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View Full Version : Lure Making is Spendy!



MMDON
06-11-2010, 01:44 PM
So I decided that I would get "into" this lure and dodger making thing. After purchasing a wide variety of blades in different sizes and types. Dodger Blanks in several styles. Clevises, Line, Hooks, Beads in a myriad of colors and types, Hoochies in every imaginable configuration, Tape for the Dodgers and some lures, Blade Dips and Paint, Sealers, UV, Soft Plastic Dips and such . . .

I'm now into it about $700.00 but Dave assures me it's like any other hobby!

Really!?!

101rave101

DLM
06-11-2010, 02:11 PM
Rule #1 with hobbies/obsessions. Never,Never, Never add up the costs.101saveme101

The really sad thing is you probably think you have everything you need and are done spending.....have you got your airbrush painting equipment yet?

Be creative and have fun, nothing more satisfying then catching fish on something you designed yourself.

MMDON
06-11-2010, 02:16 PM
It's a lot cheaper then fly tying! You don't need that Renzetti rotary vise to start out with! thumbsup

SuperD
06-11-2010, 03:30 PM
Don, your problem is you don't know how to stick your little toe in the water to start something, you just jump FULL in cannon ball style!

kingsmules
06-11-2010, 03:44 PM
Don-
As my grandad used to say "If you are going to be a bear be a GRIZZLY"

My lure making supplies consist of a ball point pen and a check made out to kokaneemart.

SilverBullets
06-11-2010, 05:23 PM
I try to buy my supplies in around $50-$80 increments. One thing about this hobby...you'll have more gear than you'll know what to do with when a quantity of 50 is the smallest amount you can purchase of some things.violin

SuperD
06-11-2010, 05:36 PM
I try to buy my supplies in around $50-$80 increments. One thing about this hobby...you'll have more gear than you'll know what to do with when a quantity of 50 is the smallest amount you can purchase of some things.violin

I've given dozens of my lures and dodgers away to friends. I enjoy the idea of them catching fish on my stuff as much as I do the idea of me catching fish on my own stuff.

RickM
06-11-2010, 06:29 PM
As I sit around on a rainy day, it is relaxing to make my own tackle. I give them away, try different things, make special tackle for special events, it is a real hoot. When they work, I'm proud, when they don't it's ok. This past week, with time to kill, I asked wife to pick out the material for me to make lure for her....she picked beads, and blades, and rings and things.... put it together in the order she wanted. The next evening we went Kokanee fishing she caught 5 and I caught 0, and I had a ball. I can bragged about my wifes fishing talents to all my friends. To me it was worth the cost of making my own, I could not have bought what she had me make at any store.

MMDON
06-11-2010, 09:59 PM
KM, I think your Grandad and I would get along just fine!

Dave, sharing and having other people catch fish on your creations is a super reward!

Rick, having your wife out fish you on her lure is not only rewarding it's pure genius!

I'm all in as soon as the UPS and USPS guys get to my door! 101goodpost101

twisted lines
06-15-2010, 11:52 PM
I'm all in as soon as the UPS and USPS guys get to my door! 101goodpost101

Yea right! youll be back laugh hyst

MMDON
06-16-2010, 06:07 PM
Well Dave told me to bite the bullet and buy the best glow beads I could get my hands on. I figured I'd better get a couple of packs of each size 4, 5, 6 mm in each color and 2 packs of Hoochies 1 1/2" in each color plus some extras in white glow for dying on the fly. $220.00 later I have a nice stock of Radical Glow. I should have just bought stock! (Wink) They were great to work with and supplied some nice freebies with the orders!

SuperD
06-16-2010, 06:19 PM
MMM, so far it sounds like you are all order and no action! nananana Throw us a bone and post a picture for crying out loud. Even if it is all the packages of this stuff. worthy12

MMDON
06-16-2010, 10:28 PM
OK, I don't have it all photo'd and more is on the way including the Kagan's shimpment but here goes:

Tying Hooks, I have three of these that are pretty much full.

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9329/61510kokespinners001.jpg

As I add the colored egg bead I need I tie the second hook on and then package them in 2" x 3" bags but you get the idea of where to start.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/6468/61510kokespinners002.jpg

Four bead selections in plastic, glo, glass, faceted and such besides the Rad Glo stuff:

Dyed Egg Beads:

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5844/61510kokespinners005.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9426/61510kokespinners006.jpg

MMDON
06-16-2010, 10:30 PM
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7144/61510kokespinners007.jpg

Large bags of craftstore plastic beads:

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/10/61510kokespinners008.jpg

Hoochies, the big bags are 100 packs of miniatures and some dyed stuff.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9525/61510kokespinners010.jpg

Latest shipment of Radical Glow, beads have been repackaged:

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7963/61510kokespinners.jpg

MMDON
06-16-2010, 10:32 PM
Some bags of blades:

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6468/61510kokespinners002.jpg

Spike It and UV and the rolls of tape Dave was referring to:

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/9329/61510kokespinners001.jpg

Hope to have the rest by the end of the week and I can start production.

