Directions for Making & Painting Fishing Lures

green fishing lure image by William Berry from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Replacing fishing lures is a constant expense for anglers. Losing one is quite easy when you hook onto underwater structures, tree limbs, a fish bites the line off, or you simply threw it off casting due to a poorly tied knot.

By making your own lures from the beginning process of pouring to the paint finish, you will always have extras on hand. When making lures, you can also let your creative juices run wild. After you get the process down pat, you will be able to make lures in any desired shape, size and color.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Making the Lure

Things You’ll Need:

Work table
Electrical outlet
Paper
Safety eyewear
Leather gloves
Long-sleeved shirt
Long pants
Eye rings
Hooks
Melter
Side-pouring ladle
Lead
Lure mold
Spray oil
Flat file
Oven
Aluminum foil
Candle
Tweezers
Powder paint
Wire

Step 1

Set up an area to pour and paint the lures such as a table or other flat surface that has plenty of air flow and an electrical outlet. Spread papers over the table and work in an area free of children or pets.

Step 2

Wear safety eyewear and leather gloves for skin protection when making the fishing lures. You may also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, in the event the lead spills.

Step 3

Place all your supplies within reach on the table, so you have everything you need in one place. Any tackle attached to the lure, such as eye rings or hooks should also be included with the lure-making items.

Step 4

Plug the melter in to preheat. For the easiest pouring, use a side-pouring ladle. Place it onto the melter to preheat, too. This rids the ladle of moisture, which causes the lead to pop and possibly splatter.

Step 5

Place the lead pieces into the melter to melt slowly. Ready the lure mold by spraying it with a light coating of oil and placing any hooks or eyes into their slots within it.

Step 6

Pour the melted lead into the open cavities in your lure mold, being careful not to fill over the sides. Allow the lures to cool for approximately 10 minutes and remove the lures from the mold. File the ragged side edges with a flat-file to smooth them down.

Painting Lures

Step 1

Work on the same surface where you poured the lures. Shake a jar of powder lure paint to loosen it within the jar. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and remove the upper rack. Place a sheet of aluminum foil onto the bottom rack inside the oven.

Step 2

Trim the wick of a candle to 1/4-inch long and light it. Allow the candle to stop smoking before placing the lure into the flame.

Step 3

Wear leather gloves. Hold the lure with tweezers approximately 1 inch over the flame to heat the metal. Hold it in place for approximately 10 seconds.

Step 4

Swish the lure back and forth through the paint, shaking any excess back into the jar. Hold the lure over the candle until the paint melts and turns glossy. Repeat the heating process if there is any unmelted paint. Hold the lure for about five seconds before setting it down.

Step 5

Hook the lure onto the top oven rack using its hooks or wire. Bake for 10 minutes and remove. This makes the painted finish more durable.

Resources

Canadian Guide to Lure Making: Heat & Dip Powder Paint

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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