How to Make a Fishing Lure for Saltwater Fish
There are hundreds of kinds of lures you can make for saltwater use. The most common artificial lures used in saltwater are plugs, jigs, soft plastics, and spoons. An especially good lure to make at home is a plug, specifically a wooden topwater. The wooden plug you'll learn to make will take the shape of a cigar and will walk the dog on the water like spook-type baits.
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Things You'll Need
- Cedar dowel rod, 1-inch diameter
- 2 1-inch stainless steel screw eyes
- 1 1/4-inch stainless steel screw eye
- 2 size 2 split rings
- 2 size 4 saltwater treble hooks
- Coping saw
- Sandpaper
- Carving knife
- Drill
- 1/16-inch drill bit
- Wood sealer
- Paint
- Epoxy
- Split ring pliers
Instructions
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1
Cut out a section of the dowel rod measuring 4 inches long, using the coping saw. This will be the body of the lure.
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2
Drill a hole in both ends of the dowel rod you just cut out. Use a 1/16-inch drill bit and drill the hole directly in the center of the rod. Drill at least 1 inch deep in both ends.
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3
Lay the rod down flat on its side. Drill another hole directly in the center of the rod lengthwise. This hole should be drilled using the same 1/16-inch drill bit and this time only drill 1/2 inch into the rod. This will be the bottom of the lure where one of the treble hooks will be attached.
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4
Shape the lure, using a carving knife. Start 1 inch from one of the ends and work out. Carve the lure to a dull point. Turn the bait around and do the same to the other end. The idea is to make it look like a cigar.
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5
Sand the rod using sandpaper to give it a smooth surface and remove any carving marks. The lure is shaped and ready to be sealed.
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6
Apply the wood sealer. Each sealer will require different methods for applying and different drying times. Choose a waterproof sealer instead of one that just repels water.
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7
Paint the lure using any method you feel comfortable with. Use spray cans, paint it with a paintbrush and hobby paint, or use an airbrush. Remember, with a topwater lure like this, the fish will only see the bottom of the lure. Detail is not that important in a topwater lure. Many days a simple white lure will outperform other colors.
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8
Screw both of the 1-inch screw eyes into each end of the rod. These will go in the holes you drilled in Step 2.
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9
Screw the 1/2-inch screw eye into the bottom of the rod. This will go in the hole you drilled in Step 3.
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10
Apply the epoxy to the lure by following the manufacturer's directoins. Just like with the paint, each brand of epoxy requires different applications and different drying times. Also like paint, you must choose a waterproof epoxy. It also should dry clear and not yellow.
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11
Attach the split rings to the hooks using the split rings pliers. Attach the split rings, with the hooks on them, to the screw eyes. One will go on the bottom screw eye and one will go on one of the ends of the lure. The screw eye on the other end of the lure is where you will tie your line.
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Tips & Warnings
You do not have to use cedar wood. Any hard wood will work. Soft woods like balsa will not hold up to saltwater fish, though.
As with any woodworking, use caution when carving, sanding, and drilling the lure.
Only use a carving knife if you have experience using one and always remember to cut away from your body. If you do not feel comfortable using a carving knife, simply sand the lure to a point instead with sandpaper. It will just take a lot longer.
Be careful when working with the hooks. Always attach the hooks by pointing them away from your fingers. Also read the warning labels when choosing sealer, paint, and epoxy.
