[Spike-A-Pike]

It's already fall and the only a few months before weather forces everyone back into their workshops for another winter of lure crafting. Anyone got anything new they're planning to try this year?

I saw an inquiry about anodizing aluminum spinner and buzz blades and thought that might be something interesting to look into and apply to my in-line spinners.

What have the rest of you got planned??? Remember, while it may be fun, home brewing beer isn't really making fishing tackle...

[yankee jigger]

I dont stop fishing in the winter.
Pike in wisconsin thru the ice,walleye and sauger on the Illinois and maybe the Mississippi this year.
Am really kickin around the idea of designing a jig that cuts current really well.Heavy hook,about 1 to 2 oz.
Gots a pop mold in the oven as i write this from copying a jig a friend needs and realized thats probably how many inventors started out.
Im still looking for that million dollar idea that lets me hang up my tool belt.

[fishface]

I will just be trying to learn the tricks of the trade this winter. Can't wait to see what I can come up with. Maybe I will get some inspiration when I finally get to start working on some hard baits. Hopefully I will get to spend some time on the ice to try some new color combos. It's been awhile since I've been ice fishing so I need to get back into the groove.

[cadman]

Hi Bruce,
Well I’ll have a full schedule this winter.
#1. I ice fish also, so that will be first and foremost.
#2. I’m also going to start and mix powder paint colors for odd effects, or different effects. I have mixed some white and blue to get speckled paint, looks interesting. I’m also going to work on yellows and golds with gold glitter, to come up with a brilliant gold. Also try to get some different deep illusion (chameleon) colors in powder. Lot of this is trial and error.
#3. You may have known already, but I’m going to take up crankbait building. I’m in the process of getting an electrician, and getting some power tools. This is going to take up most of my time, as I want to succeed at this, and build and paint them so they look good, run good and most of all catch fish. I have a fish pattern that I can not buy here anymore. They use to be on the Berkley Frenzy (Tennessee Shad color). I have yet not to catch a fish on that color.
#4. Lastly, I will keep on selling my lead jigs, as I have picked up some new customers by word of mouth. Hopefully, pay some bills for my new crankbait venture. Why is it that all the money I make from one hobby, gets eaten up in the next hobby. What a vicious cycle. That should keep me busy for awhile.

[diemai]

As from 1st of January thru 1st of May is predators closing time in my area and I won't get to fishing for non-predatory fish before end of march(don't expect too much ice anymore in Northern Germany these days) , I shall have some more time to spend in my workshop .

I want to make some more and different smaller crankbaits , that should have an appeal to perch and pike alike .

Also working on some new prototypes of a three-section swimbait , consisting of wood and metal sheet .

My firts bath tub tests looked promising , so if things get along well with that design , I just might go deeper with it in winter .

Also could use some more medium-sized spoons , lost a few this season so far , just to fill up my stock :

Loose one , build three new , and you'll never run out of lures , lol !

Greetz , diemai

[Vodkaman]

Bruce, I'm just waiting for the lake to freeze over, so I can try the ice rod that my brother bought me.

Lots of projects on the go here. Once I get this computer table finished and installed, the next project is a duplicator.

Dave

[MTfishingrods]

I am venturing into a couple of things. One being plastics. I started at the middle of the summer and it was supposed to be just a bit of a fun thing for me and Alex. Like everything else, I went way overboard andd now I have several people wanting them. Then they went and told the tackle shops that sell my rods and other baits I was making them. Then Alex went and caught the Big Pike and made the Paper and well you know. I am also finishing up my first Bamboo fly rod. I just am not sure that I have the patience that it takes to go into producing these to sell a good quality product. So I think I aam scrapping that Idea but I will post picts of the one I made just to brag and say I did one.

[Vodkaman]

MT, a bamboo fly rod! Now that is art.

I found a materials supplier for you.

[rsinyard]

1. Like Bruce I plan on blowing up the garage using highly toxic chemicals anodizing blades.
2. I plan on getting high on plastic fumes while pouring a few baits.
3. Completing my experiment that all colors of powder paint tastes like chicken.
4. Last but not least, blow my retirement buying lure components instead of losing it in the market....

[psv]

I'm going to make Musky/Pike size spinnerbaits. I'm slowly buying all components and tools now. It seems, it's going to be a lot of fun this winter. I setup a one week trip to Canada in next June and want to fish with my own spinnerbaits.
Regards, PSV