I am new to making lures...here are 2 of my first 3 baits.  I am assuming I have to put some kind of weight toward the back of them?  They don't have any weight in them now.  Any suggestions as to how much and where to place them would be great.  Thanks

Weight placement and amount are really a trial and error for the most part. But here are a few starting points from what I have learned on mine. I make "Zara Spook" style baits and here is what I add. I drill a small pilot hole into the bait and insert about a 1/16 or less cylinder shaped piece of lead that I can pour in one of my molds. I usually try to hide the lead under one of my hook holders or very close to one. I place mine near the front half of the bait to allow the tail to "wag" more in the water but placement for you depends on the action you want. I also add it to the bottom to make it land upright in the water every time I throw it. And the amount of lead you use depends on where you want the bait in the water column.

Hope this helps

Harshman

I make a topwater patterned after a Sammy, and I like the weight in the last 1/3 of the bait to keep the nose higher in the water.  I find the walking action is easier to produce that way.   You can use BPS finess weights if you don't pour your own.   Trail and error is really the only way to determine the right amount of weight to use on your particular lure.   Once you get 1 bait perfected the rest will come easier.

Ok....I'll do some experimenting, try to make them sit nose-up.

Try wrapping some solder around the eyelet or hook shank? I would also turn that prop on the yellow bait around?

Allen