Big Epp

I'll echo some of what's already been said... My recommendation for starting out is use some existing templates (google "Doc's Lures" for a free video tutorial and free templates), and after using existing material to get familiar with the design and building principles start branching out. Go nuts, see what works, let us know. I've trashed several designs, but the nice thing is the failures make either good kindling or good Christmas ornaments. 1) Seems like most lures are shaped to match or generally mimic the local forage...maybe with the exception of topwaters, there's a lot of variety there. 2) I use whatever wood I can find, often scraps. Luckily, I've been able to resaw much of it on a bandsaw, so I typically cut the wood to 3/4 or 1/2, and I'll just use whatever looks "right." 3) I've done all mine from 1 piece so far. Lots of folks use multiple pieces, especially those who do 3D printing. 4) I've used twist eyes more than through wires, and I've use a figure 8 through wire as well as a bent single piece of wire. So far I haven't had any lures fail, and I've caught most of my fish (bass) this year on a 2 1/2" popper with twist eyes. 5) I've nothing to add here. 6) Look up Doc Lures, he's got a good free basic class. I got a lot of good information there. 7) Have fun and go nuts. I've only been doing this for about a year and a half, but this season I've caught a majority of my fish on lures I made, which is a TON of fun. I've even been able to sell a few lures, which is a nice bonus. Ask a lot of questions and utilize the search feature frequently. There's a lot of insight on here, and the more experienced folks seem to be happy to help.

I bent this in about 5 minutes just using pliers. It's nothing fancy, but it shows how simple the process can be.

Right Hillbilly, thus far I've been using lead weights, split shot and barrel weights. A lot of guys have mentioned lead coil, which I'll probably try when I can find some.

Looks great Mark! I've also never use Paulownia, and am an opportunist when it comes to wood, but of what I've used I'd say I prefer cedar and PVC. I got the PVC from cut-offs on a deck I did last summer, then ripped off the hard top and bottom on a bandsaw. The cedar is also scrap from various projects. For a raw bait, treated pine looks great! Use a dust-mask, but don't be too afraid if it's fairly new, only the old stuff has arsenic in it...

Right on guys! I scored an old table saw a couple months ago, and was pretty jacked up about it. I got a little rip happy though and seem to have burned up the motor. I very much enjoy having access to a bandsaw, but without it am content with a knife, coping saw, sandpaper, and hand drill. Paints and patterns vary. I have a popper I made with cream sides, a greenish belly, and a brown back that has been dynamite locally. I like your point about high-contrast, and agree that straight white and also straight black are excellent additions (with maybe a little detailing). For starters you can do just fine with paintbrushes (or even permanent markers!) or spray paint, but a lot of folks move over to an airbrush at some point. One tip I'd add, if you are just getting started, use someone else's templates for the first couple lures so you get comfortable with the basic shapes and steps, then start working out your own designs. I've been doing this for about 1 1/2 years, and I'll still unashamedly request templates and plans sometimes, though I have only sold lures that are my own designs.

Not interested, but this is what I use for PVC baits as well. Either Azek or another all PVC deck board. I did a deck last summer and still have cutoffs to use. Great stuff!

Right on @Bassmaster Rick! We've got 3 (soon to be 4) kids and I work in a school...so whenever I have to throw out a worn out plastic I see $ going into the trash. I've actually not really fished a senko much, but they are a bit hit at the pond I fish locally.