Made my own bait!

[Jacobguy]

Hey everybody! So with school being out during this time I've just been fishing, reading, working out and not much more so I figured theres gotta be something I could do. I decided to clean our garage and make room for a little wood shop like I do during the winter to make knife handles but this time, lures! So since its spring and I just got a cranking rod I decided to go for a pretty hard bait to begin with, a lipless crank, I wasn't too worried about it I'm a pretty sharp kid I knew I could do it fine and its turning out pretty well!

This is how I made it in case anybody has any tips or is interested.

I started by drawing up a shape, glueing it to a 2x4 and cutting it out on a scroll saw (dont have a bandsaw unfourtunately and portabands dont work the same) I sanded it all down on a belt sander to my liking then I attempted at carving the corners but somehow I just ended up tearing wood grain out of it. Back to the belt sander I just took off the corners but made sure to leave the top flat enough. Blah, blah, blah, a little while later I have the line tie holes drilled the thing sanded and I didnt have anything for line ties, I searched my garage up and down for small eyelets, twist wire, or anything I could find, I eventually came across small cotter pins. I chucked them up in a drill and twisted them making them line ties! I weighed out pellets since I didnt have bb's I put a near 1/4 oz of them in since that was all I could fit and sealed it up with super glue and baking soda. I also used super glue to seal the wood. After all that and more sanding I found some spray paint cans in my garage and began! I wanted a red scheme but we dont have red so I went white belly/silver body/black back and I'm still gonna paint bright orange eyes with a black dot in them with a bright orange line down it for a chartreuse sort of look. Painting didnt go the way I wanted it too buy I'm spray painting a 2" lure dont go to hard on me.



I still need hooks and to finish painting but this is it so far. The weight right now is 3/8 oz. I tested it in my sink and it ACTUALLY has action! I surprised myself! It works real well a nice tight wobble but the lead holes are slightly off center so when it sinks it's slightly crooked but it's my first lure ever. The rate of fall in water is probably 6" per second.  Hope you guys like it I just figured I'd share since I'm pretty happy with it, I have plans and drawings for a Sammy 100, Squarebill (old plexiglass for a lip), a small swimbait and a jerkbait. If anybody has any tips please share! Also what hooks and split rings would you guys reccomend? Thanks so much for reading. I do realize I should've put the second hook hanger on the back but somehow that slipped my mind, wont matter though I'll fix it next time. Heres some pictures of the process but not the whole thing because I forgot to take some. Also I'm headed out of town right now so I'll update the thread once it's done and when I catch a fish on it!

This is what I made from a dirty 2x4, old cotter pins, some pellets and super glue.

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[Smallie_Stalker]

Very innovative use of those old materials. It looks good.

I'm not sure about the long term stability of using super glue to seal the holes in the wood. On a future build you may want to try sanding down a piece of the same wood and use that sawdust mixed with a two- part epoxy to fill the holes and then sand it all down to give it a 100 % smooth wood surface.

Hooks are another one of those things where everybody has their favorite and you're gonna get a lots of different answers. I personally prefer Mustad Triple Grips. The Gamakatsu EWG trebles, Trokars and the Berkley Fusion are also excellent choices.

I'm  gonna get a lot of disagreement over this statement but I stand by it: Use standard shank hooks not the short shanks that have become so popular.


 

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[Jacobguy]

Very innovative use of those old materials. It looks good.

I'm not sure about the long term stability of using super glue to seal the holes in the wood. On a future build you may want to try sanding down a piece of the same wood and use that sawdust mixed with a two- part epoxy to fill the holes and then sand it all down to give it a 100 % smooth wood surface.

Hooks are another one of those things where everybody has their favorite and you're gonna get a lots of different answers. I personally prefer Mustad Triple Grips. The Gamakatsu EWG trebles, Trokars and the Berkley Fusion are also excellent choices.

I'm  gonna get a lot of disagreement over this statement but I stand by it: Use standard shank hooks not the short shanks that have become so popular.


 

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Thanks so much for the advice I've been excited to see a reply! I'm gonna swing by home depot in the near future and pick up some materials, that 2 part epoxy, some clean wood so I dont have to fool with it as much, and thin super glue to seal the entire bait from water, I'll use the epoxy and sawdust for the holes now. Unfourtunately I cant buy spraypaint though because you have to be 18... for now though I'll have to use what I have, for the trebles I was just looking at them and theres sizes 1-6, which one? This bait is slightly smaller then the Red Eye Shad. Thanks!

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[Smallie_Stalker]

Thanks so much for the advice I've been excited to see a reply! I'm gonna swing by home depot in the near future and pick up some materials, that 2 part epoxy, some clean wood so I dont have to fool with it as much, and thin super glue to seal the entire bait from water, I'll use the epoxy and sawdust for the holes now. Unfourtunately I cant buy spraypaint though because you have to be 18... for now though I'll have to use what I have, for the trebles I was just looking at them and theres sizes 1-6, which one? This bait is slightly smaller then the Red Eye Shad. Thanks!

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Size 6 would be right in the wheelhouse for that size. Theoretically you could go up to a size 4 I'd stick with the size 6 for now to prevent a possible negative effect on the action of the bait.

