I use an Iwata and a Paasche, I like the Iwata better, but not sure I couldn't spend more on a domestic brush and get the same results!
As far as technique, I went to airbrush.com and tried to do the dagger strokes and such, but quickly abandoned that and just started painting. I got some platsic bodies from Staminainc.com for about $1 each, and just went to town
I'm sure some of what I do can be called a technique, not sure.
As far as templates, I dont use them, generally. The end of a willowleaf spinnerbait blade makes a nice 'gill', aas well as a colorado for a larger one. I did, however use a template for the spots on these crappies, and don't like it, it looks manufactured to me, so I think I'm gonna go back to freehand. Takes (way, way) longer, but I like the results better
Don't discount a pen either, a sharpie, or even a fountain pen with some airbrush paint in it achieves the same results.
Other than that, get something to paint, and go to town, you'll make some of the ugliest baits you've ever seen to start with, I did, but the more you do it, the more you'll learn, and recognize, even know what will happen next. I've never been a book guy though, I like to do!
