I discovered this summer that the crappie here in South Carolina absolutely loves the Gulp sandworms. So, I poured my first EVER baits using the Epic Baits 2" aluminum sandworm mold and compared them directly to Berkley Gulp 2" sandworms straight out of the package, using a ruler for reference.
Size & Accuracy:
Length is essentially identical to Gulp at right around 2". Measured against a ruler, both baits fall just under the 2" mark. The Epic baits are very slightly thicker in body diameter (approximately 3.7–4.0 mm vs ~3.2–3.5 mm on Gulp), which adds durability without sacrificing finesse.
Detail & Geometry:
The Epic mold produces noticeably sharper rib definition and cleaner antenna and tail detail. Rib spacing is uniform from head to tail, and the ribs retain full height. By comparison, Gulp baits show the typical rounded rib edges and slight flattening that comes from water-based storage.
Finish & Consistency:
Epic pours come out smooth, glossy, and perfectly formed, while Gulp baits have a more matte, porous surface and minor deformation straight out of the pack. The Epic mold produces extremely consistent baits across different colors and pours.
Overall Impression:
This mold doesn’t just approximate a Gulp-style sandworm — it matches the profile and size very closely while exceeding it in definition, consistency, and durability. For anyone making crappie or panfish finesse baits, this mold delivers excellent results. In the attached pic, I show the three I shot compared to the Gulp's New Penny for size comparison. Once scented, these baits look indistinguishable from Gulp in the water but last significantly longer.