NorCal Kayak Anglers

General => Craftsmen's Corner => Topic started by: racer414 on June 05, 2017, 12:31:35 PM

Title: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 05, 2017, 12:31:35 PM
After my Pyramid trip in April, I had several people suggest I try trolling some Lyman lures for the big Cutts. Well, after some research I found out they are no longer made and the more popular colors are difficult to find...

This dilemma sparked an interest in me building my own plugs. So, I continued my research on what it would take for me to build a similar product. A simple google search yielded salwaterplugs.com, which in my opinion is one of the better places I've found that has the necessary supplies to build pretty much whatever you want. (they don't carry hardware for smaller plugs however)

I also had to decide if I wanted to paint the lures myself or send them out. I have sent out a couple in the past and as I recall they were fairly expensive, along with taking quite awhile to receive. So I went on youtube for some tutorials and to my surprise it didn't seem all that difficult to paint. I managed to find an Iwata airbrush with a compressor and a bunch of paint on craigslist for $120. And with some old beat up lures I've found over the years, I started practicing a few patterns.

List of supplies:

wood - Alaskan yellow cedar
screw eyes - standard and heavy duty
swivels - Rosco Crane, various sizes
hooks - Owner, various sizes
split rings - heavy duty
Epoxy - Bob Smith
Sealer - Helmsman Spar urethane
Painting supplies - Iwata dual action airbrush w/ createx paints

Heres a few pics to show where I'm at so far. I'm still waiting on a burr that I will use to cut the cup shape in the face of the lure.

Also, I plan to make some thru-wire topwater lures since I ordered way more wood than I should have. More to come...
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 05, 2017, 12:32:59 PM
Sorry bout the rotated pics..damn iphone
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Herb Superb on June 05, 2017, 12:33:52 PM
Wow, that's pretty good craftsmanship right there
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Codzilla on June 05, 2017, 01:17:26 PM
Damn those look great !!! Might have to dust off my lathe !
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Tote on June 05, 2017, 03:22:18 PM
VERY impressive!
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 05, 2017, 04:11:56 PM
I'll post some more details and get some better pics once I head back over to the shop later this week. Surprisingly easy to do with the proper tools and a short lesson on the lathe
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: mickfish on June 05, 2017, 08:22:19 PM
http://www.lymanlures.com/
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 05, 2017, 09:30:49 PM
http://www.lymanlures.com/

They are selling off their stock. Not produced anymore.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Eddie on June 05, 2017, 10:56:30 PM
You got skills brah!
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Blue Jeans on June 06, 2017, 12:58:11 AM
I'll trade wine for lathe lessons.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 06, 2017, 07:54:11 AM
I'll trade wine for lathe lessons.

I'm not the one to teach you, being I only have used a lathe for a few hours. I am proud to say I made all those on my own. My friend Jack just made sure I knew how to safely and properly operate all the tools, then let me have at it. I'll talk to him about possibly giving some lessons. Do you make your own wine? He is in the process of doing that and might trade lathe lessons for wine making lessons
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 06, 2017, 09:05:25 PM
Had a little bit of free time today so I headed over to my friends house to mess around in the shop. So heres the basic tools I’ve been using. The two chisels on the right are what I mostly use. The rounded tip I’ve been using for the rough cut at slower speeds and the angled tip for finish work at higher speeds. The calipers are to help keep things in check. I am also using the band saw and belt sander once I’m done with the lathe.
(http://i.imgur.com/FrFRp0c.jpg)

Decided to try some different lures today, the first being a spook and the second a large popper. Both are thru-wire so they required a little more work by drilling a hole through the center of the block. The website I got the parts from sells pre-drilled wood blocks but I didn’t think I’d build any of these…now I need more parts..
(http://i.imgur.com/Y8welmr.jpg)


These pics show the basic process of how I built the popper. The blocks are 12” long and two sizes 2x2 and 1.5x1.5”. I’ve been cutting most in half at 6”. Didn’t take a pic of the drilling process, which is a pain being the bits I have are too short to drill straight through. I’ll need to get a longer one before I do larger plugs. I also didn’t show but I do the majority of sanding while still on the lathe.
(http://i.imgur.com/MF94mMz.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/z0nmPIP.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/jb5KHfk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/kGFrwDx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FgciNC1.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vo2LHrR.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/6dJ1tdo.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PVMmbLS.jpg)

I still need to trim the ends off and shape them, as well as drill holes for the hardware and weights. More of the process later this week.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: PISCEAN on June 07, 2017, 10:34:55 AM
Very cool!
plus, the white cedar smells really good when you are working with it.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: piski on June 07, 2017, 10:57:50 AM
Those are awesome - thanks for the post and pics.  :smt001
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: AlexB on June 07, 2017, 11:07:19 AM
Nice work!

