Introduction

While many fishermen buy their lures, others opt to craft their own. Lure-making enables you create something unique that's tailored for specific species of fish and specific conditions. Find out how to get started.

Step One

Gather your tools, including: coping saw, pocket knife, bobbin, lacquer or vinyl paints in various colors, various colors of thread, fly-tying vise, assorted sand paper, hackle pliers, split ring pliers, crimping tool, scissors, hair stacker, head cement, wire former and a half-inch tool.

Step Two

Purchase a variety of each of the following items: feathers, colored yarn or floss, colored fur, spinner bodies, beads, jigs, screw eyes, clevises, egg sinkers, hooks, connector sleeves, snap swivels, barrel swivels, spinner blades, spinner shaft locks, split rings, buck tails and calf tails, tinsel and flashabou, hackles, wire and blocks of wood.

Step Three

Find a comfortable, quiet place to work.

Step Four

Decide which type of lure you will make. Lures will vary depending on the species of fish, the depth at which the fish are running, the color of the fish prey, the action you need from the lure, water clarity and weather.

Step Five

Sketch out your design, keeping in mind what types of lures you've had good luck with in the past.

Step Six

Build your lure and then test it under the appropriate conditions.

Step Seven

Remember that lure-making takes trial and error. Keep at it even if your first lures aren't successful.