Buying fishing lures can be expensive, and sometimes it can be hard to find the right lure for the type of fish you want to catch. However, making your own fishing lures can be fun and rewarding experience, plus it’s easier than you might think. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about making your own fishing lures.
Materials you’ll need
To make your own fishing lures, you’ll need a few basic materials. These include:
- Hooks: You can buy hooks in a variety of sizes and styles, depending on the type of fish you want to catch.
- Lure bodies: Lure bodies can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal.
- Paint: You’ll need paint to decorate your lure bodies.
- Glue: You’ll need glue to attach the hooks and other components to your lure bodies.
- Additional components: Depending on the type of lure you want to make, you may need additional components such as beads, feathers, or wire.
Step-by-step instructions
Now that you have your materials, it’s time to start making your own fishing lures. Here are step-by-step instructions for making a simple jig lure:
- Choose your hook size and style. For a jig lure, you’ll want a hook with a flat head and a weed guard to prevent it from getting caught in underwater structures.
- Choose your lure body material. For a jig lure, you can use a lead head jig mold, which can be found at most fishing supply stores.
- Melt the lead. Use a lead melting pot to melt the lead. Once the lead is melted, pour it into the jig mold and let it cool.
- Paint the lure body. Once the lead has cooled, use paint to decorate the lure body. You can use a variety of colors and patterns, depending on the type of fish you want to catch.
- Attach the hook. Use glue to attach the hook to the jig head. You can also add a weed guard at this time.
- Add additional components. Depending on the type of lure you want to make, you may want to add additional components such as feathers or beads to attract fish.
Tips for making your own fishing lures
- Practice safety: When working with lead, it’s important to practice safety precautions such as wearing gloves and a mask to prevent inhalation of lead dust.
- Experiment with different materials: Don’t be afraid to try different materials for your lure bodies, such as wood or plastic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Match the hatch: When choosing colors and patterns for your lures, try to match the type of prey that fish are feeding on in the area you’ll be fishing.
- Keep it simple: When starting out, it’s best to keep your lure designs simple. Once you get more experience, you can experiment with more complex designs.
Making your own fishing lures can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it can also save you money in the long run. With a few basic materials and some practice, you can create your own custom lures that are tailored to the type of fish you want to catch. Just remember to practice safety precautions and start with simple designs, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful lure maker in no time.