How to Solder a Hook to a Shell

The shiny surface of an oyster shell can mimic the reflection of a bait fish.

The Pin's minnow is a popular homemade fishing lure amongst anglers. The lure is fabricated by soldering a hook on to a shiny shell like that of an oyster. The reflective surface of the shell imitates the glimmer of a bait fish to a larger predatory fish. The shell also moves like an injured bait fish because it is not perfectly proportioned. It may not be high-tech, but the Pin's minnow is an excellent low-budget, homemade lure.

Things You'll Need

• Length of oyster or clam shell
• Super glue
• Small wood file
• Fine sandpaper
• Small clamp
• Soldering gun
• Rosin core solder
• 1/2 inch length of metal, 1/16-inch thick
• Fishing hooks

Instructions

1. Choose a shell for the body of your lure. Oyster and clam shells have a shiny surface inside that is perfect for attracting predator fish. The size of your shell will determine whether or not large fish come after it. If the shell is too large, it may scare fish away but a smaller shell may not attract large fish. Select a medium-sized shell for optimal results.

2. Use a small wood file and sand paper to smooth down the back of the oyster shell.

3. Clamp a fishing hook to the small piece of metal.

4. Heat up your soldering iron and apply melted solder along the length of the fishing hook to bond it to the metal piece.

5. Apply super glue to the back of the metal piece and place it on the smoothed area of the oyster shell. Allow the glue to dry for 3 hours before using.

References

• "How to Make Your Own Lures and Flies"; Mel Marshall; 1976