There are as many ways to fish as there are men who lie about how many fish they caught. But true pioneers know that it is not just what you fish for, or even, at the end of the day, catching fish at all!
It's the process!
The life!
The hunt!
(and yes…sometimes the beer. Ok…almost always the beer).
But let's be serious for a moment: All we love about the sport isn't really why we are here right now. Knowing how to fish is also about fostering a skill set to keep the food chain in your own hands. So many people look at their cupboards or in their fridges and do not question where it all came from. We blindly go through our day without a sense of respect for the work that goes in to feeding so (so so so) many people. That's why we threw this little video course together for you about how to make your own fishing lures. But we didn't just stop there. We wanted to include a larger package; one that touches on gear maintenance and upkeep, knot tutorials, explores myriad bait options, prepping bait, and more before diving into building survivor reels and a whole slew of different DIY lure techniques. Poke around at your leisure, watching as little or as much as you like. And if you have anything to add, drop it in the comments below.
Lesson 1: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are beneficial for so many reasons. They are easy to clean, easy to use, and are easily modifiable. In this lesson, we take apart our spinning reel to show you the crucial areas that you need to pay special attention to when cleaning your reel. Sand, grit, and rust can build up over time in the spinning parts of a spinning reel. As such, it is important to keep up with your reel maintenance. Another benefit of the spinning reel is that interchanging spools is rather easy. So if you're out stream fishing and need to adjust your test, all you have to do is grab another spool with the appropriate test and swap it with the existing one. You'll be hammering those Browns in no time!
In This Video:
- The benefits of the spinning reel
- Cleaning your spinning reel
- Interchanging spools
- And more…
Lesson 2: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Holding Your Rod & Reel
Before you cast your line, it is important to make sure you have the right grip. In this lesson, we go over the standard grip for holding both spinning reels and baitcasters. What is more, we guide you through the simple steps of adjusting the drag on your line. It is necessary to master the mechanics of the various reels so that you can become a master fisherman. Don't forget to take notes as you watch this video, as our expert covers an array of essential topics to get you casting and grabbing in no time! From tightening and loosening your drag, to switching between reel types, you'll learn basic steps that you will need to get yourself ready to chase down those beauties in the water.
In This Video:
- How to hold your rod
- Difference between spinning and baitcasting reels
- How to adjust the drag on a spinning reel
- How to adjust the drag on a baitcasting reel
- What to look for in the drag settings
- And more..
Lesson 3: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Replacing Your Line – Spinning Reels
What happens when you run out of line? In this lesson, our expert takes you through the basics of replacing your own line on spinning reels. With this simple step-by-step instructional, you'll learn exactly how to add a new spool of line to your reels. It is also important to recognize when you need to replace your line. If you are feeling unusual drag when you cast, this may be due to your spool of line running low, causing added friction to the reel. At that point, to maximize the fluidity of your casts, it will be beneficial to replace your line with a brand new spool. Click below to learn how!
In This Video:
- When to replace your line
- How to replace your line
- Preserving old line for future survival circumstances
- Potential mistakes to avoid and how to fix them
- And more…
Lesson 4: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Replacing Your Line – Baitcasting Reels
In this lesson, we show you how to replace the line on your baitcasting reels. Our expert recommends using your baitcaster when lure fishing, which leads to harder strikes. So his advice is to use a braided line with a stronger test to ensure the line doesn't snap. It is also important to keep an eye on the durability of your line. Over time, just from wear and tear, oxidation, and snags, your line might begin to discolor. So we recommend that you keep a close eye on the color of the line so you can identify the right time to change out the old line with the new. Baitcasters are different from spinning reels in that they aren't as easily disassembled. So we show you the most efficient way to let the line out so you can add fresh line. After that, tying knots and feeding the line through the spool eyelet are covered. It's a tricky process, but by following this step-by-step video you'll have no trouble at all refreshing your line! Replacing line on a baitcasting reel is a bit tricky, but after you watch this lesson, you'll be an expert!
