How to Make Balsa Wood Fishing Lures
Fishing lures can become expensive if you fish a lot and need an extensive collection. What most avid fisherman may not realize is that they can make their own fishing lures using just a few items. These lures can be made to fit whatever kind of fish you aim to catch, and each one will be different. Using a soft wood, such as balsa, is one of your best bets for making homemade lures. Although the process of making homemade lures can take a bit of time, once you get the hang of it, you will have something special to put in your tackle box.
Things You'll Need
- Balsa wood
- Coping saw
- Wood-cutting knife
- Fine-grade sandpaper
- Oil-based paint
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Drill bit
- Eye screws
- Treble hooks
- Split rings
Instructions
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Sketch your lure design on a sheet of balsa wood. Make your design based on what works best for the type of fish you are trying to catch. Most lures have a round head and narrow to a pointed end to resemble a tadpole. The length of the lure should be anywhere from 2 to 6 inches long.
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Cut the pattern out with a coping saw, smoothing out the edges with a wood-cutting knife. Smooth out the lure even more with fine-grade sandpaper.
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3
Paint the lure with an oil-based paint. You can also cover the lure with aluminum foil first, making sure not to wrinkle the foil as it is applied. Then apply paint over the foil to imitate a fish pattern.
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4
Drill holes in the lure with a small drill bit after the paint has dried. Place the holes for the mouth, on the underside, and on the back of the lure. Attach eye screws where you have drilled holes, then attach treble hooks with split rings. The lure should have anywhere from two to three hooks on the bottom of it (depending on the length of the lure) and one behind it.
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Test the lure out in water. No homemade lure will work the same.
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Tips & Warnings
Hook placement can affect how your lure works.
Choose colorful paints to attract more fish.
The length and colors you use are up to you; base your decisions on the type of fish you hope to catch.