That first one looks a lot like an old Tomic salmon plug.

http://tomiclure.com/lures/



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 07, 2017, 11:40:35 AM
Thanks guys! It's been fun so far. Hopefully they'll have some good action without too much trial and error. Oh and catch fish!
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 11, 2017, 07:39:12 AM
Been in kind of a holding pattern waiting on more parts, but I did get the burr I had been waiting on. It works, just not nearly as well as I thought it would. For the poppers it seemed to work decent, but trying to cut the angle on the lyman style lures was a pain. Might need to use the router instead

(http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd431/ADTR14/IMG_0419.jpg) (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/ADTR14/media/IMG_0419.jpg.html)
(http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd431/ADTR14/IMG_0424.jpg) (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/ADTR14/media/IMG_0424.jpg.html)
(http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd431/ADTR14/IMG_0420.jpg) (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/ADTR14/media/IMG_0420.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Eddie on June 11, 2017, 08:51:24 AM
Lovin' the process... :smt006
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 16, 2017, 06:47:45 PM
I’ve been slacking a little on my new hobby but today I had a little time to work on one of the spooks and a popper. Heres the selection of parts needed to build including stainless wire, screw eyes, various hooks, swivels, weights, split rings, nose, belly, and tail grommets.
(http://i.imgur.com/uNGIogN.jpg)

For drilling I basically just eye-balled as close to center as possible and placed the holes where I thought they would be appropriate. I used tape to mark the approximate depth needed. When using weights like these, make sure you place them where they will be flush without interfering with the thru wire. The weights will probably take some trial and error to get the correct action, but at the very least, this first couple of lures will become wall hangers…
Belly grommet – 17/64 drill bit
6 gram medium weight – 5/16 bit used on the spook
8.5 gram weight – 3/8 bit used on the popper
(http://i.imgur.com/DwP9XPE.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/YdKPeZ2.jpg)

How its going to be put together with the thru wire, nose grommet, belly grommet, weight, and tail grommet.
(http://i.imgur.com/pXupKrY.jpg)

Next step was to seal the lures. The spar urethane was thinned by mineral spirits to help aid being absorbed by the wood. Make sure not to add too much, otherwise your lures wont be properly sealed. I used bailing wire and put a slight bend in it to dip the lures into the sealant. According to others, it is not necessary to let it soak for a long time. I did maybe a minute, probably less. Just watch for when air bubbles stop rising and you can then brush the excess sealant off your lures and hang them for drying. You want them to dry for 24hrs + so that you wont have any issue painting.
(http://i.imgur.com/DdjDZqy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DJdpQCK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/s3rUXV8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/wBCvrJx.jpg)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Eddie on June 17, 2017, 11:34:57 AM
I hope they turn out perfect.  I would bet on your derby car to win the cub scout jamboree... :smt006
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 17, 2017, 03:14:34 PM
Thanks Eddie! I wonder if I can make a wood halibut lure and send it your way!?

I forgot to add that there are several ways people seal their lures besides the method I used. I picked the urethane since its one of the easier methods to work with and one of the quicker drying. You can also use linseed oil, epoxy, or even super glue etc.

Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: NowhereMan on June 18, 2017, 10:59:52 AM
This is one of the most impressive threads I've ever seen. Wow.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 18, 2017, 03:55:27 PM
I appreciate the kind words! I’m learning as I go and hope I’ll have a nice finished product that performs. I have to give a lot of credit to the various tutorials I’ve read/watched online.

I forgot to mention last time, but I also have a small bass popper going through the same process. It uses screw eyes like the lyman style lures will. These particular screw eyes are a smaller diameter compared to the magnum screws I’ll use in the larger plugs.

