- 1). Select the type of wood to use for the crankbait. Hardwoods suspend in water and have slow action, meaning they have less back-and-forth movement in the water. Softwoods float and have faster action. The species of fish and preferred method of fishing will determine which type of wood is best. The block of wood should be at least 4 inches long and 1 inch wide and deep.
- 2). Draw the shape of the lure onto the block freehand or use an existing lure as a stencil. Draw two shapes, one from a top-down view and a second as a side view of the lure.
- 3). Cut out one of the traced shapes using a scroll saw. Collect the pieces and securely tape them back together to keep the other traced shape intact.
- 4). Cut out the other traced shape to complete the body of the crankbait. Discard any remaining pieces of wood.
- 5). Drill holes for the eyelet, positioned at the nose or dorsal fin of the bait where the line attaches to the lure. Drill holes for the two hook attachments along the bottom and a larger hole if adding ball bearings between the two hook attachments.
- 6). Carve any features onto the crankbait using a carving knife. Features include places for the eyes or groves in the side of the bait. This adds detail and each alteration changes how the bait moves through the water.
- 7). Add the ball bearings in the drilled hole. Seal the hole with wood putty. Make sure the bearing has enough room to move and make noise as the bait is pulled through the water.
- 8). Sand the bait using 60- to 70-grit sandpaper to remove rough edges and smooth the entire lure.
- 9). Apply a clear coat sealer to protect the wood from water damage.
- 10
Paint the bait with enamel paints in any color and pattern that works for the body of water that you are fishing. Allow to dry. - 11
Screw in the eyelet into the lure and insert the hook attachments into the lure's body. - 12
Attach treble hooks to the hook attachments using pliers to open the ring on the hooks and slide it onto the attachment.
SHARE
