My CA swimbait mold

2 things to consider:

1. Do you want to design your own lures? If so find a program you like to design with. I use Fusion360 (free for hobbyist) some people like more sculpting tools like ZBrush ($$$) or Nomad Sculpt on the iPad. Download those programs and try to design some lures BEFORE you buy a printer just to make sure you like that process, it was/is a steep learning curve for me.

2. Then pick your process, printing on FDM printers then making silicone molds is the easiest and cheapest but you are somewhat limited in your designs. For swimbaits though it is totally fine. If you want to go injection molds, you will want a resin printer. I have and use both but I am an addict

Nice work--those came out great. I don't dare watch too many vids about making my own lures. I have Solidworks and several 3D printers, but I can't handle another hobby. I'd be stealing the measuring cups out of the kitchen within a week...

Have you ever looked at your costs in making any bigger baits? Senko worms and the like are so cheap that I'm never tempted to make those, but the big bass swim baits are $$$...

I'd make senkos if I were you.. at 8 bucks a bag they're not cheap especially considering they're really low volume and cost very little to make.  I have 3d printed a few hard bait plugs to make molds from but never tried to print the mold itself due to layer lines and not ideal geometry. very cool project