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So I think this will be a lure. I am having too much fun making this. Pulled the hard-wear off a hulla popper that washed up on shore (the lake gives many things). Not sure if I am happy with the hook positions yet and the trailing hook needs to be upsized. The body is made of cedar. I had a question about attaching hooks. I want to epoxy the eyelets in place so they don't tear out of the soft cedar. however in all the cases this would prevent me changing hooks by any means other than cutting off the old one and using a split ring to attach the new one. Is this just a given in diy lure making? What are you guys using for a clear coat? I was thinking of dipping the entire thing in two part epoxy since I need to get some for a table I am making.
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QUOTE (BlackCrowe13 @ May 29, 2018 - 07:09 pm)
QUOTE (Solaireofastora @ May 29, 2018 - 01:59 pm)
Okay, you guys got me. I had to try making my own lure. started this afternoon and put about 2 hrs into it. not sure if I'm actually going to use this as a lure, maybe just a really cool keychain. Or perhaps a very unique pull start for the old evinrude.
Nice shape to the body... I’m not artsy enough with carving wood to do that!
My goal is to have 10 baits to test for musky opener, knowing 50% won’t likely run. Lol
I have my top water to fall back on because they don’t have to run at trolling speeds.
to be honest I surprised myself with that. lol I was fully expecting to throw it out. Now whether it runs with any kind of respectable action is another story. Might be all flash and no dash. the dorsal fin is making my brow furrow a bit when I think about it.
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QUOTE (Solaireofastora @ May 29, 2018 - 07:30 pm)
So I think this will be a lure. I am having too much fun making this. Pulled the hard-wear off a hulla popper that washed up on shore (the lake gives many things). Not sure if I am happy with the hook positions yet and the trailing hook needs to be upsized. The body is made of cedar. I had a question about attaching hooks. I want to epoxy the eyelets in place so they don't tear out of the soft cedar. however in all the cases this would prevent me changing hooks by any means other than cutting off the old one and using a split ring to attach the new one. Is this just a given in diy lure making? What are you guys using for a clear coat? I was thinking of dipping the entire thing in two part epoxy since I need to get some for a table I am making.
I’m no pro, but will share what I know about the hooks and wires.
If you are doing screw in eyelets, epoxy the hole and screw just before you thread the screws. If you have it, some sealer/wood hardener would be good to dip in to pop the grain and harden up the cedar.
I’m doing wire through, so if a fish can rip a hook out... I’m probably going over board before that happens.
For the final coat you can use epoxy, or what most guys use is envirotech.
But hey, from what I’ve learned from good bait makers... everyone does it a bit different, so experiment, make mistakes, new finds, and share!
Lol
Good luck, and looking forward to seeing the progress.
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thanks! the last thing I want (if it ever manages to hook a fish) is for the fish to pull a hook out. it was actually rather surprising how easy it was to just unscrew and attach the hook mounts. if you're making lures with the intent of landing muskies I trust you know how to keep hooks in the lure! if all goes according to plan I want to use this as a trolling lure for lake trout. I'd love to catch a fish on a homemade lure.
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Your basic banana and straight are the best and easiest. A good old wooden broom handle is good for many lures and almost the right size so only needs some shaping. Place a hook at the rear and in the middle seems to me to be best, to many hooks cause problems. Use wire through if possible. The less fancy bits (they look good but very difficult to balance) on a lure the better it will track and the action comes mainly from the type of bill or lip you put on it. You can also drill small holes and insert BB or small weights to balance the lure and help it to sink if required. I have Bass and Pike surface poppers that I've used for years made from a stable broom handle. Finnish your lure and cover in at least three coats of Auto-clear coat.
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I’m learning that patience is the most important thing.
After losing my red glitter bait to bubbles, I have been taking my time.
A great tip one guy gave me... after you prime the bait so there is a nice thick smooth coat (multiple layers), clear coat it a couple times and let it harden for until it is good and set. This way, you can paint without worry (water based paints like Createx). If the paint job goes badly, you can just wipe it down and start again.
I am doing exactly that, and I’m loving the fact the bait is starting with a super smooth surface to paint on. Blemishes show strong on the last clear coats! Hahahha
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And one in the chamber. Open to constructive criticism. Still have some work to do on all of them, but confident they will be ready for Saturday opener. Woo hoo! Can’t wait!
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Have you floated them in the tub/sink yet to check the balance. You may have to tune them or they might spine or twist instead of tracking straight. But they do look good.
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QUOTE (Tailfin @ May 31, 2018 - 04:15 pm)
Have you floated them in the tub/sink yet to check the balance. You may have to tune them or they might spine or twist instead of tracking straight. But they do look good.
Thanks T!
The initial one runs as I tested it long ago... the new lipped ones will get wet on Saturday. I am really expecting a 25% proper run with 75% tuning required. I will be bringing some tuning tools on the boat this weekend. Nothing like doing mods on the spot while trolling! Lol hence me making a glide bait and a popper... gotta win a couple of easy ones incase the lipped baits are a mess. At least the top waters can be balanced in 10 minutes. If they dry well enough, I might tub test them before.
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