The finished stuff ends up stored by category or color like this.

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1650/61010.jpg

sawdustsavage
06-16-2010, 10:55 PM
I always said excess in all things. Moderation is for monks101idea101

Petty4life
06-16-2010, 11:12 PM
All i can say is WOWtooexcitedmovie89586101cheers101

Full_Monte
06-16-2010, 11:31 PM
I'm interested in this. May I ask, is the last photo of the lures in the bags the way you take them fishing? Can you tell us what size bags you are using and what size boxes? How do you keep the leaders in the bags from becoming tangled with themselves? Right now, I'm using foam insulation rollers to keep my lures and leaders. Your way looks good, too, maybe better.

MMDON
06-16-2010, 11:54 PM
Sure, that is the way I catalog my lures to go fishing. I generally carry two bags of 8 of those trays each when I go Koke fishing. Since I have so much tackle, 500 + Kokanee rigs, I can't have it degrading due to exposure to the air, sunlight and the wear and tear of banging together. The tray is a standard size tackle tray 9" x 14" that fits in any of the large tackle bags. The plastic bags are 2" x 3" and are 4 mils thick ziplocks and can be purchased at Uline.com. To keep your lines from tangling you wrap the untied leaders around 2 fingers starting at the lure end until you have 3" of line left to wrap. Pull the line off of your two fingers and wrap the 3" of line 3 times around the loops and it won't come unwound. When you take it out of the package unwrap the tag end 3 times before undoing the roll of leader. I push the leaders and lures to the bottom half of the package and fold over for filing.

SilverBullets
06-17-2010, 12:22 AM
I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the cabin fever creations you come up with Don! thumbsup

Full_Monte
06-17-2010, 11:32 AM
Thanks for your reply! I know that sunlight degrades line, but didn't know that air degrades it. Is there an article on this subject that we can read?

SuperD
06-17-2010, 11:39 AM
I also found the 2" X 3" baggies on ebay and TAP Plastics without having to buy in quantity of 1,000 like Uline.

MMDON
06-17-2010, 12:45 PM
I found I went through the small quantities much to fast. A thousand at a time and I don't have to worry for a year or two of tackle collecting. thumbsup

MMDON
06-17-2010, 12:52 PM
I sure hope my Kagan's shipment gets here today. I still can't build much without some of the basics they are supposed to be delivering! Gorge:30 or time to go is getting close and I still haven't twisted a spinner!101sweatinit101

SuperD
06-17-2010, 01:29 PM
Don, I have that same bead of sweat on the forehead. I have some stuff that has been back ordered for 2 weeks. I don't mind making stuff in the boat between fish but the stuff has to get here to at least pack it for the trip.

MMDON
06-17-2010, 03:46 PM
Hagens just arrived!

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/7963/61510kokespinners.jpg

BorntoFish01
06-17-2010, 03:54 PM
Now the fun begins.

twisted lines
06-19-2010, 07:53 AM
Some bags of blades:

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6468/61510kokespinners002.jpg



The Gami bag of blades I have yet to see; appreciate any info you can share, or a picture of one you have assembled, The radical glow collection is oh so nice!

MMDON
06-19-2010, 09:15 AM
The Gami Bag probably had steelhead jigs in it. It looks like Mac's Lure smile blades. I ended up with 250 of them in a shared bulk buy a while back so they were just put in that bag because it's small. Haven't put together a lure yet. I'm now in the process of dipping 500 beads in UV blast before the assembly can begin. Every dark bead that is plastic will be dipped before lure assembly can begin. I want to build spinners with contrasting color combinations of glow and UV parts. Something for all seasons if you will.

MMDON
06-19-2010, 09:57 AM
A note on dodger tapes. I wasn't happy with the stuff I received from Hagens. The dodger eyes were good but the tape just didn't have the lights or reflective glow I'm looking for. The tape from Tap Plastics was very nice and I would second Dave's recommendation for their products. I'm still sorting through companies looking for the best of each component. It is always a long and protracted and expensive process to get it right. I went through this same process when I developed a line of Salmon River spinners. I'll post up what I built for those.

MMDON
06-19-2010, 09:59 AM
This project took almost 6 months before I began twisting wire for high quality spinners. These spinners are all built on the highest quality Silver blades vs. the Chrome that just mirror the water color and provide no contrast at depth.