In This Video:
- What type of line to use on baitcasting reels
- How to identify when your lines needs to be replaced
- Taking off old your old line
- Tying the right knots when putting on your new line
- Reeling your line in tightly and correctly
- And more…
Lesson 5: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Fishing Knots – Palomar Knot
The Palomar Knot comes close to being 100% knot when it is tied properly. Hence, it is one of the more important knots to have in your knot-tying arsenal. It is very tight and very easy to tie. In this video, we take you through a step-by-step tutorial teaching you how to tie this basic knot. From how to loop your line or rope properly to tightening to ensuring that it is fastened correctly, we will make sure that you never lose your bait because of faulty knots again!
In This Video:
- How to tie a Palomar Knot
- Looping
- Knotting
- Securing
- Testing
- And more…
Lesson 6: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Fishing Knots – Dropper Loop Knot
The Droper Loop Knot is one of the easiest knots to tie. In this lesson, we'll take you through how to tie the Dropper Loop Knot and how to tie on your hook so that it will be securely fashioned. It's important to keep track of the particular steps so that your knot and your hook fit together properly. Our expert will show you how to avoid making the knot too small so that you can properly tie the hook on to your knot.
In This Video:
- How to tie the Dropper Loop Knot
- Attaching your hook to your knot
- Avoiding mistakes
- And more…
Lesson 7: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Fishing Knots – Snell Hook Knot
In this less, we show you how to tie the Snell Hook Knot. The Snell Knot allows the leader, or tippet, to be directly tied to a baited hook. It was originally invented for use with eyeless hooks but it is still widely used today. It aligns the fishing line or leader with the shank of the hook. The Snell knot requires wrapping a loop around the hook. When tightening the knot, hold the turns under your fingers to ensure they snug down neatly.The Snell Knot is one of the older knots and is claimed to provide a reliable connection that preserves the strength of the line – particularly if the thickness of the eye is greater than the line diameter. Make sure to watch this video to make sure that you can accurately tie your Snell Knot and avoid mistakes so that you won't unnecessarily lose your catch!
In This Video:
- How to tie a Snell Hook Knot
- Tips for tying the hook in a pinch
- Things to keep in mind when tying the knot
- How to ensure that your knot is tied correctly
- And more…
Lesson 8: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Fishing Knots – Double Uni Knot
Below, we teach you how to tie the Double Uni Knot. This knot is used by anglers in both salt and fresh water for joining lines of similar or different strengths. It works well and some find it easier to tie than the Blood Knot. It allows anglers to tie together two knots of dissimilar size and really has a tight clamp when cinched. There is also a tendency for some to skip the step of cutting off the tag line, which causes all sorts of problems. Follow our expert advice and learn how to avoid making that mistake!
In This Video:
- How to tie the Double Uni Knot
- The uses of the Double Uni
- Mistakes to avoid
- And more…
Lesson 9: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Bait – Lugworms
Our next bait is a favorite of both salt and freshwater fishers. Lugworms (sometimes known as sandworms or bloodworms) are known for being found on sandy beaches. But be careful when digging for them: they have a hell of a bite! Our expert will teach how to properly hold a lugworm so that you can avoid that nasty sting. We also show you how to keep your lugworm alive for as long as possible on your hook, which will make those fish super excited to snack on the end of your line. We also give you some inside tips to make your worm more appealing when on the hook. And what is more, we will give you a list of the best fish to go after with the lugworm.
In This Video:
- How to hook a lugworm
- What to avoid when hooking your worm
- The best type of fish to go after with the lugworm
- Where to find lugworms
- Alternative ways to use the worm
- And more…
Lesson 10: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Bait – Squid
In this lesson, we go over the best ways to hook squid as bait. Squid is optimal for both fresh and salt water and is an affordable way to get great bait to catch catfish, halibut, rockfish, sturgeon, and even bass. They are easy to get from any local market or grocery store and are also easy to store for future use. We show you some tips on how to make sure your squid stays on your hook and describe some common errors that amateur fishermen make. After this lesson, you'll be nailing catfish in no time!
