How to Paint Your Own Fishing Lures

paint brush image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com

Grape, bubble gum, lime, raspberry, orange and licorice may sound like the shopping list of an 8-year-old on his way to a candy store. However, these are actually just a few of the colors in which soft plastic, spinner and crank baits are manufactured. Even then, many anglers cannot find that perfect combination of colors needed to attract that trophy fish. Never to be outdone, the persistent angler will take brush and enamel paint in hand to create a unique design.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Soap and water
Denatured alcohol
Clear sealant
Point or chisel edge detail paintbrush

Step 1

Clean the surface of the lure thoroughly. Wash the lure parts to be painted with a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt and debris. Rinse the lure and dry thoroughly. Wipe the lure with denatured alcohol to remove any remaining moisture as well as grease or oils that may remain.

Step 2

Select a color scheme for the lure. Your choice may be based on a color that is effective during a particular season or one that emulates a baitfish.

Step 3

Apply a thin coat of enamel paint that will serve as a base coat, the dominant color of the scheme. Allow the paint to thoroughly dry.

Step 4

Apply another coat of the base color before adding any secondary colors, stripes or dots. Allow each application of color to thoroughly dry.

Step 5

Brush or spray on a clear sealant. A clear sealant will add a layer of protection and help prevent chipping during use.

Tips & Warnings

Allow the lure to dry for at least 24 hours before use.

Hang the lure by the hooks from a coat hanger and place in a warm location to dry.

The main body or even spinner blades may be painted. However, keep in mind that paint adds weight and this is especially a concern with spinner blades. Also avoid clogging the hole with parts that need to freely rotate or spin.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...