If you fish long enough, eventually you may be curious how to make fishing lures. Some anglers jump into this as an attempt at cost-saving, hoping to make cheap fishing lures. Others like yours truly, enjoy experimenting because they believe in the discovery of the “better mousetrap” of a lure.

1. GET A LURE KIT

There are some great resources online that offer components and kits for making fishing lures. This lets you construct as much, or as little of a fishing lure as you want. It can be as simple as ordering a few “blank” crankbaits and then decorating and adding hooks. Or you can take the plunge and try complete fly tying kits geared toward the size of fish you want to catch.

2. BE CREATIVE

DIY fishing lures can be fun if you enjoy crafts. Look around; you just may notice something to use to make a lure. I’ve seen spoons created from bottle caps and jewelry pieces. Earplugs turned into a small popper fly might join your little box of fall bass fishing lures. That little finger weaving novelty toy can be turned into a pike and muskie lure. And if you enjoy woodworking, you might want to try your hand at a simple topwater lure. If you are a novice, diving lures may prove difficult to make them run “true” and straight without rolling.

3. TWEAK EXISTING LURES

Perhaps a simpler way how to make fishing lures is just to make minor additions/subtractions to personalize existing lures. Color the tips of soft plastic crayfish with a yellow highlighter or use a permanent black marker to add an eyespot. Trade out the treble hooks for singles to make it easier to unhook and release the fish. Trim the jig or spinnerbait skirt or the appendages of a soft plastic creature bait to make it fall or move just like you want. A paint tip in Bassmaster magazine used the mesh fabric that you might find on a bag of oranges or onions to create a scale-like pattern on a crankbait. Waterproof stickers also can significantly change the colors of spoons or appearances of crankbaits.
There are thousands of patented lures, with each angler making a lure that catches fish better. Soon, I’ll be able to share my own lure creation. By making fishing lures, you just may find a greater satisfaction if the fish is caught on YOUR lure. Making fishing lures also can be a great kid activity. Their creativity can heighten their fishing tackle ownership as well as the enjoyment of fishing.

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