In This Lesson:
- How to cut your squid
- Keeping your squid frozen to optimize its staying power on the hook
- The types of fish that prey on squid bait
- Where to find squid for bait use
- Common errors when using squid as bait
- And more…
Lesson 11: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Bait – Cutbait
In this lesson, we go over how to hook cutbait. For our present purposes we use a sardine but there are many options that you can use for cutbait. The expression explores the merits of two options: “Fish”, which refers to the act of fishing; or “cut bait”, which refers to cutting up pieces of bait into small, usable portions. Cutbait is good for both salt and fresh water. In this video, we even give you some inside tips on how to use particular saltwater fish as cutbait when fishing in fresh water. Just make sure to watch this before you get out there with your cutbait so you can learn the importance on keeping the bones in the fish when preparing it for the hook.
In This Lesson:
- How to best cut cutbait
- Types of fish that can be used as cutbait
- Inside tips for freshwater fishing with saltwater cutbait
- Where to find the right kind of fish
- The difference between using the head or part of the body
- And more…
Lesson 12: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Tackle Rigs – The Carolina Rig
A Carolina rig is a bass fishing basic. It's one of our most efficient tools and it's a tool that each and every one of us ought to use regularly. Simply stated, a Carolina rig catches fish when other methods fail. A c-rig consists of a hook, a leader line, a swivel, a bead to protect your knot, and an egg sinker. Our expert also suggests using a bead to plug up the hole of the egg sinker so that sand doesn't crust up on the inside. And lastly, we show you how to set up your Carolina rig for light, medium, and heavy duty fish.
In this Video:
- What the Carolina Rig is
- The essential components of the c-rig
- Alternative options for fitting your c-rig
- Light, medium, and heavy duty c-rig set ups
- And more…
Lesson 13: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Tackle Rigs – The Fish Finder Rig
The Fish Finder Rig is similar to the Carolina Rig in many ways, although it has a heavier weight system on it. In this lesson, we show you how the rig works so that you can better understand when to use it. We also show you the components that go into making a Fish Finder Rig. It is important to pay attention to your environment when using this type of rig and in this video our expert gives you advice on how identify the right situation for using this rig.
In This Video:
- What the Fish Finder Rig is
- The components that go into making this type of rig
- How the rig is best used
- What environments best suit this type of rig
- And more…
Lesson 14: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Tackle Rigs – The Double Dropper
The Dropper Loop creates a loop that stands out at right angles to the middle of a length of line. It can be used in your leader or tippet to provide an extra attachment point for an additional fly. If desired the loop can be made long enough to set a hook directly on it. However, to minimize the risk of fouling and twisting this Dropper loop should not be too long. The Dropper knot is also used on multi-hook fishing lines. This is a great rig for avoiding crabs who will often steal the bait of other rigs, like the Carolina Rig. Just be careful: some states don't allow the use of more than two hooks on one rig. So make sure you check your local fishing laws before getting too fancy.
In This Video:
- How to assemble the Double Dropper Loop Rig
- The benefits of this rig over others
- Local fishing law warnings about the use of multiple hooks
- And more…
Lesson 15: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Tackle Rigs – The Drop Shot Rig
The drop-shot rig is a finesse technique that has taken the bass fishing world by a storm. A drop-shot rig will often catch fish when reaction baits won't do the trick. Drop-shotting is a finesse technique that requires light line, so use a spinning outfit spooled up with 6- to 10-pound-test line. This is a very easy rig to set up and if highly effective, with a very lively action that attracts all kinds of fish. In this video, our expert also gives you some advice on how to best make this rig seen by potential catches.
In This Video:
- What the Drop Shot Rig is
- How this rig is effective over other rig set ups
- Tips on how to navigate environments to maximize strikes
- And more…
Lesson 16: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Survival Fishing Lures – Basics
In this video, we show you how to make survival lures. These lures are easy to make and come in quite handy when you need to get a lure up in a pinch. They are used in survival situations but they can also be beneficial if you've just lost your lures from your line being snapped off. All you need are a few simple items and you'll be back catching those fish in no time! Watch this video so you can get started making your own makeshift survival lures today!
