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Homemade Fishing Plugs

Homemade Fishing Plugs

series object on white: isolated fishing spoon-bait image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Plugs are designed to imitate natural prey found on the surface of the water. Plugs often replicate toads, frogs, mice and other fish favorites. Topwater plugs are widely available in retail outlets. It is also possible, however, to create highly effective plugs at home. Using basic materials and tools, plugs can be carved and painted to represent a wide range of naturally occurring bait found along ponds, rivers and lakes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Wooden dowel
  • Fine tooth wood saw
  • Knife (pocket or carving)
  • Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
  • Enamel paint
  • Brush
  • Small eye screws
  • Pliers
  • Split rings
  • Treble hooks
Step 1
Select a length of wooden dowel in the diameter of your choice. Consider using pine because it is easy to carve and lightweight. Determine the length of the plug and cut a section of dowel with a fine tooth saw.
Step 2
Carve a rough shape for the plug with a carving or pocket knife. Remove wood from the plug a little at a time so that the plug gradually tapers. Carve the plug so the back end is rounded and the front is flat.
Step 3
Sand the plug with medium grit sandpaper and then fine grit paper. Smooth any rough areas on the plug body. Avoid removing too much wood from the front edge of the plug.
Step 4
Insert a small screw eye into the belly, rear and front of the wooden plug. Use a pair of pliers to help thread the eye screw into the wooden body of the lure. Locate the front screw in the center on the front end of the bait.
Step 5
Paint the lure with various colors to attract fish. Consider using a simple pattern, such as solid white with a red head, or paint the lure to represent a frog or other natural bait. Apply enamel paints with a hobby brush for long-lasting results. Set the lure to the side so the paint can thoroughly dry.
Step 6
Thread a split ring onto each eye screw. Attach a treble hook to the split ring on the belly and rear of the lure.

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.

Write for Trails.com

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