Sofia Martinez
Making your own soft plastic lures can be a rewarding hobby, allowing you to connect with your fishing on a deeper level and providing a sense of pride when you catch a fish with your handmade lure. While it may not be a cheaper alternative, creating your own lures gives you the freedom to personalise colours and scents and experiment with different types of lures. To get started, you will need a microwave (dedicated for this purpose), a glass-measuring cup, protective gear such as a mask and gloves, a mould, an injector, plastics, dyes, glitter, and other desired additives. You will also need a heat-resistant surface and tools for cutting and mixing. It is important to follow safety precautions, especially when working with plastics and fumes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastisol, pigment, glitter, scent, worm oil, a mold, a microwave, a glass-measuring cup, protective breathing mask, protective gloves, hard resin molds or rtv rubber molds, scissors, exacto blade, colorants, epoxy |
| Molds | Can be made from plaster of Paris (POP), coated with Modge Podge or a high-temp-rated epoxy |
| Plastisol | Available in soft, medium, and hard varieties, as well as blends such as soft/medium or medium/hard |
| Cost | Initial setup may be expensive, with costs for molds, injectors, dyes, and other supplies adding up. However, making custom lures allows for personalized options and can be cheaper in the long run. |
| Cooling Time | Varies, but generally 24-48 hours. May feel tacky to the touch, so letting it rest will firm up the bait. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a liquid Plastisol
When choosing a liquid Plastisol, you will be faced with a lot of options. Plastisol is available in soft, medium, and hard varieties, with blends such as soft/medium or medium/hard also being available. The softness of the Plastisol will determine its action and durability, with softer Plastisol having more action but tearing off the hook more easily, and harder Plastisol being more durable but having less action. Softer Plastisol is also tackier and requires more worm oil to reduce sticking. It may also not be suitable for injection moulding.
The density of the Plastisol is another important factor to consider. This is the weight per volume of the Plastisol and determines whether the lure will sink or float and how fast it will sink. Density modifiers can be added to the Plastisol to make the lures sink faster, but these will make the lures feel stiffer and less resistant to tearing. Floating lures are a good option for top water frog lures, but only certain colours are available as the additive makes the final colour milky.
You can also choose Plastisol with different scents and colours. Scented Plastisol is more productive, without giving off any obnoxious odours during melting. However, certain additives can impact the colour of the resin, so this is something to keep in mind.
If you are new to making soft plastic lures, it is recommended to start with a medium-softness Plastisol as it is the most common and offers a good balance between action and durability. You can try out different Plastisols in quart-size containers before settling on a specific brand.
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Making your own mold
Making your own mould for soft plastic lures can be a rewarding hobby, but it requires some initial investments in equipment and materials. Here is a guide to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Materials
The first step in making your own mould is to select the appropriate materials. Plaster of Paris (POP) is a popular choice for DIY mould makers due to its affordability and ease of casting. However, it is important to note that plaster must be sealed and fully dried before use. You can use Modge Podge to coat your POP mould, but this may require longer drying times between pours. Alternatively, you can use a high-temp-rated epoxy for a smoother finish and more durable mould.
Gathering the Necessary Equipment
In addition to the materials for the mould, you will need a dedicated microwave or pot and burner to heat your plastics. Other essential equipment includes protective gear such as a breathing mask and gloves, as well as a glass measuring cup, scissors, and an exact blade. You may also want to invest in a digital thermometer to ensure your plastics are heated to the right temperature.
Preparing the Mould
Before you begin, make sure your work area is clean and well-ventilated. Measure out the desired amount of plastic, shaking the container well to mix the contents. Combine your plastic with additives such as colourants, glitter, and scent to create unique lures. Place the plastic into your glass measuring cup and heat it in the microwave in short increments until it reaches the desired temperature of 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Always wear a protective mask during this process to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
Pouring and Cooling
Once your plastic is fully heated and mixed with any additives, carefully pour it into your prepared mould. Allow the plastic to cool and rest for 24-48 hours before removing it from the mould. This cooling period helps to ensure the best results, as some plastics may feel tacky if not given enough time to firm up.
Creating your own mould for soft plastic lures offers both creative freedom and a sense of accomplishment. While it may not be a cost-saving endeavour, the ability to customise your lures and connect with your fishing on a deeper level makes it a worthwhile pursuit for enthusiasts.