A 1/16 drill bit makes a hole slightly smaller than the screw eye. Along with a dab of epoxy on the threads and inside the hole, they shouldn’t go anywhere. These screw eyes are ¾” long
(http://i.imgur.com/KU63nEE.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/2Q2UIBh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/rR3SMQl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/uDysu7L.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/JH19gcz.jpg)


This is the 30min epoxy I’m using. So far it has been easy to work with, just make sure to have a 50/50 mixture.
(http://i.imgur.com/VrhLAjj.jpg)

After finishing the little popper my attention turned to the larger one and the spook. Before I can paint I needed to add the weights, so I put the rest of the epoxy inside the holes and on the sides of the weights. This is the point I caught my first mistake! I didn’t drill the holes quite deep enough so I had a little excess lead hanging out. Not a huge deal and was easily fixed with the Dremel and a little sanding. Then just a little more epoxy over top to fill in the imperfections and let it dry before the final sanding.
(http://i.imgur.com/uKR9yan.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/cGlRezi.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/0nblMcr.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/NhRlidx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/rs3V3AD.jpg)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 20, 2017, 04:34:35 PM
Been working on these three plugs the last couple days. I'll have the details tomorrow or thurs.

Teaser pic of the spook. Rainbow trout pattern

(http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd431/ADTR14/IMG_0503.jpg) (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/ADTR14/media/IMG_0503.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: MooMoo Outdoors on June 20, 2017, 06:54:44 PM
Looking good!
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 21, 2017, 03:01:31 PM
So on to the painting process. I decided on three different patterns: spook - rainbow trout, large popper – redhead, and bass popper – frog. For starters I gave all three a base coat of white then moved on to the individual patterns. Each coat of paint was heat set with a hair dryer.
(http://i.imgur.com/XfkMW9t.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/88d8gv0.jpg)
For the large popper I sprayed some pearlized silver on the top of the lure. Then I placed the scaling over top and clipped it in place (you can use a womens luffa for smaller scales or I’ve read people use orange bags for larger scales). Next was the red color for the head of the lure. I planned to spray white over the silver and see if the scaling would come through but decided not to.
(http://i.imgur.com/iZGfhRA.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ll0Q8GP.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XE8aBOS.jpg)
I then set the popper to the side and began working on the spook. I first added pearlized copper to the sides. The next color was a mix of hot pink/pearlized white/silver and was sprayed over the middle of the copper. For the top of the lure I mixed a pearlized lime green with a drop or two of black to get the olive green I was looking for. Lastly, I added all the dots by hand with a paint brush.
(http://i.imgur.com/ChQySac.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/MZNPanT.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/8EQTHzv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/uWRYBQ6.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/OZ5C7cw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/2XfK2UJ.jpg)
This is where my first major mistake occurred. All three lures were painted and ready for epoxy so I mixed a batch and added glitter (a bit too much) to the epoxy and began brushing it on the bass popper. After finishing that one I moved to the spook and the first brush stroke immediately clumped up the epoxy. Apparently 30min epoxy is only 2min epoxy in this heat. Lesson learned. So, I mixed another batch inside and applied it to the large popper. Ideally, from what others state, after epoxy you should put the lures on a lure turning wheel to help the epoxy dry evenly. I don’t have one (yet) so I just set them out to dry. The spook was completely sanded and I just repeated the process above. I finished all three lures with two coats.
A few notes I learned from my experience and others:
1.   Don’t apply epoxy in this crazy heat
2.   Using a torch (short bursts) you can get rid of any air bubbles in the epoxy
3.   Like with paint, make sure the surface is properly prepped
4.   Get a turning wheel if you want a professional looking smooth surface

Next up was the hardware. This includes the thru-wire, nose, belly, and tail grommets. Along with one swivel, split rings and the hooks. Installation was pretty straight forward, just press in the nose grommet, lightly hammer in the belly grommet (making sure to remove any excess epoxy in the holes), and then slide the wire in through the swivel eye. Slide on your tail grommet and then you can make your tail wrap. Mine did not come out very clean, at least up to my standards, but it is tight and will hold up to some fish abuse. I used needle nose to make the loop, then a drill bit mounted in a vice to hold it while I make the tail wraps.
(http://i.imgur.com/T9FooTM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/5DWlC16.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/V8znhdz.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DPKAymU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/jnNZ2ni.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/8eE5kD6.jpg)


And I’m stoked to say after a swim test, the spooks walks like it should! I got lucky that the action is good and I believe it will catch some fish. The little bass popper works as it should, the large popper still needs its hardware.
(http://i.imgur.com/uELFNoi.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Y8fLPmt.jpg)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: NowhereMan on June 21, 2017, 07:34:14 PM
Holy cow, you should start selling those things---they look incredibly professional...
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: BigJim on June 22, 2017, 11:57:21 AM
BEAUTIFUL!!!

