How to Make a Crankbait? Expert Tips and Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting your own crankbait can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. It allows you to customize the lure to your specific fishing needs and preferences. To make a crankbait, carve a wooden body, attach hooks, and paint it. To maximize its effectiveness you’ll need to follow a few more steps.

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide!

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of making a crankbait, from selecting the right materials and tools to shaping, painting, and adding the finishing touches.

7 Steps To Make A Crankbait From Scratch

Crafting your own crankbait allows you to customize it to your preferred colors, shapes, and buoyancy. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the steps to create your own homemade crankbait.

Step 1: Gathering What You’ll Need To Make A Crankbait

Making a crank bait can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to create a custom lure tailored to your fishing needs. Before diving into the crafting process, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and tools. This ensures a smooth and efficient workflow. Below, we will guide you through everything you need to get started.

Choosing The Right Wood

Selecting the right wood is crucial for making durable and effective crankbait. The wood affects the lure’s buoyancy and action in the water.

Here are some popular wood choices:

• Balsa Wood: Lightweight and buoyant, ideal for floating crank baits.
• Cedar: More durable and slightly heavier than balsa, offering moderate buoyancy.
• Hardwoods (like Maple or Oak): Dense and durable, better for deeper diving lures.

Consider the following factors when choosing your wood:

• Grain Pattern: A tight, uniform grain is easier to carve and shape.
• Density: Affects the lure’s buoyancy and action; lighter woods for floating lures, heavier for sinking.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Wood Type	Buoyancy	Durability
Balsa	High	Low
Cedar	Medium	Medium
Hardwoods	Low	High

Selecting The Right Tools

Having the right tools makes the crafting process easier and more enjoyable. Basic hand tools are sufficient, but power tools can speed up the process.

Essential tools include:

• Carving Knife: For shaping the wood.
• Sandpaper: To smooth the surface of the lure.
• Drill: For creating holes for hardware and weights.

Additional tools that can be helpful:

• Dremel Tool: For detailed carving and sanding.
• Clamps: To hold the lure steady while you work.
• Paint Brushes and Airbrush: For applying paint and finishes.

Here’s a checklist of tools:

Tool	Purpose
Carving Knife	Shaping the wood
Sandpaper	Smoothing the surface
Drill	Creating holes
Dremel Tool	Detailed carving
Clamps	Ho

Step 2: Designing The Crank Bait

Designing the perfect crankbait is crucial for a successful fishing experience. In Step 2, you’ll focus on creating a design that attracts fish and mimics their natural prey. This step involves thorough research, creating a detailed blueprint, and making necessary adjustments to achieve the desired action in the water.

Researching Different Crank Bait Designs

Researching various crankbait designs is the first step to creating your own. This helps you understand what works best in different water conditions and for various fish species. Start by looking at popular crankbait models and noting their features.

• Shape and size
• Color and patterns
• Types of bills (lip)
• Buoyancy and sinking rates

Shape and size: Different shapes and sizes appeal to different fish. A slender, minnow-shaped bait works well for bass, while a rounder body might attract pike.

Color and patterns: Bright colors are effective in murky water, while natural colors work best in clear water. Patterns that mimic local baitfish can be very effective.

Types of bills: The bill of a crankbait affects its diving depth and action. A longer bill makes the bait dive deeper, while a shorter bill keeps it shallow.

Buoyancy and sinking rates: Some crankbaits float, and others sink. Choose based on the water depth and the behavior of the fish you’re targeting.

A table summarizing these features might look like this:

Feature	Options	Best For
Shape and Size	Slender, Round	Different fish species
Color and Patterns	Bright, Natural	Murky or clear water
Bills	Long, Short	Diving depth
Buoyancy	Floating, Sinking	Water depth

Creating A Blueprint

Creating a blueprint for your crankbait ensures you have a detailed plan to follow. Start by sketching the basic shape and size. Use graph paper for precise measurements.

Steps to create a blueprint:

1. Draw the body shape.
2. Add the bill (lip).
3. Include hook placements.
4. Mark where the weight will go.

Body shape: Ensure the body is symmetrical. This helps the bait swim properly.

Bill (lip): The bill’s angle and size affect the bait’s diving depth and action. Draw it accurately.

Hook placements: Mark where the treble hooks will attach. Proper placement ensures the bait’s balance and effectiveness.

Weight placement: Adding weight helps control the bait’s buoyancy and stability. Mark the weight positions clearly.

Example Blueprint:

Having a detailed blueprint helps streamline the construction process. It ensures your crankbait performs as intended.

Making Adjustments For Desired Action

Fine-tuning your crankbait ensures it performs well in the water. Adjustments include tweaking the bill angle, weight, and shape.