Some of the other folks here who actually build their own wood baits can probably suggest a good clear coat to seal and finish your lures with other than super glue.

[Jacobguy]

Size 6 would be right in the wheelhouse for that size. Theoretically you could go up to a size 4 I'd stick with the size 6 for now to prevent a possible negative effect on the action of the bait.

Some of the other folks here who actually build their own wood baits can probably suggest a good clear coat to seal and finish your lures with other than super glue.

Awesome thanks! Luckily I just left my favorite store in the world "Northwoods Wholesale outlet" you wont know it unless your an outdoorsman in eastern Michigan but I got 1 pack of size 4 Gamakatsu treble hooks, 1 pack of size 2 (for my future sammy) 1 pack of Mustad size 6 and a pack of split rings for $1.99 a piece. Insane deals at this place. Also bought a 200 yard spool of P-line %100 flouro for $6.99. Hopefully this stuff works I didnt have service in there so I didnt see this. There was also these mustard size 6 hooks for $1.99 but they had no barbs. Thanks!

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[bigjim5589]

Very good post on the build process and cool lure! 

Hopefully, it will have a great action once you get the chance to fish it.

I agree with what Smallie said about super glue. That type of glue is not really waterproof, and epoxy would be a better choice. I don't build wood lures, but know a lot of guys who do. I have, used balsa & basswood to make fly rod poppers. Super glues are used by folks making flies, usually for assembly, but not for a sealer or coating. I use epoxy for both.

Some of the folks that I know who build wooden lures are making big saltwater surf fishing lures and they boil them in linseed oil to act as a sealer, then proceed with other primers to do the painting. I know of some who have also tried soaking the wood in thinned epoxy, with the idea that the epoxy would penetrate and seal it. Not sure that you need to go to those lengths for a bass lures, but perhaps as you get into this more, you might want to tray some other techniques for limiting water getting into the wood.

Please let us know how it fishes and post some pics of fish that you catch with it! 

[Oldfart9999]

Not too shabby!!! Let us know how it works out. Don't forget your studies, just because the schools are shut down doesn't mean you should relax your studies, it's your future at stake.
Rodney

[HellaBass]

Very Cool

[Jacobguy]

Very good post on the build process and cool lure! 

Hopefully, it will have a great action once you get the chance to fish it.

I agree with what Smallie said about super glue. That type of glue is not really waterproof, and epoxy would be a better choice. I don't build wood lures, but know a lot of guys who do. I have, used balsa & basswood to make fly rod poppers. Super glues are used by folks making flies, usually for assembly, but not for a sealer or coating. I use epoxy for both.

Some of the folks that I know who build wooden lures are making big saltwater surf fishing lures and they boil them in linseed oil to act as a sealer, then proceed with other primers to do the painting. I know of some who have also tried soaking the wood in thinned epoxy, with the idea that the epoxy would penetrate and seal it. Not sure that you need to go to those lengths for a bass lures, but perhaps as you get into this more, you might want to tray some other techniques for limiting water getting into the wood.

Please let us know how it fishes and post some pics of fish that you catch with it! 

Thanks so much for the kind words and tips! After hearing you guys advise a new sealer I'll for sure find another way, I'm out of town right now but it's raining so I'm headed to the hardware store to get some of the two part epoxy that you squeeze out if the double tube since that'll be pretty easy. I'm also trying to find other wood to make it out of like balsa and poplar but it's not very available around me. Pine will have to do for the time being. Linseed oil, wow i vfc e never heard of anybody doing that interesting. And of course I'll take some pictures of the fish I catch with it and I'll try and find a way to upload a video to show you guys the action. Thanks again!

Not too shabby!!! Let us know how it works out. Don't forget your studies, just because the schools are shut down doesn't mean you should relax your studies, it's your future at stake.
Rodney

Thanks! I sure will and of course, as much as I hate it they have us in school for a reason. Our governor said were not going back to school for the rest of the year yesterday too.

Very Cool

I apreciate it!

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[Capt. BassinLou]

Very cool!! Way to put your mind to work. Let us know how your bait worked out for you.

[Jacobguy]

Very cool!! Way to put your mind to work. Let us know how your bait worked out for you.

Thanks Bassinlou I for sure will!

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[Jacobguy]

Update! So got home today from out of town, after I got settled I went to check on my bait. It looked pretty good imo, but I still wanted to do that chartreuse line down it so I sprayed orange spray paint into a paper plate, grabbed a small brush and went for it. In short, I failed miserably, let me explain. I put one line on and it looked bad so I wiped it off... bad idea, it took off the black paint with it so it was just a silver line. Of course I had to make the other side uniform so after doing that I tried to glob an orange dot for the eye and that didnt go too bad. That dried and I started my first coat of krylon spray lacquer. Heres how it looks so far-

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[Jacobguy]

Started a new bait while that one was drying. It's a Sammy 100 copycat, fairly hard since I've never seen a Sammy 100 in real life I had to guess. This one I could do right too! I got more materials thats mostly I found looking around such as-

Old cedar fencing
Steel BB's
Steel slingshot ammo
Twist wire (didnt really work)
I bought a few things too-
2 part epoxy
Superglue
Treble hooks
Split rings

This stuff made this one (so far) much easier. The old cedar was easier to work with but I have to work around rotting pieces. Once I sanded it down it looked fine. Same process as the other one. Draw template, cut it out, measure it to desired size, sand, sandpaper, seal, hook hangers.  but with two part epoxy for some of it. That's as far as I got tonight I still have to test the action, weigh it, re-test, and paint. Heres some pics from when I finally got the wood nice and so on. Thanks for being really supportive and helping out guys!