 :smt007 :smt007 :smt007

Great job and thanks for sharing the process with us!!

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: DG on June 22, 2017, 12:53:37 PM
Those look great.  If I put that much time into one I might just hang it on the wall and never use it.  But I know you are itching to give it a try.  Can't wait to see what you catch. 
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: MotherLoad on June 22, 2017, 01:28:14 PM
I attempted a similar project a year or two ago. I didn't invest is the tools you did, and wish I had! Your results are fantastic and I agree with everyone, they look awesome. Solid work, thanks for posting the steps. If I ever get some more AK yellow cedar, I'll follow your steps the best I can.
Thanks for posting
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on June 22, 2017, 02:49:25 PM
Appreciate the props guys! The pics don't show it but there are definitely imperfections. I don't think the fish will care but I'd want them to come out a little better before I give them out.

I got the wood from saltwaterplugs.com. He has a wide selection of types and some come pre-drilled for thru-wire. He also sells his plugs bare so you can paint them and add the hardware you choose
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: scottymeboy on June 22, 2017, 03:14:55 PM
Man , some of these kayak fishermen are so creative!

Nice Work!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: DRT Yakbah on June 22, 2017, 03:25:52 PM
That's some top notch craftsmanship. This blow ups are going to be even more rewarding since you made the lures.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 01, 2017, 10:15:04 PM
Did a little work today and some testing. I cut one of the the "Lyman" type plugs with a cup shape and left the other flat for the test. Surprisingly there didn't seem to be much difference in action between the two so I'm probably not going to worry about the cup shape. I did make a little mistake and drilled the screw eye slightly off center on one plug so it pulled a little to the left. Otherwise I'm pretty happy.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170702/582638d96cb08a6670de1e63b25b53bc.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170702/8ba594ec16034aff58a73cdbb123e348.jpg)

I also started on a new spook with a a little different shape to it, larger head and body. Also moved the weight a little closer to the tail. Will test it soon
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170702/652b214a9d33831698467c056475f65e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170702/b053b5e73716c76880fad0b9c6f98bfe.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170702/f299680ec95b85d747a53086869bf0bf.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 01, 2017, 10:20:48 PM
double post
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Eddie on July 02, 2017, 08:16:32 AM
My friend scored 2nd place at the fair for a wood cut and lathe entry.  It was a lamp. It would be fun to enter one of your lures in a local fair to see if "Best in show" was waiting for you.  Next year.  Does Lodi have a fair?  Sounds trivial but your work is fun and solid. :smt006
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 02, 2017, 08:54:18 AM
They do, but like you say maybe next year...I need a lot more practice before I'd enter these into competition. And more importantly I need to catch some fish on them. I have tried the spook once so far, but conditions were not ideal (mid day) and didn't have any action. Might have to wait for the fall run

Thanks Eddie!
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 08, 2017, 09:17:38 AM
Been having a few issues trying to get my epoxy finish to look nice. So, I finally went out and bought a rotisserie to help prevent pooling issues. Also I've seen people use a butane torch and with quick blasts from it they are able to remove the little air bubbles that develop from mixing the epoxy. I've already sanded and re-applied a coat of epoxy to the spook. This time its better but still not how I want it. So it will probably get sanded again, and another coat of epoxy.

