Paddle Tail Packaging

When packaging Paddle Tail baits is important that the following procedure is followed:
  • The bait should be allowed to cure for three or four days. When initially shot the material is still quite soft. Over a three- or four-day curing period the bait will sort of firm up. This allows for the bait to obtain some memory as to how the paddle tail is sitting.
  • When packaging, it is important to package the bait in such a way that the paddle tail is not folded over. If the paddle tail is folded over it is possible that the bait will acquire some 'memory' of this fold after six to eight months.

Large bait companies will almost always package their paddle tail baits in clam shells that are formed to fit the specific bait. Specifically, the formed clam shell is used to make sure that the paddle tail itself does not get folded over.

Occasionally we spend some time researching finding a source for Paddle Tail clam shells. We have found that the cost of such packaging runs around $1.00 per package that can hold four to six paddle tail baits. Our cost for a rectangle / box type clamshell is currently $0.57 to $0.67 each (depending on the size). We do not feel comfortable adding $0.40 per bait package to our costs.

We are currently package our paddle tail baits in rectangle / box type clam shell boxes (as packaging them in bags practically guarantees that the paddle tail will fold over). We are packing (sort of) some pieces of bubble wrap around the cavity in order to keep the paddle tails from folding over.

We will always check the paddle tails before shipping a product and wil never ship anything with bent tails. Our concern here (which we are sure we are being over-sensitive too) if one purchases a package and then lets it sit around for a year or two.

NED 3 1/4" Swimmer. We have had some packaged for 2 months and do not have any bent paddle tails, but, we really only have perhaps a 80% confidence level with our NED 1/4" Swimmer packaging.

4" Bloodline. We are very, very confident in our packaging for the 4" Bloodline swimbait. We would be shocked if one of these baits ever has a problem with it's tails.

4" Old School.

4 1/4" Thin Swim.

5" Bloodline.