Key adjustments to consider:

• Bill angle and length
• Weight distribution
• Body shape modifications

Bill angle and length: Changing the bill’s angle affects diving depth and action. A steeper angle makes the bait dive deeper. A longer bill creates more wobble.

Weight distribution: Adjusting the weight changes the bait’s stability and buoyancy. More weight at the front makes it dive quickly. Weight at the back increases stability.

Body shape modifications: Slightly altering the body shape can change the bait’s movement. A narrower body increases speed, while a wider body creates more wobble.

Example Adjustments:

Bill Angle: Adjust from 30 to 25 degrees for shallower diving

Weight Distribution: Move weight slightly forward for quicker diving

Body Shape: Narrow the body for faster movement

Testing your crankbait in a controlled environment helps fine-tune these adjustments. Make small changes and observe the bait’s action. Repeat until you achieve the desired result.

Step 3: Preparing The Wood

Creating a crankbait from scratch can be a rewarding experience. Step 3: Preparing the Wood is a crucial phase in crafting your custom lure. This step involves cutting, shaping, and drilling the wood to form the body of the crankbait. Each sub-step requires precision and attention to detail to ensure your crankbait performs well in the water.

Cutting The Wood To Size

Start by selecting a suitable piece of wood. Balsa wood is a popular choice due to its lightweight and buoyant properties. Ensure the wood is free of knots and defects.

Follow these steps to cut the wood to size:

1. Measure the desired length and width of your crankbait. A typical size is 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide.
2. Mark the measurements on the wood using a pencil and ruler.
3. Use a saw to cut the wood along the marked lines. A band saw or a coping saw works well for this task.

For more precise cutting, refer to the table below:

Tool	Pros	Cons
Band Saw	Fast, accurate	Requires skill
Coping Saw	Good for curves	Slower process

Shaping The Body

Once the wood is cut to size, the next step is to shape the body of the crankbait. Shaping gives your crankbait its unique profile and determines its swimming action.

Follow these steps to shape the body:

1. Draw the outline of the crankbait on the wood block. Use a template if you have one.
2. Use a carving knife to remove excess wood and rough out the shape.
3. Smooth the edges with sandpaper. Start with coarse grit and move to finer grit for a polished finish.

Key points to remember:

• Keep the body symmetrical for balanced swimming action.
• Check the thickness frequently to ensure uniformity.

Drilling Holes For Hardware

The final step in preparing the wood is drilling holes for the hardware. These holes will hold the hooks, eyes, and other components.

Follow these steps to drill the holes:

1. Mark the positions for the hook hangers and eyelets. Typically, you need one hole at the front for the line tie, and two or three underneath for the hooks.
2. Use a small drill bit to make pilot holes. This prevents the wood from splitting.
3. Drill the holes to the required depth and diameter. Ensure the holes are straight and clean.

For reference, here’s a common setup:

Component	Hole Position	Drill Bit Size
Line Tie	Front Center	1/16 inch
Hook Hangers	Underside	1/8 inch

Ensure all holes are aligned properly to maintain the lure’s balance and effectiveness.

Step 4: Adding Hardware And Accessories

Creating your own crankbait can be a rewarding experience. In this post, you’ll learn how to add hardware and accessories to your crankbait. This step is crucial for ensuring your lure performs effectively in the water. Adding the right hooks, split rings, and weight systems will help you catch more fish and make your crankbait more durable.

Installing Hooks

Hooks are essential for catching fish with your crankbait. They need to be sharp, strong, and correctly positioned. Here’s how to install them:

• Select the right hooks: Choose treble hooks that are the right size for your crankbait. Usually, size 4 or 6 works well.
• Check the hook eye: Make sure the eye of the hook is open enough to attach to the split rings but not too loose.
• Attach the hooks: Use pliers to open the split ring slightly and slide the hook onto it. Close the split ring securely.
• Position the hooks: Ensure the hooks hang freely without touching the body of the crankbait.

Here is a simple table to help you choose the right hook size:

Crankbait Size	Hook Size
Small (2-3 inches)	Size 6
Medium (3-4 inches)	Size 4
Large (4+ inches)	Size 2

Attaching Split Rings

Split rings connect the hooks to the crankbait body. They need to be strong and corrosion-resistant. Here’s how to attach them:

1. Choose quality split rings: Stainless steel split rings are durable and resist rust.
2. Open the split ring: Use split ring pliers to open the ring slightly.
3. Attach to hook: Slide one end of the open ring through the eye of the hook.
4. Attach to crankbait: Slide the other end of the ring through the eyelet on the crankbait body.
5. Close the ring: Ensure the split ring closes securely to prevent it from slipping off.

