How to Make Crankbaits at Home

Crankbaits, sometimes referred to as plugs or wobblers, are used in a variety of fishing pursuits, but typically associated with bass fishing. A crankbait is designed to either be used in deep or shallow water, depending on what type of fish the fisherman is trying to catch. These lures are modeled after small bait-fish, often minnows. Though numerous crankbaits can be purchased at bait and tackle shops, you can also make your own at home out of wood.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood block (cedar, balsa, oak or cherry)
  • Carving knife
  • Medium and fine grit sandpaper
  • Waterproof glue
  • Aluminum foil tape
  • Drill
  • Eye-screws
  • Treble hooks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a piece of wood to use. Balsa, cedar, oak and cherry woods are generally used to make the crankbaits. All of these woods have different weights, balsa being the lightest, and oak being the heaviest. Depending on how deep you want your crankbait to dive, select a wood to suit.

    • 2

      Draw out a bait-fish outline on the wood. Most crankbaits are made to resemble a tadpole or minnows. The outline can be as simple as a broad head-end, and becoming narrow near the tail-end. The body design is strictly up to your personal preference.

    • 3

      Remove wood from around your outline until the body starts to take shape using a sharp carving knife. Round the body using medium-grit sandpaper. Finish off the body using fine-grit sandpaper to give the crankbait a smooth finish.

    • 4

      Drill two small pilot holes on the bottom of the crankbait body; one under the head and one near the tail-end. These will be used for the eye-screws which will secure the treble hooks.

    • 5

      Brush waterproof glue onto the body. Cut strips of aluminum foil tape and smooth it over the body, making sure it is completely smooth. Press down hard, and smooth it out to secure the foil to the wood.

    • 6

      Paint the foil with a clear coat, or paint with color. The color pattern and design is completely up to your discretion, and should be dictated by the type of fish that you want to catch. The idea is to imitate the bait-fish that your intended catch will be going after. Allow the paint to dry for a few hours.

    • 7

      Screw in the eye-screws securely. You can place a drop of waterproof glue on the screw threads for more security. Attach the treble hooks to the eye-screws. Note that you can also add a lead ballast weight on one eye-screw if you want to weight the bait to dive deeper.