has enyone ever tryed making a zara spook

I did, and it all came to a gringing halt last night!!!

I dont have a lathe, or any woodworking tool outside of a, well, a piecec fo sandpaper

I got a turned basswood blank from Jann's, the back 1/3 of the bait, I drilled a 1/4" hole, and filled it with lead. I dont' know if this is right or not, I figured it would help it walk better.

I then sealed it all with Devcon, then painted. Completely ignoring the hook hangar and line tie holes!!

When it came time to clear the paint, I broke a few screw eyes off, got one out of whack, but I think the general bait would work, though. Gonna take it out in a bit to try, see just how bad it is

I'll post back when I do that, so you don't screw up where I did!

I heard it is immpossible to make a Zara Spook that works.  You need to learn how to paints them real good as well!

ya i think spooks have such a awsome paint. and id like to hear what it does. what do you put over acrilic paint so it dont get wet and the paint comes of.

I've made something like the Zara Spook and used a lathe to get my initial shape even used a spook to copy, my lathe has a copy cat feature to reproudce shapes. Then followed normal painting procedures . I also added a small plug of lead under a hook hanger to make the bait walk and stay upright. Here are some pics. Bait works very well, I have even inserted tube rattles into the body then filled holes with epoxy before painting.

Buckwheat,

Where you been? I've been making them for years out of sugar pine.  I traded with several members who like my baits quite a bit. It's all in the weighting and balance and hook placement. If you want a few wood blanks, hardware and wood, I'll send them to you very reasonably.  I'll even send you a finishedone for you to inspect how I do it. Shoot me a pm.  Nick

I've been meaning to try and I even bought steel ball bearings. I just haven't had the chance to hand carve any.

harshman,

that is mighty fine work! 8-)

dampeoples,

I sure would like to have a lathe too! I know it isn't necessary, but it would make the work a heck of a lot easier .

When I made my first wooden plugs, all I hand was sand paper, a 3M sanding block and a little elbow grease.

Okay, I cheated a bit using a forstner bit to make the mouths of the poppers but everything else was handcarved. Dev Con was my choice of coating too. 8-)

I can't wait to make my first spook!

-ib