Making your own lures can be a rewarding experience. I began making my own lures from Fly’s, jigs and spinners to bucktails for all species over 5 years ago. Over the 5 years I have taken over 30 classes and spent time with some of the masters in the sport that make jaw dropping pieces of art that fool fish at an alarming rate. Believe me, I am no artist and can’t even draw a well proportioned stick man… Keeping that in mind, anyone can do this.

To get started I thought I would explain some of the tools I use to make my lures.

1) The Vise

Vises range in price quite substantially. From $10-$1000. You only really need something that will hold the hook well. The first picture is my vise which happens to be a peak rotary. I like the rotary so you can spin your work and see it at different angles. This vise is great and sits at the $150 mark.

 

 

 

2) Scissors

This is a must have. I like to use the Dr. Slick brand which are price efficient and very effective. I like to have 3 pairs readily available. 1st having a very fine tip, second having a curve to them and third being a piece of junk. The reason for the third pair is to have something to cut wire that you don’t care about.

 

 

3) Bobbin, Bobbin Threader and Thread

The bobbin threader will save you a lot of frustration, and is used to help pull the thread through the barrel of the bobbin. The bobbin allows for the thread to unspool while you precisely wrap your threat tying in your materials. The thread is self explanatory, however there are many types of thread that would be more suitable for certain situations.

 

4) Whip finisher

This can be a tricky tool to learn how to use but there are many videos on youtube that show how it’s done. This tool is used to tie a whip finish knot once completing the lure.

 

 

 

 

5) Hackle pliers

When working with feathers, these can be a must. They hold onto the feathers and allow you to maneuver the feather where and how you want around the lure much easier. They also can serve as a 3rd hand sometimes.

6) Knives, razors

I like to have a pencil scalpel and some razors. These come in handy for giving your lures a hair cut and keeping things clean. For razors I recommend Wilkinson’s razors. They are flexible and sharp as heck and have never had one break on me.

 

 

7) Hair Packers and stackers

The two on the left are used to get the ends of hair all lined up nice and neat. The two on the right are used to push hair down the shank of a hook to get the hair packed in nice and tight. These are mostly used for making deer hair poppers.

 

 

8) Glue and Head Cements

I really only have a few that I keep on my table. First is super glue that I use for various things. Second is head cement that is used to create a coating and hold the thread together after fishing a lure. Third I use Sally Hensen Hard as Nails nail polish. If I want to put eyes on a lure or create a high gloss finish on anything, I’m using this stuff. It works amazing and cures with virtually no scent and hard as heck.

 

 

9) Dubbing Tool

This last tool is home made, that I put together out of a stick and a paperclip. You can buy much nicer looking tool that do the same thing, however this has worked fine for me for years. The tool is designed to create a loop in your tread and hold that loop open. You would then twist is as you insert material fibers creating a chenille.

 

 

While making lures, keep in mind that you don’t need every tool you see. You only need a few to get started and as your imagination runs wild, you may want to create or buy some more. Keep in mind that making the lures is creative and fun, keep it that way and the experience will be that much better.

Finally I will mention, catching your first fish on a lure you made is an amazing feeling.

If you ever have any question, feel free to reach out and message me. I’m always open to sharing ideas as well.

 

Yours In Boating

Mike Bowler