The "Carp" pattern
This color pattern actually ressembles a number of fish species. Some carp have an orange belly color, goldish sides and a brown/green colored back. Other species, like the shiners that can be found in the USA, have a similar color. I do not want to imitate a certain fish species with this color pattern, but it does look very natural.
Necessary items:
- Metallic golden spray paint
- Fluorescent orange spray paint
- Brown spray paint
- Mesh and laundry clippers
- Chartreuse stick-on eyes, available at Moore's Lures
The pattern explained step by step
We will begin with a jerkbait blank that has been primed white, in this case the lure shown is a "divani 2" jerkbait. The first thing that we need to do, is to spray scales on the sides of this lure. Fix the mesh as has been described in the walleye color pattern. Take your spray can with metallic golden paint and shake it well for several minutes. This needs to be done to mix the glitters well with the binding matter. Spray metallic golden paint on both sides in short, fluent passes. Do not spray paint too long in one spot because then the paint will start to flow. Allow the paint to dry during some 10 minutes and then remove the mesh. You'll now see a white jerkbait with metallic golden scales (view picture 1).
Then take the spray can that contains fluorescent orange paint and shake it well. Hold the jerkbait in front of you with the belly side facing towards you. Spray orange paint on the belly side with quick, fluent movements. If necessary you can repeat this step to ensure that the belly has a full orange color.
Then take the spray can that contains brown paint and shake it well. Paint the back with brown paint exactly like I mentioned for the orange paint. Quick, fluent movements and remember: thin layers are better than one thick layer. (view picture 2)
To finish this color pattern, I spray metallic golden paint on the sides to allow all the colors to merge into one color pattern. Shake the spray can that contains metallic golden paint well and spray a veil of metallic golden paint on both sides. Do not spray too much paint at once because it wil begin to flow down the lure. I do this in two steps for each side.
Hang the jerkbait up to dry for several hours because it is my experience that brown paint needs at least 3-5 hours to dry. Now apply the stick-on eyes and the 'carp' color pattern is ready to catch some fish! (view picture 3)
Good luck!