I recently started making my own crankbaits, with alot of help from whittler.  I need to know if a topwater lure that I am making, should have a small weight added to it?  What colors should I paint it?

It depends how big your baits are. Some baits sit fine and turn upright with just hooks mounted on the bottom of the bait. This usually works on small slinder "Zara Spook" like baits. On heavier baits or baits with wide bodies and narrow "tail" sections you might want to add a very small amount of lead to turn the bait upright when you cast it. Drill out the body in the area you wish to mount a hook and add a small amount of lead. If done right you can use a hook mount to cover the lead spot so that it can't be seen. Experiment with the size of bait and amount of lead. Carefull not to add to much or the bait might sink. I'll post some step by step pics of how i add lead to my baits if you like. Remember practice makes perfect.

As far as colors either get creative or mimic stuff that is already on the market. Once again experiment, remeber though most of the bait that will be seen by the fish is the bottom so spend your time there, the fish won't care if you like the way the bait looks when you see it.

Good Luck

Make it easy on yourself!  how big or small is the lure and whats it made of (balsa,plastic,cork,harwood,soft  ?)  what size ?(2",3" 5" 6" long )???   Tell us about it and get the answer .

The lure I am working on now is 4 inches long, hard wood, not sure exactly what kind of wood, I just know that it is hard.  It came from a 1.25 inch dowel.