Omar Khalid
Plastic fishing lures are a popular alternative to live bait. They are reusable, easy to clean, and come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes. Soft plastic lures are easy to make and cost-effective, while hard plastic lures are more durable but require more expertise and expensive machinery to create. To make soft plastic lures, you will need a mould, plastic resin or plastisol, a microwave, a cup, and a heat-resistant surface. You can add colouring, glitter, salt, and flavourings to your lure to make it more attractive to fish. Making your own lures allows you to personalise your fishing experience and can be a creative and satisfying endeavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To make soft plastic fishing lures |
| Budget | $100 |
| Supplies | Mold, plastic resin, cooking spray, microwave-safe cup, heat-resistant surface, gloves, goggles, respirator, butter knife, thermometer, plastisol, colorant, glitter |
| Steps | Spray mold with cooking spray, fill cup with plastic resin, microwave resin until clear, pour resin into mold, cure soft bait in pan of water, trim excess material with butter knife |
| Tips | Use clay or polyurethane resin to make a model of the lure, add coloring and flavorings to attract fish, use a higher-quality N2 injector, use silicone and food coloring to make a mold |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a mould
When choosing a mould to set up plastic lures, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the material of the mould is important. Silicone is a popular choice due to its durability, ability to hold fine details, quick setting and curing time, and easy release of finished lures. It is also suitable for repeated pressing with super soft to medium soft plastics. However, other materials such as latex, urethane rubber, or modelling clay can be used, but they may compromise durability and lure quality. If using silicone, opt for "tin cure" silicone, which is more affordable and accessible than "platinum cure" versions. Avoid the cheapest options, as they may have manufacturing defects. Clear silicone works well for many lure designs, but coloured silicone can also be used to create opaque lures.
Another factor to consider when choosing a mould is the size and shape of the lure you want to create. The mould should be large enough to accommodate the desired size of the lure. If creating a custom mould, you can use materials such as wood, modelling clay, or 3D printing to create the desired shape. For beginners, modifying existing lures into masters is an easier option. Simply cut off treble hooks and make any desired tweaks to the shape or size using hot glue to extend or build up details. Seal the master with clear acrylic spray paint before moulding to prevent the silicone from sticking and to ensure a smooth finish.
The type of container used to create the mould is also important. Choose a container that is reasonably strong, leak-proof, and has a flat bottom. Avoid plastic containers with uneven bottoms as they can restrict the size of the lure. Wood, Tupperware boxes, and used food containers can be good options. Do not use glass or Pyrex as the silicone will stick and be difficult to remove. A simple mould box made from foam core board is another effective method, providing a flat surface and easy release.
When preparing the mould, it is crucial to calculate the volume of the mould to avoid waste. Fill the mould with a dry substance like rice and pour it into a measuring jug to determine the volume. This helps determine the amount of silicone needed and ensures efficient use of the material. Additionally, to prevent bubbles in the silicone, which can affect the final lure, use a thin coat of silicone over the master before pouring the rest, or pour a small stream of silicone from a height into one corner of the mould box.
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Preparing the mould
Before you begin, ensure that your work area is well-ventilated to dissipate any fumes that may come from the cooked plastic. It is also important to wear protective gear, such as long sleeves, gloves, goggles, and a respirator, to protect yourself from burns and spills.
Once you have your mould, place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as an old baking tray. If you are making multiple lures, you can arrange several moulds on the tray. Spray the mould cavities with cooking spray to make it easier to remove the lure after it has cooled and solidified. Be aware that the cooking spray may affect the smell of the lure.
If you are using a pre-made mould, make sure it is exactly what you want, as they are difficult to change. If you are creating your own mould, seal it with clear acrylic spray paint before use. This keeps the silicone from sticking and provides a smooth casting finish. Apply multiple light coats to avoid bubbles.
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Melting the plastic
First, ensure you have the necessary equipment: a microwave, a microwave-safe cup (preferably Pyrex), a heat-resistant surface such as a baking tray, gloves, goggles, and optionally, a respirator for protection from fumes. It is also recommended to have a thermometer, specifically a digital infrared thermometer, to accurately measure the temperature of the melted plastic.
Next, prepare your mould by spraying it with cooking spray. This step is essential as it will make it easier to remove the lure from the mould once the plastic has cooled and solidified. Place the mould on your heat-resistant surface. If you are using a new mould for the first time, ensure it is exactly what you want, as it is very difficult to change without damaging the mould.
Now, you are ready to melt the plastic. Fill your microwave-safe cup halfway with plastic resin or plastisol. If you are using old soft plastic lures, you can melt them down and use the cup to hold the melted plastic. Heat the resin or plastisol in the microwave in 30-second increments until it turns clear. As it heats up, the resin will first thicken and then thin out, changing from a milky white colour to a clear one. Stop heating if you see smoke.
Once the plastic is clear and runny, it is ready for pouring. With gloves on, slowly pour a thin, steady stream of hot plastic into your mould. Fully fill the mould, and you are finished with this step. The plastic will take around 15 minutes to cool and set.
By following these steps, you can successfully melt and mould plastic to create your desired lure shapes. Remember to prioritise your safety by using protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area or using a respirator to prevent inhalation of fumes.
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Adding colour, glitter, and scent
Adding Colour
To add colour to your plastic lures, you will need to purchase colourants or colourants made specifically for this purpose. You can also use plastic resin, which is available in various colours. When working with colourants, always wear gloves to protect your hands. Mix the colourant into your plastisol before pouring it into your mould. You can experiment with different colours and create unique combinations that appeal to you.
Adding Glitter
To add glitter to your plastic lures, you can use polyester hexagonal glitter, which is designed to withstand the temperatures of soft plastic lure-making. Apply a thin layer of Mend-It glue to the desired areas of your lure, then roll the lure on a mound of glitter or sprinkle glitter onto the glued areas. The glitter will only stick to the areas with glue. You can finish by brushing on another layer of glue for a glossy finish.
Adding Scent
If you want to add scent to your plastic lures, this can be done by using flavourings or scents specifically designed for fishing lures. These can be added directly to your plastic resin or plastisol before pouring it into your mould. Be cautious when adding scents, as too much scent can be counterproductive. Always test your scented lures in the water to ensure they are attracting fish and not repelling them.
Remember to follow the basic steps of lure-making, including using a heat-resistant surface, a microwave-safe cup, and always wearing protective gear to avoid burns and spills. With these tips, you can create colourful, glittery, and scented plastic lures that are truly one-of-a-kind!
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Removing the lure from the mould
It is important to let the lure cool completely before attempting to remove it from the mould. Waiting 10-15 minutes ensures proper hardness. Once cooled, the lure should release cleanly from the mould. If any sticking occurs, try spraying the interior of the mould lightly with a release agent, such as cooking spray, prior to pouring the plastic.
After removing the lure from the mould, use a butter knife to trim away any excess material, such as flashing—the excess plastic that forms along seam lines caused by small leaks between mould halves.
Once the lure is removed from the mould and any excess material is trimmed away, it is ready to be cured. To cure the lure, toss it in a pan of water for 15 minutes. Pull the lure out and let it dry.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a mold, plastic resin, cooking spray, a microwave-safe cup, and a heat-resistant surface, like an old baking tray. You will also need safety equipment, such as goggles and gloves.
Spray the mold cavities with cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the lure from the mold after it cools and solidifies.
Fill a microwave-safe cup half-full of plastic resin and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments until it is clear. You can add colouring and flavourings to the resin at this stage.
Slowly pour the hot plastic into the mold. Once it has cooled and set, remove your lure from the mold. You can then trim away any excess material with a knife.
