Ever thought about catching a trophy fish on a lure you made yourself? Learning how to make fishing lures is not only fun and creative, but it can also save you money and help you land more fish. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a hardcore fishing fanatic, making your own lures lets you customize colors, shapes, and actions to match exactly what fish are biting in your local waters.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of DIY fishing lures, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing materials to painting and finishing your first lure. Let’s get started!
Why Make Your Own Fishing Lures?
Before you grab your tools, let’s talk about why making your own lures is worth your time:
- Customization: Design lures that match the local forage and water conditions.
- Cost Savings: Build high-quality lures for a fraction of store prices.
- Satisfaction: Nothing beats the thrill of catching a fish on something you crafted.
- Creativity: Experiment with colors, shapes, and actions that aren’t available in stores.
- Eco-Friendly: Choose non-toxic materials and avoid lead when possible.
If you’re tired of mass-produced lures that just don’t “match the hatch,” this is your chance to outsmart both the fish and your fellow anglers.
Types of DIY Fishing Lures
There are several types of fishing lures you can make at home. Here are the most popular:
- Hard Body Lures: Crankbaits, jerkbaits, poppers, and topwater plugs made from wood or plastic.
- Soft Plastic Lures: Worms, grubs, swimbaits, and creatures made from melted plastisol.
- Wire Baits: Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and bladed jigs made from wire, blades, and skirts.
- Jigs: Weighted hooks with painted heads and silicone or bucktail skirts.
- Hybrid Lures: Combine elements of the above for unique designs.
For beginners, hard body lures and simple soft plastics are the best place to start.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Basic Tools
- Hobby knife or carving knife
- Small saw (for wood lures)
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Drill or pin vise
- Pliers (needle nose and split ring)
- Wire cutters
- Paint brushes or airbrush
- Mixing cups and stir sticks
Materials
- Wood: Balsa, basswood, cedar, or pine (for hard lures)
- Plastisol: For soft plastics (available online)
- Wire: Stainless steel or coated wire (for hook hangers and line ties)
- Hooks: Treble or single, depending on lure type
- Split rings: For attaching hooks and blades
- Paints: Acrylic, spray, or airbrush paints
- Clear coat: Two-part epoxy or polyurethane
- Weights: Split shot, lead-free sinkers, or tungsten
- Eyes: Stick-on 3D eyes or paint your own
- Silicone skirt material: For spinnerbaits and jigs
Optional:
- Foil: For realistic scale patterns
- Glitter, dyes, and scents: For soft plastics
- Molds: For soft plastics or resin lures
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Wooden Hard Body Lure
Let’s walk through making a classic wooden crankbait — a proven fish-catcher for bass, trout, and more.
1. Design Your Lure
- Sketch your lure on paper. Decide on the length, width, and profile.
- Cut out the paper template.
- Trace the outline onto your wood block.
Tip: Start with a simple minnow or shad shape, about 3–4 inches long.
2. Cut and Shape the Body
- Use a small saw to cut out the rough shape.
- Carve the lure with a hobby knife, rounding edges and forming the desired profile.
- Sand the lure smooth, starting with coarse grit and finishing with fine grit.
Pro Tip: Compare your blank to a store-bought lure for reference.
3. Add Weight and Wire
- Drill small holes in the belly for weights (use lead-free if possible).
- Insert a stainless steel wire through the body for hook hangers and line tie.
- Secure weights and wire with super glue or epoxy.
4. Assemble and Seal
- If your lure is two halves, glue them together with waterproof glue.
- Clamp gently and allow to dry.
- Seal the entire lure with a thin coat of epoxy or waterproof sealer to prevent water damage.
5. Add the Diving Lip
- Cut a slot in the nose for the diving lip (use polycarbonate or plastic).
- Shape the lip and glue it in place.
- The angle and size of the lip determine the lure’s diving depth and action.
6. Sand and Prep for Painting
- Sand the lure again to remove any glue residue and smooth out seams.
- Wipe the lure clean.
7. Paint Your Lure
- Apply a primer coat and let dry.
