If you’ve ever felt the primal urge to tug on a fish’s lips, you’ve come to the right place. I’m about to let you in on a secret that’ll have even the wariest bass busted: how to craft your crankbait for less than the cost of a cheap latte.
While the gearheads lining the tackle store aisles shell out ten bucks a pop, we renegade know the truly rewarding hunt comes from leveraging our wits instead of our wallets. I’m proposing a DIY project that’ll call on your inner MacGyver and have you jigging like a pro without busting the bank.
By the time you’ve finished reading this post on how to make a crank bait, you’ll have everything you need to tie on one of nature’s most irresistible lures – so let’s get to tinkering!
What Will You Need?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s gather everything you’ll need to start your crank bait creation. Here’s a quick list:
- A length of fishing line
- Scissors
- An assortment of hooks (size 2 and 4 treble hooks work well)
- Split rings (a few different sizes)
- Weights (tiny metal beads or sinkers)
- A set of pliers (needle-nose work best)
- A selection of lure bodies and lips
- Epoxy glue
Now, I know what you’re thinking – this sounds like a lot. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, crafting your crankbait will become second nature.
10 Easy Steps on How to Make a Crank Bait
Step 1. Shape the Lure
Once you have all your materials, the next step is to shape the wooden lure blank into the desired shape of your crank bait. You can use a carving knife or sandpaper to create a smooth and symmetrical profile. Ensure to leave enough space for the lips and hooks to be attached.
Step 2. Attach Lip and Hooks
After shaping the lure, it’s time to attach the lip and hooks. The lip is what gives the crankbait its diving action, so make sure it is securely attached with epoxy glue. Then, attach split rings to the eyelets on each end of the lure and attach a treble hook to each call.
Step 3. Paint and Finish
The final step in making a crankbait is painting and finishing your lure. You can use acrylic paints or airbrushing techniques to create unique designs of your interest. Once dry, seal your design with a clear coat of epoxy or lacquer for added durability while fishing.
Step 4. Test and Adjust
Before taking your new crank bait out on the water, testing and adjusting its action in a bathtub or pool is essential. If it doesn’t dive properly or swims crookedly, you may need to adjust the weight distribution by adding more weight or adjusting the position of the hooks. Be careful not to add too much weight, as it can affect the buoyancy of your lure.
Step 5. Fine-Tune the Action
Now that you have a working crank bait, it’s time to fine-tune its action. The movement and behavior of your lure in the water are crucial to attracting fish, and minor adjustments can often make a big difference. One way to fine-tune the action is by adjusting the angle and shape of the lip. Depending on your fishing needs, different angles and conditions will cause the lure to dive deeper or wobble more.
You can also add more weight to one side of the interest to cause it to swim erratically, mimicking an injured fish. Remember, keep testing and making adjustments until you achieve the desired action. Patience and precision are essential in this step, but the reward of a well-performing, self-made crank bait is well worth it.
Step 6. Time to Cast
Finally, the truth has arrived – it’s time to cast your homemade crank bait into the water. Choose a location where you expect fish to be present, such as near underwater structures or where you see fish activity on the surface. Cast your line, allow the lure to dive, and retrieve it slowly. The unique movement of your handmade crank bait should attract curious fish. Fishing is a game of patience and practice, so keep going if you catch something immediately. Keep adjusting your technique and the action of your lure until you find what works best. Happy fishing!
Step 7. Maintenance
Just like any other fishing gear, your homemade crank bait requires some maintenance to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. After each fishing trip, rinse your crank bait thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, dirt, or debris. This helps prevent corrosion, especially on the hooks and split rings. If the paint starts to chip or fade, consider giving your lure a fresh coat to maintain its attractiveness. And most importantly, always check the sharpness of your hooks.
A dull theme might cost you a fish, even after a perfect cast and retrieval. Remember, taking care of your crankbait will improve its performance and extend its life, ensuring many more successful fishing trips.
Step 8. Share and Show Off
Now that you’ve mastered making your own crankbaits, why not share your knowledge and creations with others? Whether part of a local fishing club or active in online communities, showing off your handmade lures can be a great way to engage with fellow anglers. You might even inspire others to start making their lures. Plus, who knows? Your unique crankbaits may become the talk of the town in your fishing circles. So go ahead, cast your line, reel in those compliments, and most importantly, enjoy the pride and satisfaction of mastering a new skill and creating something truly your own.
Step 9. Experiment and Evolve
Once the basic process is down, don’t be afraid to experiment and evolve your crank bait-making skills. Try using different materials for the body, experiment with various shapes, sizes, and weights, and explore a diverse palette of colors and patterns for the paint job. You can add features like feathered hooks or rattles to give your lures an edge. Remember, the goal is not just to create a crankbait that looks good – it needs to be effective in attracting fish. So, keep observing, learning, and adapting based on the responses you get from the fish. Consider each experiment an opportunity to learn and improve, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an expert crank bait craftsman.
Step 10. Reflect and Celebrate
Lastly, take a moment to reflect on your journey of creating your crankbait. It’s an achievement that deserves celebration. You’ve crafted a unique lure and acquired a new skill that can enhance your fishing experience. Enjoy the satisfaction of using a crankbait made by your own hands. Remember that each crankbait you create is a testament to your creativity, patience, and precision. Keep honing your skills and continue exploring new ideas, and before you know it, you’ll be a seasoned crank bait artist with a collection of effective, hand-crafted lures.
Following these steps, you can learn how to make a crankbait and unleash your inner angling artist. So why wait? Gather your materials and tools, get creative, and start crafting your very own crankbaits today!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Neglecting Safety: Pay attention to the importance of safety when making crankbaits. Always wear protective eyewear while cutting, shaping, and drilling the lure’s body. It’s also advisable to use gloves when handling sharp hooks.
- Ignoring Weight Distribution: A crank bait’s performance depends on weight distribution. Avoid focusing solely on the lure’s appearance and neglecting its weight. It won’t swim appropriately if it’s too light or heavy.
- Using Low-Quality Materials: The durability and effectiveness of your crankbait are a direct result of the materials’ quality. Avoid using low-quality paints and clear coats, as they can fade or chip easily, reducing the lure’s effectiveness.
- Skipping Maintenance: Maintaining your handmade crank baits is crucial for their longevity. Avoid leaving your lures dirty after a fishing trip, as it can lead to corrosion, especially in saltwater environments.
- Being Impatient: Patience is vital in making, testing, and adjusting crankbaits. Stay calm if your lure fails the first time, and avoid rushing the process. Each adjustment brings you closer to a perfectly functioning appeal.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your homemade crankbaits look good and perform well in the water. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills and experimenting with new techniques to master crankbait making.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to make a crank bait can be a truly fulfilling and rewarding experience. Not only will you have the satisfaction of creating your unique lure, but you’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune it and make it truly perfect for your fishing needs. Throughout this blog post, we discussed the steps and materials needed to create a successful crankbait, from selecting the wood to painting and final touches.
But it doesn’t stop there. The beauty of this process is that you can experiment with different designs, colors, and techniques to create an endless variety of crankbaits. Feel free to let your creativity flow and innovate new ways to catch fish. Additionally, by making your crankbaits, you’ll save money in the long run compared to constantly buying expensive lures from the store.
After reading this post, We hope you feel confident and inspired to try making your crank bait.