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Heating the liquid Plastisol
Heating liquid Plastisol is a crucial step in making soft plastic lures. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Equipment
Before you begin, ensure you have the right equipment for heating liquid Plastisol. You will need a microwave, a glass-measuring cup (Pyrex cup or bowl) to heat the Plastisol, metal mixing spoons, leather gloves, a respirator, safety goggles, and a well-ventilated workspace. It is important to dedicate a microwave specifically to heating Plastisol and not use it for cooking food.
Heating Process
Start by shaking the jug of Plastisol to ensure the plasticizers and resins are well mixed, as they tend to harden if the Plastisol sits for too long. Pour about half a cup of Plastisol into your Pyrex cup. Place the cup in the microwave and heat it in intervals. Start with 90 seconds or 2-minute intervals, depending on your microwave's power. After each interval, remove the cup and stir the Plastisol with a metal spoon or a butter knife to ensure even heating. Aim for a temperature of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly higher, as this is when the Plastisol will turn into a liquid phase. Keep in mind that some Plastisol manufacturers may have different optimal temperature ranges, so refer to their instructions if available.
Adding Colour and Glitter
Once the Plastisol reaches the desired temperature, you can add your chosen colour and any glitter or scent to the mix. Stir the mixture well to ensure even distribution of the additives. Place the cup back in the microwave for another 30 seconds or so, and then give it one final stir before pouring it into your mould.
Cooling and Removal from Mould
After pouring the Plastisol into the mould, allow it to cool and set completely. Be patient during this step to avoid breaking or tearing the bait. Once the Plastisol has cooled and hardened, carefully remove the bait from the mould. You now have your soft plastic lure ready for use!
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Adding colour and glitter
There are a few different types of colourants to choose from when making your soft plastic lure. Non-bleed colourants are usually pigment-based, while colourants that bleed are typically made with dyes. Colourants that bleed will eventually affect the appearance of the bait as the colour will bleed into other colours. You can also mix colourants together to create your own unique blend.
When it comes to glitter, the options are endless. Glitters come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, and you can use different combinations to create depth and change the tone or hue of your lure. For example, you can use square-shaped, hexagonal, or whisker glitter, and you can play around with different colours and amounts of glitter to create your own unique look. Polyester Hexagonal glitter is designed to withstand the temperature of soft plastic lure making.
You can also add powders to your soft plastic lure to create highlights, pearls, micas, colour shifts, glows, and UV effects. Small amounts of these additives go a long way, so you don't need much to make a big impact.
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Cooling and storing the lure
Cooling and storing your soft plastic lure is a critical step in the lure-making process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through this stage:
Cooling the Lure
After mixing your heated liquid Plastisol with your chosen colorants and additives, it's time to let your lure cool and solidify. The cooling process can vary depending on the type of plastic used, so it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific plastic you've chosen. Place the lure in a safe area and allow it to cool for at least 24 to 48 hours. This duration ensures that the plastic completely sets, improving its durability and performance.
During the cooling process, you may notice that the lure feels tacky to the touch. This texture is normal, and allowing it to rest will help the bait firm up, resulting in better performance when fishing. It's important to be patient during this stage, as using the lure too soon after pouring can impact its effectiveness.
Storing Your Lures
Once your soft plastic lures are completely cooled and hardened, it's time to consider storage. Proper storage will help maintain the quality and longevity of your lures. Here are some tips for storing your soft plastic lures:
- Store your lures in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Keep them in a dedicated container or compartment separate from other fishing gear to avoid damage or entanglement.
- Consider using a storage system that allows for easy identification and access, such as a tackle box with compartments or a hanging lure bag.
- Ensure that your lures are completely dry before storing them to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria.
- Regularly inspect your lures for any signs of damage or discolouration, replacing them as necessary to maintain the effectiveness of your fishing setup.
Soft plastic lures are a great way to customise your fishing experience, and by taking the time to properly cool and store them, you'll be able to enjoy your creations for many fishing trips to come.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a microwave (dedicated to this purpose), a glass measuring cup, protective breathing masks, protective gloves, hard resin molds, RTV rubber molds, scissors, an exact-o blade, liquid Plastisol, pigment, glitter, scent, worm oil, and a mold.
First, measure out the desired amount of plastic. Then, put the plastic into the microwave and heat in 30-second increments. After each increment, mix the plastic. Once the plastic is fully heated to 325-350 degrees, add your colorant and glitter. Mix thoroughly. Finally, pour the mixture into your mold and let it cool for 24-48 hours.
No, making your own soft plastic lures is not cheaper. You will need to purchase a dedicated microwave, various supplies, and multiple molds, which can cost a few hundred dollars. However, making your own lures allows you to create unique baits and connect with your fishing on a deeper level.
