Does anyone here make their own Cedar or Balsa Crankbaits? I am looking for tips on sourcing bodies and lips, properly installing/gluing/lining up the lips, installing screw loops for split rings, finishing, etc.

Any good videos on putting a crankbait together? Any advice would help. Thanks!

-Mega

To explain how to do what you're asking could take awhile. I would suggest you run a search on what you're looking for first and then maybe someone could help fill in the blanks.

A couple of websites, like Tackleunderground.com, specialize in crankbait building techniques. You can buy balsa bodies and lips from Janns Netcraft or lurepartsonline.com. JMHO, building good crankbaits has a learning curve about how to shape and finish wood and how to design baits, plus it requires some equipment and supplies. Most guys ease into it by first learning how to paint and modify crankbaits before jumping in the deep end with bait design and construction.

Search Making Crankbaits under the fishing articles, that will help you get started.

I would start off with one of the pre-cut bodies from lureparts.com, Jann's, etc. and try to duplicate a existing crank. Building a wooden crankbait is the hardest thing in tacklemaking I have done. By duplicating an existing crank you will learn about how they work. In the past 5 years I have made about 50 and still have trouble as there is a lot more involved than just assembly. Ballasting, line tie position, lip design are all a lot of trial and error (mostly error in my designs).

Allen

Screw it. I'll just buy them.