Homemade Ice Fishing Lures

hook image by Zbigniew Nowak from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Short fishing rods, augers, heavy winter clothing and heaters are some of the equipment associated with ice fishing. Each winter, diehard and hearty anglers brave often frigid temperatures in pursuit of their favorite game fish. Lures become specialized based on a specific type of fishing and this holds especially true with ice fishing. Ice fishing lures used are designed to optimize the chances of attracting fish when presented through small holes in the ice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Willow leaf spinner blade
Drill with 1/16-inch bit
Split rings
Split ring pliers
Small willow leaf blade
Treble hook

Step 1

Place a 3- to 4-inch-long willow leaf spinner blade on a sturdy work surface. Insert a 1/16-inch drill bit into the chuck of a drill and tighten the bit securely in place.

Step 2

Hold the willow leaf spinner blade and drill a hole in the solid end without a hole. Observe and compare the distance that the factory-drilled hole is located from the end of the blade. Drill the hole the same distance from the spinner edge.

Step 3

Spread a split ring with a pair of split ring pliers. Install a split ring into both holes in the willow leaf spinner blade.

Step 4

Hold the willow leaf spinner blade and spread the split ring on one end with the split ring pliers. Thread a shorter 1-inch willow leaf blade onto the split ring. Choose a shorter blade in a bright color such as red, orange or green.

Step 5

Spread the split ring with the smaller blade attached once again with the split ring pliers. Thread on a treble hook.

Tips & Warnings

Paint the concave, or hollow, side of the long willow leaf blade with enamel paint in a color such as white to add attraction for fish. Apply the paint with a small hobby brush and allow the paint to thoroughly dry.

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.

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