So sometimes I like to add color to my baits such as a black dot, gill slits, or a red line down the body. I got my white mission fish out tonite to prep for striper fishing this weekend and the shad spot I put on them a month ago with a sharpie is completely gone. Ive used red sharpies too, and they fade and disappear quickly as well.

What product can I use that will not fade, and will be permanent? Something readily available and simple to use would be great; paint wouldnt work for me.

That's the million dollar question! Anyone that knows will probably keep there mouth shut. :( Sorry I couldn't help!

See you on the water!

Josh D.

What about Dip'N'dye markers for your soft plastics?

http://www.ispikeit.com/shop/images/fish/scent_markers_small.jpg

I don't know about hard baits, but the same folks make this stuff

http://www.ispikeit.com/shop/images/paints/cranknpaintlarge.jpg

http://www.ispikeit.com/shop/enlarge.asp?id=428

Well, have you used that before and if so did it not fade and not "leak" onto other parts of your bait and other baits? Ive used dyes before but they bleed across the bait, and will bleed into other baits.

I am interested in if anyone else has been successful with something that won't fade cause I like to paint up my baits a bunch too and end up just using sharpies as well, but they disappear or turn purple when on my frogs and have to be redone

I have used the pens and have not had a problem with it running onto the rest of the bait or bleeding, but then the baits I have colored were not kept for a long period of time (just the day I was fishing). One other suggestion would be paint pens that you can buy at craft stores, but I have not used them in the past.

Those pens do bleed onto other baits, I know that for a fact. I screwed up a bunch of frogs this summer with one. The paint pens they sell at art supply stores work better, just make sure to let the bait dry for awhile after use them.

Ok you guys dont get mad. I'm just going to have a little fun with you. The product that you are searching for has been for sale at bass pro for a couple of years now. Yes its on their website too.
it is not the same product that is used for airbrushing soft baits so I am not giving up any great secret but it works just fine for making spots and red gills etc. It does not fade or bleed. Come on guys you can figure it out. If not I will tell you tomorow :P
lets see who can find it first

matt is this what you talking about

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=20851&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=11&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

DING DING DING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
we have a winner. Yes this stuff works good for what you guys are asking. If you order it from here, you get more color options.
http://www.ispikeit.com/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=2&subcat=13&cat=Worm+%26+Chunk+Paint
Have fun guys!