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Hello I'm new to i guess I'll say attempting to make lures.... my grandpa made the most beautiful lures from wood when I was little and unfortunately when dementia sat in and he disappeared so did the art... I've recently purchased a industrial laser cutting machine/engraving machine and want to try and learn myself. I've attempted by drawing out the basic lay out of it and turning it into a cut file but I just can't get it right... so does anyone by chance have a place where I can get templates or deconstructed views of lures?? I really hope this is the right website to ask... the last 3 I tried asking were jerks about it... anyways thanks ahead of time for any and all help!

I’m fairly new to swim baits. I started a few years ago with Keitech Fat Impact. I was sold immediately! I ended up getting the FGF3.8”ribbed name I can’t remember what it’s called. I love ‘em! Like AP said. Laminate. I try to “match the hatch” Arkansas shiner . Mostly natural colors with the white pearl belly . But I tint the white pearl with a pin head amount of the upper body color. Or the tiniest amount of black so I get a smoky tint. I also add salt because I noticed that on sunny days underwater, the baits are transparent and hard to see. I like to show a little bit bigger of a profile. Transparent won’t give you that.

Many people use salt to make bagging easier. Oil/scent work as well, but you don't want to use too much. I use 4-6 drops per bag. I put the drops in the bag, then I close the bag so the drops spread out on both sides. Then I place dry baits into the bag and they don't stick. I also don't get oil all over my hands since I only handle dry baits.

day job still yes, 4 on 4 off ( 12hr shifts ) not sure how long I can keep this up though ?

Yup I’m out here building lures! I realize we are answering an old post but it has been pretty quiet in here. Wood. Cedar. Wire thru. The works. need to get some big Muskies in lotw/minaki.

we still build. cedar baits. many on lathe,s or bandsaw.all are wire thru.up here on l.st clair for toothy critters.

Just started first one, went with a hardwood bill. Nothing too elaborate First wood built , Using the outdoor Varathane Diamond wood Finish will apply 2 more coats when I shed this cold.

yes as above stated. otherwise the stregnth issue becomes very real.

You're right—wood grain direction is crucial for lure strength. Try cutting the grain parallel to the lure’s length to improve durability. Also, sealing with epoxy or reinforcing with a through-wire can help prevent breakage on impact.

Tks Vodkaman Funny thing is that the lure continued performing well, even without the tail part

My vote would be horizontal, or nose to tail. Dave