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.
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?