How to Make Pencil Plugs

Plugs are a type of hard fishing lure that are typically made of hard plastic or wood. There are a few different types of plugs, but if you're hand-lining, you should use a pencil plug (also called a minnow), a long and thin lure shaped like a pencil but designed to look like a small fish. Some pencil plugs can cost $10 or more, so if you'd like to save a few dollars, make your own.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch long by 1-inch wide by 1/2-inch thick cedar block
  • Whittling knife
  • 400-grit sandpaper
  • Sealant
  • Paint
  • Artist paintbrushes
  • Vise
  • Power drill
  • 1/8-inch drill bit
  • 2 1/8-inch eyelet
  • 2 treble hooks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Whittle the cedar block into a lure that has the general shape of a pencil but has rounded edges to mimic a minnow's body.

    • 2

      Sand the whittled block with 400-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth.

    • 3

      Coat the plug with sealant. Allow the sealant to dry for one hour.

    • 4

      Paint the underside of the plug a light color, and the sides and top a bright color to make it look like a minnow. Paint eyes on the sides of the front of the plug. Allow the paint to dry for at least one hour.

    • 5

      Spray the dried plug with another coat of sealant. Allow the sealant to dry for one hour.

    • 6

      Set the plug in a vise and drill 1/8-inch holes into the back and underside of the plug.

    • 7

      Set the 1/8-inch eyelets in the holes and twist them to secure them in place.

    • 8

      Place the 2 treble hooks over the eyelets and attach them.