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How to Make Wooden Fishing Plugs

How to Make Wooden Fishing Plugs

fishing lure image by Brett Bouwer from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Wooden fishing plugs and lures imitate the shape and movement of small fish, which larger predatory fish feed on. Anglers often lose plugs that get caught in brush, stuck under a log or from broken fishing lines; replacing each lost store-bought lure can become expensive. Designing and creating your own plug is not only rewarding but also inexpensive. Experiment with different shapes and paint patterns to attract various types of fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Wood broom handle
  • Tape measure
  • Drill
  • Wood knife
  • Saw
  • 2 sawhorses
  • Sandpaper; fine and heavy grit
  • Wood sealant
  • Paintbrush
  • Pliers
  • 3 small eye screws
  • 2 treble hooks
Step 1
Lay the broom across the sawhorses. Measure 4 inches from the end of the broom handle, and cut it away with the saw.
Step 2
Carve the shape of the body with the wood knife. The head of the plug should slightly taper into a curved point, starting 1 inch behind the head where the body should be 1 inch in diameter. Slowly taper the body backward for 2 inches, then carve the back end to a narrow point. The end where the head is should be twice as thick as the tail end.
Step 3
Sand the body with the heavy-grit sandpaper to round out the front and back ends of the lure. Smooth the wood with the fine-grit sandpaper after you have formed the shape of the plug.
Step 4
Paint the wood sealant onto the lure with the paintbrush. Allow an hour for the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat. The wood sealant will prevent the lure from rotting after continuous water exposure.
Step 5
Drill three small holes into the lure: one hole that is 1/8 inch in front of the tail end of the lure, one hole that is 1 inch behind the front tip of the lure and one hole directly into the front tip. Align the holes in the tail end and the middle along the underside of the lure.
Step 6
Twist the three eye screws into the holes, and tighten them with the pliers.
Step 7
Attach the treble hooks to the middle and rear eye screws.
Step 8
Fasten the lure by the third eye screw to your fishing line using a clinch knot.

Tips & Warnings

 
Decorate the lure with silver or reflective, colored paint to attract predatory fish.

Resources

Article Written By Jacob Hendriks

Jacob Hendriks' work has appeared in "The Western Front," "The Planet Magazine" and Trails.com. He graduated from Western Washington University with a major in international business management and a minor in Community Health. Hendriks' passion for sports nutrition and fitness, combined with experience as a personal trainer, has led him to pursue health-oriented journalism.

Write for Trails.com

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