colorants and powdered pigments, ensuring a thorough mix for at least one minute to eliminate color streaks.
- Flake / Glitter: Cautiously add flake, taking note that high temperatures can cause it to curl or bleed. Flake may also alter the bait's color.
- Dry Additives and Salt: Add any remaining dry plastisol additives, including salt if necessary. Be aware that salt can introduce bubbles and lighten the bait’s color.
- Final Temperature Check: Ensure the plastisol is at your desired injection or pouring temperature, typically somewhere between 280°F and 320°F. Make temperature adjustments in 10-15 second increments in the microwave if necessary. Note that some glitter will bleed and curl at temperatures over 320°F
- Mold Injection/Pour: Proceed to inject or pour into molds, observing all safety guidelines
Soft Plastics Safety
- The working temperature of plastisol is upwards of 350f on the extremely high-end with scorched plastisol reaching temperatures of 400f or higher. Plastisol releases chlorine gas and other toxic and nauseous fumes that are extremely hazardous to humans when heated to its scorching point. Proper PPE is required at all times when working with Plastisol.
- Be aware that hot plastisol, when spilled onto flesh or clothing, almost always results in a 3rd degree burn, and it’s important to wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves when working with plastisol. Additionally, a good pair of leather, heat-resistant gloves are required at all times to protect your hands from very severe burns.
- It’s important to remember that hot plastisol is the consistency of extremely sticky glue, and it is impossible to wipe off, pull off, or throw off any hot plastisol that might spill on your skin or clothing. The resulting burn is instantaneous, so always work with your skin covered, and protected.
- For all of these reasons and more, you should always wear proper PPE when working with plastisol. This includes, at a minimum, eye protection, an air-purifying respirator, and skin-covering clothing. Consult the manufacturer’s literature and the plastisol’s MSDS sheet to familiarize yourself with the chemicals you are working with, and when in doubt, give the manufacturer a call and ask about their safety recommendations.
- It’s also important to always work with plastisol in a well-ventilated area, with some form of airflow moving the plastisol fumes away from you and out of the area.
- Making Baits is not an authority on bait-shop safety, but we use the following PPE items when working with plastisol in our bait shop. Attempt anything you see on this website at your own risk, and please do additional research on how to work safely with plastisol. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer for their safety guidelines.
What We Wear In The Bait Shop- Closed-Toed Shoes
- Long Pants
- Long-Sleeved Shirt
- Leather Heat-Resistant Gloves
- Organic Vapor Respirator
- Safety Glasses
- Proper Work Space Ventilation
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