How to Make Fishing Plugs

Lures are one of the pieces of fishing equipment that many fishermen enjoy making themselves. Plugs have long been one of the most effective and versatile fishing lures for fishermen, and they are useful when pursuing a variety of game fish. The satisfaction of catching a fish is even greater when you do so on a plug that you have made yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Tracing paper
Balsa wood (1/4 inch thick)
Waterproof glue
Cutting knife
Sand paper
Clear coat paint
Brass or stainless steel wire (0.020 inch to 0.030 inch in diameter)
Foil tape
Lead sinker (1/8 oz. to 1/4 oz.)
Acrylic paint
Crankbait lips
Split rings
Hooks

Step 1

Draw the outline for the plug on the tracing paper. Most plugs are 2 to 4 inches long, usually depending on the size of the species for which you are fishing.

Step 2

Place two pieces of balsa wood, one on top of the other, and add a small drop of glue between them to temporarily hold them together. Set the paper pattern on top of the wood and use the cutting knife to gently mark the pattern on the wood.

Step 3

Remove the pattern and cut the wood according to the markings. Sand the edges smooth and take the two pieces of wood apart. Carve out a small groove that runs along the length of the inside of both halves of the plug body. This will be for the wire and ballast.

Step 4

Glue the two halves together permanently now, sand smooth, and brush on several layers of clear coat.

Step 5

Cut the foil tape to the shape of your plug, using the pattern. Apply it to your plug. Again brush on several layers of clear coat, and allow it to dry.

Step 6

Paint the plug to match local bait fish if you wish. Allow the paint to dry and then glue on eyes.

Step 7

Cut a groove in the front of the lure for the lip, and then glue the lip there. Attach the split ring and hooks and your plug is complete.

Resources

The Canadian Guide to Lure Making

Article Written By Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith began writing for Demand Studios in May of 2009 and has since written over 1400 articles for them. He also writes for "The College Baseball Newsletter." He attended the University of New Mexico, and has more than 25 years of experience in the business world.

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