- Paint the base color using spray paint, acrylics, or an airbrush.
- Add details: stripes, dots, gill plates, or scale patterns with stencils or fine brushes.
- Let each layer dry before adding the next.
Creative Tip: Use aluminum foil for a realistic scale flash — press it onto the sides before painting.
8. Add Eyes and Finish
- Attach stick-on eyes or paint your own.
- Apply several coats of clear epoxy or polyurethane for durability and shine.
- Hang the lure to dry between coats.
9. Attach Hardware
- Install split rings and hooks.
- Add any additional hardware (spinner blades, rattles, etc.).
10. Test and Tune
- Test your lure in a bucket or bathtub.
- Adjust the lip or weight placement if it doesn’t swim straight or dive correctly.
Making Soft Plastic Lures
If you prefer worms, grubs, or swimbaits, soft plastics are easy and fun to make.
1. Gather Your Materials
- Plastisol (liquid plastic)
- Colorant and glitter (optional)
- Soft plastic molds (buy or make your own)
- Microwave-safe cup
- Stir stick
- Gloves and safety glasses
2. Heat the Plastisol
- Pour plastisol into a microwave-safe cup.
- Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until clear and syrupy.
- Add colorant and glitter as desired.
3. Pour and Cure
- Pour the hot plastisol into your mold.
- Allow to cool for several minutes.
- Remove the lure and trim any excess.
4. Store and Fish
- Store soft plastics in resealable bags.
- Add scent or salt for extra attraction.
How to Make Spinnerbaits and Bladed Jigs
Wire baits are surprisingly easy to make and super effective.
1. Gather Materials
- Jig head (painted or unpainted)
- Spinner blades (Colorado, Willow, or Indiana)
- Wire form or stainless steel wire
- Beads and clevises
- Silicone skirt material
- Split rings and swivels
2. Assemble the Spinnerbait
- Bend the wire into an “R” or “V” shape.
- Attach the spinner blade with a clevis and beads.
- Slide the skirt onto the jig head collar.
- Add a soft plastic trailer if desired.
3. Fine-Tune
- Adjust blade size and skirt color for different water conditions.
- Experiment with blade combinations for unique vibrations.
Pro Tips for DIY Lure Success
- Start simple: Master basic shapes before trying complex designs.
- Take notes: Keep a log of what works and what doesn’t.
- Be patient: Allow glue and paint to cure fully for best results.
- Test often: Check lure action in water before heading to the lake.
- Join a community: Forums like r/lurebuilding are great for tips and troubleshooting.
Read more: How to Make a Fishing Rod: The Ultimate DIY Guide for Beginners
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Skipping the sealant: Unsealed wood absorbs water and ruins action.
- Overweighting: Too much weight kills the lure’s action.
- Rushing paint jobs: Let each coat dry to prevent smearing.
- Ignoring hardware: Use quality split rings and hooks for reliability.
How to Make Fishing Lures FAQ
Is it cheaper to make your own fishing lures?
Yes, especially if you make several at a time. The initial investment in tools pays off quickly.
What’s the easiest lure to start with?
Simple wooden plugs or soft plastic worms are great for beginners.
Do I need power tools?
No. Most lures can be made with hand tools and patience.
How do I make my lures look professional?
Use stencils, foil, and multiple paint layers. A glossy clear coat makes a big difference.
Can I sell my homemade lures?
Absolutely! Many anglers start as hobbyists and grow into small businesses. Check local regulations on materials and labeling.
Where can I buy lure-making supplies?
Online retailers like MakeLure and hobby shops carry everything you need.
What’s the best wood for lures?
Balsa is easy to carve and floats well. Basswood, cedar, and pine are also popular.
How do I know if my lure will work?
Test it in water. Adjust the weight, lip, or shape until it swims as you want.
Ready to Make Your Own Fishing Lures?
Making fishing lures is a rewarding hobby that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and fishing know-how. Start with simple designs, use quality materials, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The next time you’re on the water, you might just catch your personal best on a lure you made with your own hands.
Tight lines and happy crafting!