The following method is for two part molds that yield a completely rounded lure with no flat sides. Flat sided baits work well, but may not appeal to the eye or have the same action as a rounded lure. The Senko or other jerk worm is the easiest to duplicate and catch fish immediately. If only a one part mold is needed, disregard the second part method.

Materials:
1. Mold container (disposable soft-aluminum baking pan, which can be used again -3 for a buck), margarine container or any thing that will allow you to pop the mold out by pushing from the bottom
2. Metal tablespoon
3. Water
4. Popsicle sticks
5. Thin Aluminum foil
6. Vaseline
7. Lure to be copied (i.e. start with a jerk worm- Senko type)
8. Mod-Podge craft sealer or any plaster/wallboard sealer such as, Valspar Gloss Wall Protector (water soluble), Devcon Epoxy or engine paint.
9. Water-color brushes (fine hair)
10. Plaster of Paris (i.e. Home Depot - 25lbs. for $7!) or Durham?s Water Putty (a finer-detail plaster)
11. Steak knife or small sharp knife

Method for first mold half:
1.Add a little cold water to the mold container.

2.Add heaping tablespoons of plaster, stir with p. stick, smoothing out all lumps against the sides and tap the mold on the tabel to reveal air bubbles. Push them to the sides of the container.

3.The plaster should have the consistency of cake batter and should be at least 3/4" high per mold half; (a little less wide for one sided molds or thinner baits).

4.Wait until the solidifying plaster will support the weight of your original or prototype - (about 20 min. depending on how liquid the plaster was when mixed and room humidity).

5.Lay the lure to be copied half way, lengthwise into the soft plaster. (Suggestion: start with a 4" Senko or similar stick for instant mold success.)
The front end of the lure should be within 1/2" or less and to the end of the container, closest to it. This will later be 1/2 of the pour-hole.

6.Take 2" of popsicle stick and shove down into the soft plaster next to the form. This will be a guide stick for aligning the halves later when pouring. Two marbles may also be used and then removed before pouring the second half.

7.Let the plaster harden for about 30 min. or until the top is hard and dry.

Here's what it should look like for a one or two part mold.

The picture at the left shows the embedded lures and guide sticks

Note: At this point, all you have to do for a one-part mold is wait until the mold is completely dry and then apply gloss protector on the surface and into the cavity. The back or sides need not be coated.

Method for second mold half:

1. Grease up the plaster top and embedded popsicle stick with vaseline. Take small strips of Al foil and tuck into the corners, on the cavity surface (lures still in place) and up at least two sides of the container. The aluminum will serve as a guide when popping the halves apart and make it easier to do so.

2.In a separate container, mix up enough plaster to add another 3/4" of plaster over what's in the tin.

3.pour and then wait until the top half is dry and hard (25-45 min.)

4. Use a thin, wide screw driver to separate the two halves, a little at a time, by inserting and twisting. Work your way around the line of separation. Again, your guide for halve-separation is the aluminum foil. The parts will soon begin to pop apart and separate, with the lower half holding the guide-alignment stick. (If the stick comes loose, super glue it in place.)

Finished Kalin grub mold


part 3 - finishing the mold:
1. Remove original lures.

2. Take a steak knife and carve a semicircular pour hole into both halves from the mold edge to the front of the lure.

3. After the mold dries completely, apply a sealer to the cavities, both mold, opposing surfaces and pour hole(s).

4. Use a fine hair brush to swab out any excess sealer to maintain lure details and edges.

5. Let dry for 1/2 hour and use.

Note: after many uses, sealer may flake off. Always reapply to prevent problems of lure release and tearing and to maintain a glossy sheen.
Note: Fish Formula oil is one of the cheapest and best worm release agents. Brush into the cavities, pour and easily pull out even deep section.