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Forum nameTackle and Boats
Topic subjectDIY Top Water
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=12&topic_id=3797&mesg_id=3797
3797, DIY Top Water
Posted by Nufo, Mon Jun-27-11 08:16 PM
I started doing these lures a few years ago as I love the design of the lunker punker but wanted a heavy duty lure geared towards catching trophy stripers. I started making a 10 inch version but recently decided I would make something smaller for my bay and delta spots. (Please note, these are not for sale)

Here is the lure making process I am using:

I started off with a couple of prototypes to find a design that worked well and I think I have things fine tuned now.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/twinsplugs.jpg

And tested them (third cast)
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/downsized_0614011955.jpg
As you can see from the picture, I use only one hook on the belly and they usually end up with both lips hooked shut on the lure like this (10 inch version):
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/IMG_0806.jpg

These new ones will be a little longer than the prototypes at 5.5 inches instead of 5. This should give me more glide on the walk the dog action. I also got an airbrush so I hope to do paint jobs with it but most will be white (stripers love white).



Start with a block of wood. This time I am using basswood (its supposed to be easy to shape and is so far)
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/IMG_2206.jpg

Next I cut it into sections and trace the lure outline
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/IMG_2207.jpg

Then I cut off big chunks of wood
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/IMG_2215.jpg

Then sand to shape with my osciliating spindle sander
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/IMG_2216.jpg


Then I take off the square edges
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/Shaping.jpg

I use belt paper 50 to 80 grit
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/Shapin2.jpg
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/Shapin3.jpg

Then I smooth them out
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/Sanding.jpg

After a little more sanding, I seal them. I usually use devcon 2-ton epoxy thined with denatured alchohol. This time I am using a form of crazy glue which is working well. These both soak into the wood sealing the grains from water penatration that will crack and ruin the final finish.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/Sealing.jpg

Next, I start by sticking weight in the ass to start the balancing process
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/buttweights.jpg

Since I changed the design of the lure from the origional Prototypes, I experimented with new weighting and then add screw eyes and hooks and test in the swimming pool
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/Weightingtest1.jpg

#1 is balanaced as you can see below and sits flat in the water. #2 (would be my pick to swim the best) is weighted a little more towards the back of the lure. #3 is weighted more towards the ass for the ass down sitting position.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/mikepro75/Weightingtest2.jpg
I tested them out. Which one do you think had the action I prefered the most?

More to come