Maya Ellison
Making your own plastic fishing bait is a rewarding hobby that has gained popularity in recent years. With the right materials and techniques, you can create unique and effective lures that target specific fish species. The process involves selecting a mold type (open pour or injection), designing a master model, and then casting the soft plastic bait. Various materials can be used for molds, including silicone, aluminum, and plaster, each offering different levels of detail, durability, and cost. The choice of plastic is also important, with factors like fishing style and desired movement influencing the type of plastic selected. Creating homemade plastic fishing bait allows anglers to customize their lures, from shape and color to function and performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | CNC-machined aluminum mold, silicone, plaster of Paris, Durham's water putty, cardboard, Lego, glue, Sculpey clay, wood, RTV rubber, resin, glass, plastic |
| Tools | Microwave, Pyrex glass measuring cups, breathing mask, protective gloves, scissors, exacto blade, griddle, thermometer, safety goggles, sharp scissors |
| Techniques | Open-pour mold, injection mold, 1-piece mold, 2-piece mold, melting, carving, sculpting, 3D printing, gluing, painting, cutting, trimming, injecting, pouring |
| Time | Lead time of 4-5 working days for molds, 24-48 hours for cooling lures, 10-15 minutes for lures to cool in the mold |
| Colors and Additives | Red, black, blue, colorants, glitter, highlights, pearls |
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What You'll Learn
Choose your mould type: open pour or injection
When creating your own plastic baits, the type of mould you choose is an important consideration. There are two common types of moulds used in bait making: open pour and injection moulds. Each has its own advantages and considerations that you should be aware of before making your decision.
Open-pour moulds are a popular choice for those new to bait making as they are more affordable than injection moulds. They offer greater flexibility in terms of the techniques you can apply, allowing you to create extremely artistic and realistic baits. However, open-pour moulds can be tougher to work with and require practice to master. If you plan to use an open-pour mould, ensure your mould box has a flat side, as this type of mould requires your bait to have a flat side as well.
Injection moulds, on the other hand, are generally considered superior in terms of quality and durability. They are more expensive, but they can produce baits with a higher level of detail and precision. Injection moulds, such as the Angling Ai Ecto Craw, are also versatile and can be used for various fishing styles. The process of injection moulding involves injecting molten plastic into the mould, which then cools and solidifies, so it's important to consider the placement of your bait design within the mould.
The type of mould you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a cost-effective option that offers creative freedom, an open-pour mould is a great choice. However, if you require a high-quality, detailed bait and have a higher budget, an injection mould may be more suitable.
Additionally, when selecting your mould type, consider the fishing style you plan to use. Different types of fishing, such as finesse, power, or using a creature for flipping, pitching, or punching, may influence your decision. The choice between open pour and injection moulding will also impact the range of techniques you can apply, so it's worth researching the specific techniques you're interested in and whether they are compatible with your chosen mould type.
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Select your mould material: silicone, aluminium, or cardboard
When it comes to selecting the mould material for your plastic bait, you have a few options: silicone, aluminium, or even cardboard. Each material has its own advantages and considerations, which we will discuss in detail.
Silicone moulds offer a good balance between quality and cost. They can be made at a reasonable price, and you can achieve a fairly good mould for your plastic baits. Silicone moulding products are readily available from suppliers like Smooth-on and Alumilite. Silicone is a versatile material that can be used for both hard and soft masters. It is also flexible, making it easier to remove your plastic bait without damaging it.
Aluminium moulds, such as CNC-designed options, provide the highest quality finish for soft plastic fishing lures. These moulds can be more expensive, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. However, they offer a durable and precise option for creating consistent and detailed plastic baits. If you're looking for a long-lasting mould that produces high-quality results, aluminium is a great choice.
Cardboard is a creative and inexpensive option for making your own moulds. You can use cardboard glued to a flat surface to create a one-piece open pour mould. Keep in mind that cardboard might not be as durable as silicone or aluminium, but it can be a fun and cost-effective way to get started with moulding your own plastic baits.
Other materials to consider for your moulds include plaster of Paris and resin. Plaster is easy to mould but takes more time due to the sealing process. Resin, on the other hand, is more challenging to work with, but once cured, your mould is ready for use. Additionally, if you're looking for a simple and inexpensive option, Durham's water putty is a great choice. It holds good detail, is easy to work with, and is widely available.
When selecting your mould material, consider the type of mould you want to create (open pour or injection mould), the desired level of detail and durability, and, ultimately, your personal preferences. Whether you choose silicone, aluminium, or get creative with cardboard, the process of moulding your own plastic baits is a rewarding experience that will enhance your fishing adventures.
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Prepare your mould box: use a plastic bowl or Tupperware
To prepare your mould box, you can use an old Tupperware container or a disposable plastic bowl. It is important to ensure that your container is clean and dry before you begin. If your Tupperware has been previously used and has mould on it, you will need to wash it thoroughly before using it as a mould box.
To clean Tupperware, wear gloves and discard any mouldy food into the trash. Then, fill the Tupperware with white vinegar, seal it, and let it sit for a week. After a week, empty the container and wash it with hot soapy water. Dry it with a clean towel and check for any lingering odours. If the mould smell persists, pour a tablespoon of baking soda into the container, seal it, and let it sit for another week. Repeat this process until the mould and odour are completely gone.