In This Video:
- How to make survival lures
- The components needed to make your lures
- The benefits and uses of the survival lure
- And more…
Lesson 17: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Survival Fishing Lures – Penny Lure
This is one of the best ways to create a makeshift lure. All you need is a squashed penny, a swivel, a couple swivel holders, and a hook. The benefit of this lure is that it looks just like a Krocodile Lure, with similar action, and if the penny is shiny, then it'll have similar action in the water as well. This lure is great for catching brown trout, rainbows and even bass. Great idea for all you survivalists out there!
In This Video
- How to make a makeshift “Penny Lure”
- The required pieces to make the lure
- The types of fish that this lure will work best with
- And more…
Lesson 18: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Survival Fishing Lures – The Trash Fly
If you're resourceful, this fly is perfect for you! All you need is a Cheetos bag, a jig head, and a cutting tool. The end result is a great looking fly that resembles an octopus head, which will work great for catching all sorts of salt and fresh water fish, but will work especially well in stream fishing. Our expert takes you through a step-by-step tutorial so that you can build this fly in almost any circumstance.
In This Video:
- How to make a “Trash Fly”
- The benefits of the Trash Fly
- The components needed to make this type of fly
- And more…
Lesson 19: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Survival Reels – The Yo Yo Reel
The Yo Yo Fishing Reel is a great product! It is really to use and can really benefit you quite well if you're in a survival situation. All you need to do is set a few of them up around a lake or slow-moving stream and go about other activities. The reel works automatically and is great for catching smaller fish. Do be careful however when large fish are around, as they can break these reels apart. In this video, our expert gives you some inside tips so that you can make sure you are prepared for such an occasion.
In This Video:
- What is a Yo Yo Reel
- The benefits of the Yo Yo Reel
- How to catch large fish with a modified Yo Yo Reel
- And more…
Lesson 20: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Survival Reels – Survival Spinning Reel
This is a cool reel to set up. It is a tad intricate but highly effective and is very similar to standard spinning reels in its functionality. In this lesson, we take you through all the steps so that you can make your very own spinning reel. There are some tips however that the average survivalist may not think of, so make sure you follow our expert advice so that you can maximize your effectiveness with this makeshift reel.
In This Video:
- How to make a survival spinning reel
- The necessary pieces to make this reel
- How to operate this reel
- Things to be careful of when selecting materials
- And more…
Lesson 21: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Project 1 – Soft Plastic Fishing Worms Part 1
In the next few videos we take you through a very fun project. We are going to be making soft plastic fishing baits. They are very easy to make and give you that creative freedom to customize your baits as you see fit. In this first video, we take you through the first steps once you have a master Super Sclupey fish made. It is important to make sure you harden your master first with a heating gun before you can start to build your silicon mold. One you have a hardened master, then what you'll need to do is make the outer mold box. In this video, our expert takes you through the step-by-step procedures to make a very simple mold box that will house your silicon mold. This isn't an exact science, as what you really need is just a simple housing for your mold. We'll go over the steps and tell you about all the necessary items that you will need to get your started.
In This Video:
- How to make the mold box system
- The items required for making your mold box
- Preparing your master for the silicon pour
- Securing the edges and making them water-tight
- And more…
Lesson 22: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Project 1 – Soft Plastic Fishing Worms Part 2
In this video, our expert shows you how to properly and safely mix your silicon to prepare your mold. Remember: safety first! Get some gloves and grab a pen and paper so you can takes notes. Or, if you would prefer to just follow along at home, feel free to get going. It is important to take extra care when pouring your silicon, so make sure to pay close attention as this video gives you all the information you will need to get a nice, smooth, consistent silicon pour. We also cover the brands of silicon that we recommend and also provide you with options so that you can have an array of options to choose from.