Here’s a quick reference for split ring sizes:

Crankbait Size	Split Ring Size
Small	Size 1
Medium	Size 2
Large	Size 3

Inserting Weight Systems

Weight systems help your crankbait achieve the desired depth and action. Adding weights ensures your lure sinks properly and moves realistically. Follow these steps:

• Choose your weights: Use lead or tungsten weights. Tungsten is denser and smaller.
• Drill holes: Drill small holes in the crankbait body where you want to add weights. Be careful not to damage the lure.
• Insert weights: Place the weights into the drilled holes. Ensure they fit snugly.
• Seal the holes: Use waterproof glue or epoxy to seal the holes and secure the weights in place.
• Test the balance: Drop the crankbait in water to check its balance. Adjust the weights if needed.

Here’s a table to help you choose the right weight for your crankbait:

Crankbait Size	Weight
Small	0.5 grams
Medium	1 gram
Large	1.5 grams

Step 5: Painting And Finishing

Painting and finishing your crankbait is a crucial step to ensure it looks appealing and performs well in the water. This step involves several sub-steps, including applying primer, choosing and applying paint, and adding a clear coat for protection. Each step requires attention to detail to achieve a professional look and long-lasting finish.

Applying Primer

Applying a primer is the first step in painting your crankbait. The primer helps the paint adhere better to the surface and provides a smooth base for painting. Here’s how you can apply primer effectively:

• Start by choosing a high-quality primer suitable for plastic or wood, depending on your crank bait material.
• Shake the primer can well to ensure an even mixture.
• Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the bait and spray in light, even coats.
• Allow the primer to dry completely between coats, usually about 15-30 minutes.
• Apply 2-3 coats for the best results, ensuring each layer is smooth and even.

Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Once the primer is dry, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.

Choosing And Applying Paint

Choosing the right paint is essential to make your crankbait attractive to fish. Use acrylic or enamel paints designed for plastic or wood. Here are the steps to paint your crankbait:

1. Choose a color scheme that mimics the natural prey of the fish you are targeting.
2. Use an airbrush for detailed and even paint application. If you don’t have an airbrush, small paintbrushes can also work.
3. Start with the base color. Apply light, even coats, and let each coat dry completely.
4. Add details like stripes, spots, or other patterns. Use stencils or masking tape for precision.
5. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before handling the bait.

Using multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat helps achieve a professional finish. Take your time to ensure each layer is perfect before moving on to the next.

Adding Clear Coat For Protection

The final step in finishing your crankbait is adding a clear coat. This protective layer enhances the durability and shine of your bait. Follow these steps for a professional finish:

• Choose a clear coat designed for outdoor use. Polyurethane or epoxy clear coats are excellent choices.
• Apply the clear coat in a well-ventilated area. Hold the can or brush about 6-8 inches away from the bait.
• Use light, even strokes to cover the entire surface. Ensure the clear coat is applied evenly without drips.
• Allow the first coat to dry completely, usually around 24 hours.
• Apply 2-3 additional coats, allowing each to dry thoroughly for maximum protection.

Once the final coat is dry, your crankbait is ready for use. The clear coat will protect the paint from chipping and add an attractive shine.

Step 6: Adding The Finishing Touches

Creating your own crankbait is a fun and rewarding experience. You’ve shaped the body, carved out the details, and painted your design, and now it’s time for the final step: Adding the Finishing Touches. This step brings your bait to life and ensures it performs well in the water.

Attaching Eyes

Eyes give your crankbait a realistic look and can attract more fish. Here’s how you attach them:

• Choose the right eyes: Select eyes that match the size and style of your bait. You can find a variety of eyes at fishing supply stores.
• Position the eyes: Place them on the head of the bait. Use a pencil to mark the spots where you’ll attach the eyes.
• Use adhesive: Apply a strong adhesive to the back of the eyes. Make sure the adhesive is waterproof to withstand water exposure.
• Attach the eyes: Press the eyes firmly onto the bait where you marked the spots. Hold them in place for a few seconds to ensure they stick well.

For a more durable option, you can use epoxy eyes. These are slightly more expensive but last longer. Whether you use adhesive-backed or epoxy eyes, make sure they are securely attached.

Adding Lip And Tail

The lip and tail are crucial for the crank bait’s movement in the water. Follow these steps to add them:

• Select the lip: Choose a plastic or metal lip that suits the diving depth you want for your bait.
• Cut a slot: Use a small saw to cut a slot in the front of the bait. The slot should be the same width as the lip.
• Insert the lip: Apply a small amount of epoxy to the slot and insert the lip. Make sure it’s aligned correctly.
• Secure the tail: Some baits have a tail fin. Attach it to the back of the bait using epoxy or screws.

A well-placed tip and tail can make your crankbait move naturally, increasing your chances of catching fish. Ensure they are securely attached and aligned properly.