Once your mould box is ready, you can begin preparing your bait. The first step is to decide what type of mould you want to create. There are two common types of moulds used in bait making: an open pour one-piece mould and a two-piece mould. If your bait has a flat side, you can use a one-piece mould. If you want to create a fully round bait, you will need to make a two-piece mould.
After deciding on the type of mould, you can start preparing your bait mixture. You will need a can of Durham's putty, a stir stick or old butter knife, and a plastic bowl for mixing. Mix the Durham's putty until it reaches a thick pancake batter consistency. Keep in mind that the mixture should still be pourable but not watery. Try to minimise bubbles in the mixture, as these can affect the final product. If you notice bubbles, you can use a torch to pop them.
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Melt your plastic: use a microwave or saucepan
To melt plastic for bait, you can use a microwave, an oven, or a heat gun. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and effectively:
Prepare your workspace:
Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated by opening windows and turning on exhaust fans to avoid inhaling any fumes released during the melting process. Gather all the necessary materials, including the plastic you want to melt, a heat-proof container, oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves, and a mold for your bait.
Choose the right plastic:
Not all plastics are suitable for melting. Look for a number 5 in a triangle on the plastic, indicating it is Polypropylene (PP), which can be safely melted and reconstituted. Avoid melting styrofoam, as it will disintegrate when heated.
Melting plastic in a microwave:
Place the plastic in a microwave-safe container and set the microwave to a low or medium power level to avoid overheating. Heat the plastic in short intervals, stirring or shaking the container between each interval to ensure even melting. Be cautious to avoid overheating, as plastic can burn and smoke quickly.
Melting plastic in an oven:
Preheat your oven to around 300 °F (149 °C). Place the plastic in a heat-proof container, such as a cheap sheet pan or a ceramic tile, ensuring it is large enough to catch any melted plastic and prevent it from spilling onto the oven surfaces. Place the container in the oven and monitor the melting process through the oven door or by using the oven light. Remove the container when the plastic is melted, being careful not to burn yourself.
Using a heat gun:
Heat guns, available at home improvement stores or hardware stores, offer more precise control over melting. Set the heat gun to a low setting, around 500 °F (260 °C), to gradually melt the plastic. Direct the heat towards the plastic, continuously moving the gun to avoid overheating any specific area.
Once the plastic is melted, you can pour it into your chosen mold to create your custom bait. Remember to exercise caution when handling hot materials and always prioritize your safety by working in a well-ventilated area and using appropriate protective gear.
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Pour your plastic: fill the mould, then trim excess
Pouring your plastic and filling the mould is a critical step in the bait-making process. There are several types of moulds used for making plastic baits, including open pour one-piece moulds, two-piece moulds, and injection moulds. The type of mould you choose will depend on the shape of your bait; for example, if you want a fully round bait, you will need a two-piece mould. For a one-piece mould, you will need to glue your bait or prototype to the bottom of the mould, and it must have a flat side. For a two-piece mould, you will need a rectangular plastic dish to help remove the bait from the mould.
Before pouring the plastic, ensure your mould box is ready by spraying it lightly with a mould release agent, such as cooking spray or a spray-can mould release agent. This will help ensure the bait can be easily removed from the mould later.
When you are ready to pour, work quickly. The plastic is molten when injected into the mould and will start to solidify as soon as it touches the mould, cooling from the outside in. Fill the mould as quickly as possible to offset thermal shrink, and hold it under pressure. Fill from thick sections to thin sections to avoid the plastic freezing off before the mould is completely filled.
Once the mould is filled, you will need to let the plastic cool and cure. For a two-piece mould, you will need to be especially careful to keep bubbles out of the mixture, as they can affect the final product. A torch run over the top of the mix will pop any bubbles. Let the putty set up a little, then carefully set your master into the putty until it is about half in and half out. This step can be tricky, so be prepared to try again if needed. Once you are happy with how the bait is positioned in the mould box, let it cure for about 2 to 3 hours.
After curing, you can remove the bait from the mould and inspect it for any pinholes or imperfections. Use a butter knife to smooth out any excess putty and scrap off any extra material.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a can of Durham's putty, a bait or prototype to mold, a mold box, a stir stick or old butter knife to mix your Durham's with, and a plastic bowl to mix in. You will also need a heating source, such as a 700-watt microwave or a hot plate with a thin saucepan.
There are two common types of molds used in bait making: an open pour one-piece mold and a two-piece mold for making fully round baits. The type of mold you choose will depend on the shape of your bait and how you plan to use it. If you want to create a pattern-filled bait, you will need an open-pour mold, whereas if you want to create a bait with a lot of action, such as ribbon tail worms, you should use a lower-end durometer.
First, lightly spray your mold box with a mold release agent, such as cooking spray or a real mold release agent in a spray can. Then, mix your Durham's putty to the desired consistency and thickness, and pour it into your mold. If you are using a two-piece mold, try to keep as many bubbles out of it as you can, and use a torch to pop any bubbles that form. Once your mold is ready, melt your plastic and pour it into the mold, starting with the thin areas first and then moving on to the main body cavity. Allow the plastic to cool completely before removing your bait from the mold.