In This Video:
- Safety tips for handling silicon
- Best brands of silicon
- How to pour your silicon correctly
- Avoiding air bubbles in your pours
- Mixing your silicon bases
- And more…
Lesson 23: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Project 1 – Soft Plastic Fishing Worms Part 3
Now that our two parts of silicon are mixed, we are ready to start pouring our mold. In this lesson, we show how to carefully pour your silicon into your previously-made box mold. And then we give instructions for hardening time and then finally show you how to break your mold out and prepare it for making your soft plastic fishing lures! It is a rather simple process but one that still requires care and attention. Make sure to follow instructions closely to get the best results. After all, this is final, crucial step to get you ready to make those tasty treats for all those fish you'll be snagging!
In This Video:
- Pouring your silicon into your box mold
- Eliminating air bubbles
- Hardening time for your silicon
- Breaking your mold out of your mold box
- Cleaning up your mold to get it ready for making your lures
- And more…
Lesson 24: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Project 1 – Soft Plastic Fishing Worms Part 4
This is the final video for this project. In it, we hear from Paul Adams, “The Handmade Fisherman.” He takes us through the final steps of making our soft plastic lures once our molds are completed. After the lures are made, he then does a little product demo for us so that we can see our new lures in action… and then… the big test. He'll go out to the lake to see how successful our handmade lure is in the real waters. Will he make the catch? Click below to find out!
In This Video:
- How to pour plastisol into our mold
- Cooking time for our liquid PVC/plastisol
- Cooling time for our soft plastic lure
- Modifications
- The product test
- And more…
Lesson 25: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Project 2 – Paddle Tail Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Part 1
In this project, we show you how to make paddle tail soft plastic lures. These are excellent lures to have in your tackle box, and are effective in both fresh and salt water. The action of a paddle tails lure mimics that of a small fish extremely well and has proven to consistently be a favorite among fishermen of all types. Our expert shows you how to mold your master lure so that you can prepare to make your mold. This is the first step in making soft plastic lures, so make sure you get a pen and paper to take solid notes!
In This Video:
- How to mold a master lure shape with clay
- Hardening your clay
- Shaping your clay
- And more…
Lesson 26: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Project 2 – Paddle Tail Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Part 2
With this project, we go through many of the same steps as the previous one. However, what we are building now are paddle tail lures. These lures have great action in the water and very fun to make from home. If you have already watched the lessons on how to make soft plastic lures in our series then you have a leg up to get you started here. Get the appropriate materials together and follow along. If you are just jumping in, then get some gloves, get a pen and paper and prepare yourself for making your very own lures right from your home or work shop!
In This Video:
- Making your master clay mold
- Making your box mold system
- Preparing your box mold system for silicon
- Avoiding errors
- And more…
Lesson 27: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Project 2 – Paddle Tail Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Part 3
Now we are ready to start pouring our mold. In this lesson, we show how to carefully pour your silicon into your previously-made box mold. Then we give instructions for hardening time and finally show you how to break your mold out and prepare it for making your soft plastic fishing lures! It is a rather simple process but one that still requires care and attention. Make sure to follow instructions closely to get the best results.
In This Video:
- Pouring your silicon into your box mold
- Eliminating air bubbles
- Hardening time for your silicon
- Breaking your mold out of your mold box
- Cleaning up your mold to get it ready for making your lures
- And more…
Lesson 28: How to Make Fishing Lures | Fishing and Lure Making: Project 2 – Paddle Tail Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Part 4
This is the final video for this project. Once again, we hear from Paul Adams, “The Handmade Fisherman.” He takes us through the final steps of making our soft plastic lures once our molds are completed. After the lures are made, he then does a little product demo for us so that we can see our new lures in action… and then… the big test. He'll go out to the lake to see how successful our handmade lure is in the real waters. Will he make the catch? Click below to find out!
In This Video:
- How to pour plastisol into our mold
- Cooking time for our liquid PVC/plastisol
- Cooling time for our soft plastic lure
- Modifications
- The product test
- And more…
We hope you enjoyed this video lesson series on how to make your own fishing lures. Please let us know your thoughts, comments, hopes, dreams, and anything else. And if you'd like to write some of your own tutorials for PS, please pop on over to our contributor form. We love hearing from all of you.
Lesson 28:
This is a huge series. What a lot of work you put into it. I’ve been fishing all my life and not once made a lure. hmmm….