And a few pics since I haven't added any in a little while. I've got four other lures waiting for epoxy but I want to get this spook figured out first.
(http://i.imgur.com/eac7rXb.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/3DH7pAZ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ndgEwN9.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/0zQ2jyz.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vRqmRcV.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/lekxOW3.jpg)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 09, 2017, 12:40:45 PM
I feel like I'm getting better and more efficient in all areas of the process, except epoxy... I did have a couple lures turn out decent from yesterdays batch, and two others that didn't. The two with eyes are farrrr from perfect as you can see from the pic. The other two (that I forgot eyes) turned out pretty good other than a couple small bubbles I missed. If I can get a finish like that all or most of the time I'll be pretty happy.
(http://i.imgur.com/7uWaet3.jpg)


I also worked on the popper I made my first go-around. It casted well enough for me, but sat in the water level, so I decided I'd work on it a bit and see if I could improve it. I cut the wire and removed the hardware so I could drill out the tail. Then drilled a couple of my weights. Re-sealed the newly exposed wood and epoxied the weights in. Sits much better now with just the neck sticking up.
(http://i.imgur.com/LTmofiy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/VSz0mop.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/H5i7FZQ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/svX7acn.jpg)



Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 12, 2017, 05:34:31 PM
A little more work accomplished. My intent with building has been to fill my personal tackle box, so this time around I decided to try a few different styles. I opted for a 7" needle, 5" pencil, and a 3.5" hula popper. Also purchased some forstner drill bits to make things a little cleaner/easier. I've read its important to keep the center of gravity low for the needle, so I just used a hammer to flatten the lead a little. Then used a dremel to get the basic contour of the plug to match up. Still need to drill the hole for the front hook.
(http://i.imgur.com/U1TVvIC.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Uuyoepc.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/4DKMQKa.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/trmWjco.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/W7FjkjM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/I1vvnQn.jpg)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: cal.ndn-yakin on July 12, 2017, 07:34:46 PM
Beautiful work there. 

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 13, 2017, 12:43:20 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: SOMA on July 13, 2017, 04:40:55 PM
My first attempt.  I hesitate on adding a hook.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: NowhereMan on July 13, 2017, 06:15:24 PM
That hula popper will be a good one. Just curious whether you are going to try things with lips, like, say, jitterbug or rapala?
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 13, 2017, 07:20:27 PM
That hula popper will be a good one. Just curious whether you are going to try things with lips, like, say, jitterbug or rapala?

Possibly. There are a few different varieties of swimmers I'd like to try at some point. The east coast builders make several variations with a metal lip, but they sound a little more difficult.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on July 29, 2017, 11:24:06 AM
A handful more that are finished. I'm making some improvement here and there, but still don't quite have the consistency I'd like. Just takes time and practice I assume.

Had my first short test to see if the fish approve. Not really the time for stripers around here but I did have one schoolie follower and hooked up to two green bass, that I promptly lost close to the kayak. Gives me a little hope at least! Can't wait to build some other types and sizes for my Baja trips. I need to make something that dives...

(http://i.imgur.com/K69vnGk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/bwZ0xpz.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/fBD6Zee.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Xzz77SM.jpg)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Eddie on July 29, 2017, 09:12:32 PM
Love the shine, glitter, variety.  That is consistent.  Production.  Keep going...such work is going into these that I hope they slammmm..... :smt006
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on August 29, 2017, 06:15:52 PM
Well the madness has hit me! While I really appreciated using our family friend's shop, (and I think he enjoyed having me since he's in an all girl household) I didn't want to wear out my welcome. So I began looking around for a lathe. Quite a few guys that build lures use the Harbor Freight lathe with little to no complaints, but I've never been a huge fan of their stuff. Woodcraft happened to have a sale on Rikon products, which seem like better quality and have a 5 year warranty. Price wasn't much more when they were on sale.

I'll be looking to purchase a band saw and belt/disc sander sometime in the near future, as well.

I also picked up some turning tools and some Poplar to try some different wood. The past couple days I've been working on some new styles and sizes to try, along with some different profiles (skinny vs fat). For size reference, the big popper is 7.5" and the needle next to it is 8".

 I need to re-supply on some hardware and I can get back to building.

(http://i.imgur.com/tDYuJ8o.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Sqb2BiF.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/1yBgXUy.jpg)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: SlackedTide on August 29, 2017, 07:34:37 PM
A handful more that are finished. I'm making some improvement here and there, but still don't quite have the consistency I'd like. Just takes time and practice I assume.

Had my first short test to see if the fish approve. Not really the time for stripers around here but I did have one schoolie follower and hooked up to two green bass, that I promptly lost close to the kayak. Gives me a little hope at least! Can't wait to build some other types and sizes for my Baja trips. I need to make something that dives...

