Creating your own fishing lures can be a simple and rewarding way of expanding the fishing lures you have available to you. With a few basic supplies and some time, you can create a variety of fishing lures that you can further customize as you see fit.
Things You’ll Need:
- Paint Paint brushes Large knife Small knife Saw Piece of light wood, such as pine or balsa Sandpaper
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Large knife
- Small knife
- Saw
- Piece of light wood, such as pine or balsa
- Sandpaper
Prepare to Make Your Lure
Step 1
Determine what kind of lure you want to make. The size and shape of the lure you create will vary depending on the type of fish you wish to catch. A small lure for catching medium-sized fish may only be an inch or two long, but a shark lure can be longer than 6 inches.
Step 2
Study the fish you plan to catch. This will allow you to design a lure that is specifically crafted to bring in your ideal fish. Learn about its environment and its typical prey so that you can create the appropriate lure.
Step 3
Prepare your supplies. Lay out your supplies in a well-lit area with a large workspace, such as a garage or shop.
Carve Your Lure
Step 1
Saw your piece of wood down to a manageable size, approximately the size of the lure you wish to create.
Step 2
Use the large knife to do the basic work on giving your lure shape. Most carvers work with their project in hand, but you can lock the lure in a vise as you work on it if you prefer. At this stage, all you want to do is turn the wood into a basic, tapered cigar shape.
Step 3
Use the small knife to create details on the lure, including scales, eyes, a mouth and curves for fins, based on your intended design.
Finish Your Lure
Step 1
Sand your lure down. Take off all sharp edges so that it will float smoothly in the water.
Step 2
Paint your lure. Based on the concept that you initially created, be sure to completely paint the lure to seal it from the water. Add details including the eyes. Metallic paints or a wash can be used to give the lure a realistic sheen.
Step 3
Complete your lure with the appropriate finishing touches, which will obviously include attaching a hook, but may also include reflecting spoons or spinners, weights and other details to make the lure appear more lifelike.