Sealing And Smoothing The Surface

Sealing and smoothing the surface of your crankbait protects it and makes it glide smoothly in the water. Here’s how:

1. Apply a sealant: Use a waterproof sealant to cover the entire bait. This protects the paint and wood from water damage.
2. Let it dry: Allow the sealant to dry completely. This might take a few hours or overnight.
3. Sand the surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas. This ensures a sleek finish.
4. Apply a topcoat: After sanding, apply a clear topcoat for extra protection. This gives your bait a glossy finish.

A well-sealed and smooth bait not only looks good but also performs better in the water. Take your time to ensure the surface is flawless.

Step 7: Testing And Fine-tuning

Creating a crank bait is an art, and testing and fine-tuning are crucial steps. These steps ensure your bait mimics the movement of real fish. This makes it more attractive to your target catch. In this section, we will focus on testing the action in water and making adjustments for optimal performance.

Testing The Action In Water

Once you’ve crafted your crank bait, the next step is to test it in water. Fill a bathtub or a large bucket with water. Make sure the container is big enough to allow the bait to move freely.

Follow these steps to test your crankbait:

• Attach the bait to your fishing line.
• Lower it into the water and start reeling it in slowly.
• Observe the movement closely. The bait should wobble side-to-side.

If the bait doesn’t move as expected, take note of what’s wrong. Is it sinking too fast? Is it not wobbling at all? Keep these observations in mind for the next step.

Key points to observe:

• Proper wobble: The bait should have a natural side-to-side motion.
• Depth control: It should neither sink too fast nor float too high.
• Stability: Ensure the bait remains stable and doesn’t flip over.

Making Adjustments For Optimal Performance

After testing, you might need to make some adjustments to achieve optimal performance. Small tweaks can make a big difference in how your crank bait performs.

Here are some common adjustments:

1. Add or remove weight: If the bait sinks too fast, remove some weight. If it floats too high, add a small weight.
2. Tweak the lip angle: The angle of the lip affects the depth and wobble. Bend it slightly to adjust the action.
3. Check the hooks: Ensure they are sharp and properly aligned. Misaligned hooks can affect the bait’s stability.

Sometimes, a combination of adjustments might be needed. Test the bait after each tweak to see the effect. Patience is key here. Keep tweaking and testing until the bait performs perfectly.

Quick tips for fine-tuning:

• Small adjustments can have a big impact.
• Always test in water after making changes.
• Document your adjustments for future reference.

By meticulously testing and fine-tuning your crank bait, you ensure it performs optimally, making it irresistible to fish.

Tips For Successful Crank Bait Fishing

Crafting your own crankbait is a rewarding experience. It allows you to customize your lure for specific fishing conditions. Yet, even the best-made crankbait won’t guarantee success without proper technique. Here are some essential tips to enhance your crankbait fishing experience.

Choosing The Right Crank Bait

Select the appropriate size and color of your crankbait. Match it to the type of fish you’re targeting. Bright colors work best in murky water. Natural colors are ideal for clear water conditions.

Understanding Water Temperature

Water temperature significantly impacts fish behavior. In cold water, fish are sluggish. Use a slow retrieve to entice them. In warmer water, fish are more active. A faster retrieval works better.

Perfecting Your Retrieve

Vary your retrieve speed to trigger strikes. Sometimes a steady retrieve works. Other times, a stop-and-go motion is more effective. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best.

Reading The Water

Pay attention to the water’s surface and structure. Look for signs of fish activity like splashes or jumping fish. Fish near structures like rocks, logs, and weed beds. These areas are fish hotspots.

Using The Right Gear

Gear Type	Recommendation
Rod	Medium to medium-heavy action
Reel	High-speed baitcasting reel
Line	10-20 lb test line

Keeping Your Hooks Sharp

Always ensure your hooks are sharp. Dull hooks reduce your chances of catching fish. Use a hook sharpener regularly to maintain their sharpness.

Weather Conditions

Overcast days are perfect for crankbait fishing. Fish tend to be more active in low light. Avoid fishing in extreme weather. It affects fish behavior and can be dangerous.

Practicing Patience

Fishing requires patience and persistence. Sometimes fish won’t bite immediately. Keep trying different techniques and spots until you find success.

Bottom Line

Making your own crankbait is a great way to improve your fishing gear and create lures that suit your style. By following steps to choose materials, shape, paint, and finish your crankbait, you can make a lure that fits your needs and preferences. This not only gives you a unique advantage but also adds a personal touch to your fishing gear. With your custom crankbait, you’ll be ready for different fishing conditions and have a better chance of success. So, try making your own lures, enjoy the creative process, and see how your custom crankbait performs on your next fishing trip.