(http://i.imgur.com/K69vnGk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/bwZ0xpz.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/fBD6Zee.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Xzz77SM.jpg)
ohhhh those are purrrrrrrrrtttyyyyy... me likey..
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on August 30, 2017, 06:40:55 AM
Thanks guys! Hoping the stripers show up in good numbers this fall so I can put them to use.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on September 23, 2017, 07:57:27 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170924/7349eb3ec9093ca777697b00dc53dfd7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170924/4ba311b6b21a8917bc6ac1a7ae04479f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170924/55fbc8487f922e70f5a37dd9531a93de.jpg)

Got the spooks built out of this last batch. Tried some slightly different variations on body shape and came to the conclusion that they all perform about the same, except I prefer the shape of the two trout patterns. I still need to test them with the dressed siwash. These are all unweighted poplar. The 5" have 1/0 x4 Vmc and the 6" 2/0


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Eddie on September 23, 2017, 09:48:18 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170924/7349eb3ec9093ca777697b00dc53dfd7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170924/4ba311b6b21a8917bc6ac1a7ae04479f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170924/55fbc8487f922e70f5a37dd9531a93de.jpg)

Got the spooks built out of this last batch. Tried some slightly different variations on body shape and came to the conclusion that they all perform about the same, except I prefer the shape of the two trout patterns. I still need to test them with the dressed siwash. These are all unweighted poplar. The 5" have 1/0 x4 Vmc and the 6" 2/0


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They look so pro..... :smt006
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on April 25, 2018, 04:37:07 PM
Still been building a little here and there, mostly metal lip swimmers, both surface and divers. Lately I've taken on some new projects which has got me all excited to build again.

First, I decided to build some small bass crankbaits with some wood I was planning to scrap, as well as modified some existing lures I built for fishing pyramid. Lastly, I build a couple wood "jigs" based on the profiles of metal jigs and loaded them with lead. The plan is to send them to the bottom and try to catch a ling or two on my own plugs.


Couple cranks, one deep diver and one shallow (still need to test swim)
(https://i.imgur.com/MrsAQAP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xkGuz7D.jpg)


These were meant to be Lyman copies but instead I opted to put a metal lip and shave their head a bit
(https://i.imgur.com/3QsgYf4.jpg)


And the ling jigs. Most of the weight is centerline with the thru-wire. I'm hoping they'll flutter a little on the way down.
(https://i.imgur.com/Jap5oUe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oXWuvBR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tTZ3so1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cToEoWa.jpg)


And a few that got painted today. A danny and the two cranks
(https://i.imgur.com/393wGRR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/u6UXb7v.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4kiVNPd.jpg)
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: HazardousCliff on April 25, 2018, 05:18:55 PM
Those are really nice looking plugs. Great workmanship and artistry! Some of those plugs would slay stripers out here in the SF surf.

You would give a couple plug building guys from another board (Winch, Mike Fixter) a run for their $

Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on April 25, 2018, 05:41:21 PM
Those are really nice looking plugs. Great workmanship and artistry! Some of those plugs would slay stripers out here in the SF surf.

You would give a couple plug building guys from another board (Winch, Mike Fixter) a run for their $

I appreciate the compliments! But I’m far from comparable to those guys. They are legends in the plug building world. Lots of what I’ve learned was from reading through their threads
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on November 30, 2018, 01:43:37 PM
Been awhile since I’ve posted any builds...I’ve updated my designs and refined my process. The end result has been pretty good! Better yet they’ve been catching!
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Eddie on November 30, 2018, 01:51:12 PM
Top notch, you got the gift:.. :smt006
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Scruzfish on November 30, 2018, 04:31:11 PM
I have paid good money for plugs that look like these.  Way to go man.  Those look great.
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: masterandahound on November 30, 2018, 04:46:20 PM
That red/white plug looks ready to be crushed by a striper. Beautiful work !
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on November 30, 2018, 05:46:33 PM
Thanks guys! Lots of trial and error but I’m pretty happy with my results now
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Scarlyt on November 30, 2018, 06:45:39 PM
Those are a beauties!
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Kayakfish7 on December 01, 2018, 04:56:03 PM
Delta dummies
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: Kayakfish7 on December 01, 2018, 04:58:11 PM
I recently got my bussniess licence and sellers permit DELTA DUMMIES will be avalible at freeport and other shops for $25 bucks each
Title: Re: Plug building
Post by: racer414 on December 02, 2018, 11:06:17 AM
Cool man