Big Epp

There is a big difference between PVC decking and composite decking. Azek is probably the most popular and easily available PVC decking supplier, but any of them should be roughly the same, and all buoyant. The composite boards (think Trex or Timbertech) are made of a mixture of resins, wood fibers, and fillers. They will be much less buoyant, and probably many (all?) of them would sink. Besides the deck boards, they make several varieties of trim boards of various sizes. The deck boards seem to have a harder PVC coating on the outer edges, which I've cut off before using the boards. I started with sample pieces from a local 84 Lumber, and then have been using cut-offs from a decking project I did over the summer. I love how easy it is to work with the PVC, both cutting and sanding. Maybe it's easier to work than wood because it doesn't have a natural grain. I'd guess it's more dense than basswood but less dense than douglas fir. Does anyone use any special safety equipment (or know if it's even needed) when working with PVC? I've noticed it has a unique smell when I cut it with a band saw.

Makes sense to me. Old CDs are free, which is a big plus! I wonder if laminating a couple together would help with durability? So far I'm only using it with small baits, say 3-4" or less.

These aren't fancy by any means, but I used minimal tools for them. Top lure was done on a lathe and cut off with a coping saw. Middle lure was cut with a band-saw from a template, then finished off with a knife and sandpaper. Bottom lure was cut out with a band-saw from a template. I used a hand drill to drill for the hook hangers and weights, a drill bit and multi-tool to make and install the twist eyes. All three were finished with spray paint and then dipped in a gym floor finish. My favorite tool so far for making surface baits is the lathe. It's easy to get symmetrical baits with it, and you can make all sorts of styles or baits.

I've heard old CDs work if they are the right thickness for what you[re working on. I haven't tried it yet, but will soon.

That's really clever!

These are great! My kids are just getting old enough to start fishing, and it would be a blast to make some of these with them over the winter and then use them come spring. Thanks for sharing, I've been thinking about making floats for a while.

Depending on where you live, you can go back after ice-up and cut it loose as long as it's above the water line. I did that last winter here in northern Illinois. I didn't find anything amazing, but picked up maybe $20 worth of baits, hooks, and sinkers from a couple small ponds. Looking forward to this coming winter and trying it again.

Thanks Dave!

Thanks Mark!

Hey Mark, what diameter wire do you use with these baits? I'm assuming there's one through-wire going through the entire bait that the tail spins on, and then a twist eye hook hanger in the belly, is that correct? These look great! I've only used a plopper once, I think it was called an Awaker. I had a pretty decent muskie/pike hit it, but had the drag set wrong, so instead of catching a nice fish I just saw a nice surface strike...

When it comes to making lips/bibs, has anyone ever used old CDs on smaller baits? I'm trying to make lures on as tight a budget as possible, and have some old CDs lying around.

Good morning, I am new to the community here, and am also pretty new to lure making. I started last fall and have been mostly turning them on a lathe or carving them from templates I found at various places online. I use mostly scrap wood (cedar especially) and pieces of PVC deck board at this time. The PVC is really easy to work, because it doesn't have a grain to it that could hang up a blade. The main thing I've run into with PVC is making sure to work it slowly with power tools, as it can heat up and go mushy. There's a guy, Greg Vinall (web search), who has an information loaded beginners class you can take online for free. I got a lot of useful information from him, as well as some nice templates. I've also really enjoyed the stuff posted by Diemai, here in TU. Good luck, and happy fishing! Though with winter coming, I suppose it's, "happy building" for now.

Thanks for the video. Do you use any particular safety equipment (respirator, painters mask) or anything when working with PVC? I love working with it, but it does have a distinct smell.