GREEN COVE SPRINGS – It all starts by heating plastisol to 350 degrees. The molten material is injected into molds. After it cools overnight, the finished product is a batch of multicolored, soft plastic fishing bait that can be scented with grape, garlic or coffee.

Twisted Tackle is 15-year-old Tristan Dowdy’s first business venture, which specializes in handcrafted fishing apparel. Tristan has customers buying his signature fishing bait from as far as Texas and Oklahoma. Tournament fishermen buy multiple packs at a time, he said.

“He was fishing before he could talk,” said Scott Tristan, his father.

The young entrepreneur got wet in the fishing industry, business finance, accounting, marketing, logistics and taxes. His mother, Robin Tristan, helped him design a logo. He said he has already sold more than 2,000 units and reinvested profits into the business.

Tristan was promoting Twisted Tackle Irick at the grand opening of an ACE Hardware store at Callahan when he met David Irick, the Department Head of Hagan Coastal Outfitters. Irick was impressed with his enthusiasm and his product, which helped him add Twisted Tackle baits to the shelves at the Hagan Ace Hardware store.

“The baits are good quality, made locally, and it’s a bargain compared to Yamamoto,” Irick said.

An eight-pack of Twisted Tackle bait costs $6. A comparable pack from Yamamoto, an international competitor, is sold for $10.

Irick generously offered his boat for a fishing trip down Governors Creek. Tristan and Scott took the opportunity to demonstrate the merchandise in action.

“Nothing like some research and development,” said Scott, hooking his line.

They demonstrated how easy it is to hook the soft plastic bait, which captured light with bright colors and glittering finish even in the dark, brackish water.

It was a frigid, windy morning, and the water was 51 degrees. Unfortunately, the brief stint didn’t yield any bites. (The only thing I reeled in was a clump of Spanish Moss). But the excursion demonstrated the hardiness of the baits and their illustrious quality in dark, murky water.

“Well, you know what they say: the worst day fishing beats the best day at work,” said Scott.

For Tristan, his best days are usually at the same time.