How to build a lure

Building a fishing lure can be as simple or as advanced as you like. A basic hard-bodied lure is a good starting point because it teaches the key principles: shape, balance, buoyancy, and action.

Materials

• Timber (cedar, balsa, paulownia, or similar lightweight wood)
• Sandpaper (80, 120, and 240 grit)
• Craft knife, rasp, or carving tools
• Stainless steel wire (0.8–1.2 mm)
• Split rings
• Treble hooks
• Epoxy resin or clear coat
• Paints (acrylic or airbrush paints)
• Lead wire or small sinkers (for weighting)
• Drill and small drill bits

Step 1: Choose the Lure Type

For beginners, a simple minnow or crankbait is easiest.

Common lengths:

• Bream: 40–60 mm
• Bass: 50–80 mm
• Flathead: 60–100 mm
• Murray cod: 100–180 mm

Step 2: Create the Body

Draw the lure profile on timber.

Example:

     _______
 ___/       \___
/               \
\___         ___/
    \_______/

Cut out the shape and carve it until both sides are symmetrical.

Sand smooth.

Step 3: Install the Wire Harness

The strongest method is a through-wire system.

Tow point
    |
----|----------------
    |
 Hook hanger

Cut a groove along the centreline.

Bend stainless wire to create:

• Front tow point
• Belly hook hanger
• Rear hook hanger

Glue into the groove with epoxy.

Step 4: Add Weight

Weight determines:

• Casting distance
• Swimming action
• Buoyancy

For a floating lure:

• Small weight near the belly

For a suspending lure:

• More weight centred under the body

Test frequently in a bucket of water.

Step 5: Fit the Diving Bib (Optional)

For a crankbait or minnow:

Cut a slot at the nose.

Install a bib made from:

• Polycarbonate
• Lexan

Bib angle controls depth:

• Steep angle = shallow diving
• Shallow angle = deeper diving

Step 6: Seal the Timber

Apply:

• Sanding sealer
• Epoxy
• Polyurethane

Allow to cure completely.

Sand lightly between coats.

Step 7: Paint

Typical process:

1. White base coat
2. Main colour
3. Back colour
4. Scale pattern (optional)
5. Eyes
6. Detail markings

Popular Australian colours:

• Gold/black
• Olive perch
• Purple
• Pink
• Fluoro chartreuse
• Ayu
• Ghost baitfish

Step 8: Clear Coat

Apply:

• 2-part epoxy
• Automotive clear
• UV resin

This protects the paint from fish teeth and rocks.

Step 9: Install Hardware

Attach:

• Split rings
• Treble hooks

Typical sizes:

Step 10: Water Test

Test in:

• Swimming pool
• Bucket
• Local waterway

Check:

• Does it swim straight?
• Does it roll over?
• Does it dive correctly?
• Is the action tight or wide?

Small adjustments to the tow point can dramatically change the action.

Example: Simple 70 mm Australian Bass Crankbait

Body: Paulownia
Length: 70 mm
Weight: 6 g
Bib: 20 mm polycarbonate
Hooks: Size 6 trebles
Action: Medium wobble
Target species: Bass, perch, bream, estuary perch