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[Jacobguy]

I know I know, I've been updating this a lot but last time I promise! I finished both of those baits today and this next one I'm really excited to tell you guys about. I wanted to go for something with a lip so I went for a squarebill! Let me just say at first this thing went better then I expected it to be! Same build process as the others but I had to cut a lip slot by hand eyeballing it with a flush saw. I got some plexiglass and sanded it down thinner too. The lip isnt perfect but dang close! This was probably my hardest bait yet and took me a few hours, mostly sanding because it's so round I couldnt get it in the vise. Also the lip is big right now but it's just slightly longer then the Strike King 1.5 and slightly thinner. I didnt take pictures of the whole build so I'll show  what I didnt take pictures of and imo it doesnt do it justice. 

OPINION, please! So this bait is just a hair under 1/3 oz as it is and I can weight it if I want but I dont want to risk getting it off and ruining the action. By the way the action is PERFECT right now, an amazing wobble and it dives. Well at least 6 inches because of my sink. So what do you guys think I should do?

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[Capt. BassinLou]

Wow!! Those baits look good. You have a knack for bait building that's for sure. Impressive. I'm looking forward to reading about the water testing.

Oh... and never apologize for posting or asking for too many questions. Post as much you want, that's why we're here. 

[bigjim5589]

Wow!! Those baits look good. You have a knack for bait building that's for sure. Impressive. I'm looking forward to reading about the water testing.

Oh... and never apologize for posting or asking for too many questions. Post as much you want, that's why we're here. 

Absolutely! Asking questions is a great way to improve & learn! 

This Tackle Box forum IS for tackle making of all types, so your posts are a perfect fit here! I'm sure I speak for most folks here, that we all enjoy seeing what folks like to make! 

Your lure builds are a welcome addition, so thanks for sharing! 

[Jacobguy]

Wow!! Those baits look good. You have a knack for bait building that's for sure. Impressive. I'm looking forward to reading about the water testing.

Oh... and never apologize for posting or asking for too many questions. Post as much you want, that's why we're here. 

Absolutely! Asking questions is a great way to improve & learn! 

This Tackle Box forum IS for tackle making of all types, so your posts are a perfect fit here! I'm sure I speak for most folks here, that we all enjoy seeing what folks like to make! 

Your lure builds are a welcome addition, so thanks for sharing! 

Thanks guys I really do apreciate it. I'll keep updating what I do on this thread since you guys are interested. Heres what I did today!


Today I started on my squarebill and royally messed it up... I decided to weight it to allow for easier casting but I drilled the hole unevenly. I widened it and got the steel in the center with a lot of sawdust and epoxy. Of course I was an idiot and didnt think to check the depth first and it wasnt deep enough for 2 weights and it was already glued in, not too big of a deal it doesnt affect the action just not appealing to eye but whatever doesnt matter much. Since it looked so good I didnt want to paint it and mess it up so I went, sanded it and sealed it again but I use rubber gloves when sealing and permanently stuck rubber gloves to it, urg!!!! Also I didnt even realize I could've just clear coated it, of course... Then I went to paint it white to make it look better  decided to hole punch a piece of paper and make a black shad dot but that got all over so I had to cover it in white again, it was going good but I forgot it was there and COVERED the wet paint in sawdust. So it's a really well working crankbait that looks like a chewed up dog toy.


Anyways heres the lure I started (well I started a few and pitched them because I for some reason got in a hurry and screwed them up). A simple jerkbait! Same process, got it down to a body sealed it and had to free hand the lip slot. This one didnt want to work with me so it ended up being all messy and the lip is pretty straight and a good angle but not perfect. Also had to cut the plexiglass make a lip shape and sand it down from 1/2" to 1/4" thick. Weighed it, decided to add more weight and got it to a absolutely perfect 0.50oz! Hooks and split rings will add weight but who's counting. It's kinda hard to test the action for a jerkbait in a sink but from what I can tell it works pretty well. Anyways thanks for reading it's fun to make these and I'm glad some of you gentlemen enjoy them, it means a lot! Heres some pictures, I'll also show some of the baits sitting in the water, they sit perfectly. (Squarebill before destruction but with weight)

I'll update this on the action of the lipless this weekend since it's the only one in my tacklebox so far, and I'm headed out of town untill monday. Lakes are still frozen over where I'm going (4 hours north of me) so I cant bass fish but I'm going for salmon and stelies. Different rod for it but I can still dip it in the water and see the action and if it runs true. Thanks!

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