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I have two new lure building spreadsheet tools available: 1 - TU resin lure calc – Designed to help with the amount of filler (MBs) and ballast required to achieve the required buoyancy without having to resort to many trial and error builds. 2 - TU wood lure calc – As above but designed for carved lures (wood, PVC or other). Many members have the Ballast Calculator, an older tool. I feel that No2 above is a better tool for this job as it takes into account internal and external hardware as well as ballast. So if anyone requests the Ballast Calculator in future, I will deliver No2 above. If anyone wants these tools, PM me with your email address and I will send both. Dave

I've been wanting a better way to balance my hard baits instead of guessing where the center of mass is. I built a simple balance to attempt to do this. A quick build with scrap materials.

I bought a wet stone grinder system and a set of jigs to hold the tools for sharpening at the proper angles. My father used to say...."A dull tool is no tool!"

That's pike fishing for ya. Sometimes when I'm throwing big waling baits at pike they'll miss the bait by three feet or land on top of it and get snagged.

I'm looking forward to seeing the footage! I definitely agree with your assessment for the through-wire, especially with a wood like Balsa. I'm trying them out of pvc, basswood, poplar, and cedar. I'm making these in different sizes, from 1"-4.5." The smaller ones will definitely have some sort of through-wire, but the larger ones I'll just use twist eyes. It looks like the buoyancy of balsa really helps give your baits a great action!

Thanks Dave, yes I'm a member over there too. Hopefully this turns into a fun hobby.

Columbia Coatings https://www.columbiacoatings.com/products/powders/metallics

I had this roll around cabinet in the corner of the shop for years. I was concerned that at 6'2" tall , it would be too low. When the lathe arrived I couldn't believe my luck and how it fit perfectly bolted to the two rails. PERFECT! The lathe runs extremely smooth. Bought it on Amazon for around $250.

If I am making a bait that I’m likely to lose a lot of, then fingernail polish is fine. If it’s a bait that I’m not likely to lose and will use overtime, then I powder paint.

It's been a pleasure working on this project with you Dave, can't thank you enough for your time, knowledge & hard work. I hope many others benefit from your spreadsheet. Cheers buddy, Andy.

The 'walk' of that lure shouldn't be so erratic that the fish will miss left/right of the lure. It's more like a jitterbug so, yes, it has some left/right movement but it's mainly in line. I agree with Dave though, a video of the action may make things more clear. You may need to make modifications to fit your specific lake/river scenarios. I personally would try the feathered treble hook to 1) give the fish a target and 2) reduce the motion of the lure by increasing the drag, which may be enough to get them to hook up. I have the same issue with smaller pike on gliders where the lure will dart left and the fish will swipe right and completely miss. Luckily the pike are usually aggressive enough to swipe at it several times before giving up.

I am retired now, but unfortunately I spent my money on wine, women and squandered the rest. I once approached a large lure business with my ideas but did not even receive a reply, their loss not mine. I have worked hours as a contractor that would make your toes curl, but was paid well. Unfortunately my investment in my local beer establishment did not pay off. I have designs, but no money to develop. Investors welcome Dave