How to Turn Wooden Fishing Lures
Few things are more satisfying than catching a fish on a lure you made yourself. Just like many fly fisherman tie their own flies, you can, with a few basic tools, create your own lures for use with spinning or bait casting fishing gear. These lures are effective and fun to make.
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Things You'll Need
- 6- by 4- by 4-inch wood block
- Pliers
- Lathe
- Wood-turning tools
- Screw eyes
- Treble hooks
- Pencil
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Measuring tape
- Awl
- Saw
- Model pre-made lure
Instructions
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1
Secure the wood block into position on the lathe.
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2
Measure the length of the premade lure and transfer those measurements to the wooden block by using the pencil to mark the points on the block where your lure will begin and end. Make sure that such marks are heavy and distinctive in order to make it easier to discern the marks while making the lure.
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3
Start the lathe and use the wood-turning tools to gradually remove wood from the block until the wooden block has been reduced to a wooden shape that matches the shape, diameter and taper of the lure that you are using as a model.
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4
Use the saw to make any necessary cuts to separate the wooden body of the lure from the excess portions of the wood block. Then use the sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots on the lure body.
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5
Paint the body of the lure using whichever color, or combination of colors, you believe the fish will find appealing.
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6
Use the awl to force open the three screw eyes that will be used to secure the treble hooks to the body of the lure.
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7
Insert the screw eyes into the body. Generally one closed screw eye will be inserted into the face of the plug and will be used to attach the lure to the fishing line. Two open screw eyes will be inserted at intervals along the middle portion of the lure body, and a final open screw eye will be inserted in the tail end of the lure body.
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8
Hang the treble hooks on the three open screw eyes and use the pliers to close the open screw eyes. Your lure is now ready for use.
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Tips & Warnings
Where possible try to use white cedar wood for forming your lure bodies. White cedar is a light and strong wood that holds up well in water. Red cedar or other similar woods can be substituted if white cedar is not available.
Always exercise caution when working with the lathe or the various sharp implements used to shape the wood or create the holes for the hook eyes. A moment of inattention or carelessness can result in serious injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fishing lure image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