Salmon Spinners:
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/7797/1202075smallxo9.jpg
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/1702/1202078smallks0.jpg
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/742/1202079smallfe0.jpg
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/47/1202080smallyy4.jpg

SuperD
06-19-2010, 10:36 AM
The last of my tape order arrived yesterday. My Gorge dodger selections are now complete.

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/6351/lastdodgers.jpg

MMDON
06-19-2010, 05:04 PM
They look great Dave. I'm still hunting for decent tape for my Green Dodgers as well as a few others!

SuperD
06-19-2010, 05:33 PM
I don't know if you can get it quick enough but the Mad River tape I told you about had very nice looking green. In fact, I'll bring it to the Gorge or Clark so you can use some.

MMDON
06-19-2010, 06:52 PM
I just placed a $40.00 order with them. I hope it ships Monday!

SuperD
06-19-2010, 10:19 PM
I just placed a $40.00 order with them. I hope it ships Monday!
Call and ask for bruce. I got the impression that Mad River only gets in touch with F307 occassionally to check for orders. A phone call might guarante a faster turn around than I had.

MMDON
06-19-2010, 11:30 PM
Call and ask for bruce. I got the impression that Mad River only gets in touch with F307 occassionally to check for orders. A phone call might guarante a faster turn around than I had.

I appreciate the heads up Dave! I'll call him first thing Monday morning! 101goodpost101

Bduck
06-20-2010, 06:43 AM
The last of my tape order arrived yesterday. My Gorge dodger selections are now complete.

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/6351/lastdodgers.jpg

Dave, Those are going to do very nice at the Gorge. I especially like the purple one. That caught my eye.

Bduck
06-20-2010, 06:46 AM
This project took almost 6 months before I began twisting wire for high quality spinners. These spinners are all built on the highest quality Silver blades vs. the Chrome that just mirror the water color and provide no contrast at depth.

Salmon Spinners:
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/7797/1202075smallxo9.jpg
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/1702/1202078smallks0.jpg
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/742/1202079smallfe0.jpg
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/47/1202080smallyy4.jpg

MMM, Your catch rate is going to sky rocket. I like the wire twist idea.

twisted lines
06-20-2010, 10:14 AM
I like the wire twist idea.


I Too thought the wire Idea would work very well for Kokanee, but soon found I was cutting hundreds of lures apart, when I fished side by side with beads on line the wire wouldn't work! Only my opinion, what I am trying to say is don't build too many but have a ball I did and save the wire for the bigger salmon, they don't mind it. TL

MMDON
06-20-2010, 10:25 AM
The wire spinners are made for fishing King Salmon in the rivers. tooexcited

I only use 12lb Maxima Ultragreen for my Koke spinners.

MMDON
06-20-2010, 12:42 PM
I've tied up 10 of each single color tandem hook ties and now I'm working my way through all of my double egg ties. Next will be combos of Green, Chart, Purple, Blue, White, Red and Orange. I'm in the process of heading towards Hoochie, Hoochie Spinner, Hoochie Smile Blade, and Spinner Combos. I need roughly 250 preties to complete this tying process and still have back up preties in each color on the boat to replace broken rigs or to create new combos on the boat!

Here a look at some of my pink combos and my faithful fishing and tying partner! The patterns will turn into Pink/Purple, Pink/Blue, Pink/White, Pink, Purple/Pink and Blue/Pink combos.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8237/610kokaneespinners002.jpg

Princess:
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/3626/610kokaneespinners001.jpg

SilverBullets
06-20-2010, 04:08 PM
Looking good MMM! Are you useing different weight line for the hoochies and spinners? Do you stick to a predetermined leader length (one length for the spinners and one length for hoochies) or are you making up a variety? With your lure bag storage system do different box's store lures with certain length leaders or do you mark the lengths on the bags? Do you tie up all your rigs with a loop knot for attaching to the dodger?

MMDON
06-20-2010, 04:51 PM
I basically tie two versions. One version, the ones you have been seeing are my Gorge supply. They all start with 28" of Maxima Ultragreen #12. The trailer hook is a #4 and the main hook is a #2. They can be used either for spinners or hoochies and I have a combination of colors either tied with a single or double soft egg bead. Most of my everyday combinations are tied the same way only using two #4 hooks in tandem and #10 Maxima Ultragreen for the leader. Once the spinner or hoochies are done I simply wrap the line around two fingers 5 rolls and then put the tag end around the coil three times so they won't come unwound. Then I toss them into the bag. Depending on the dodger and the speed I'll tie a surgeons loop at the desired length at the time I put it on the rod. All of my leaders are eventually attached by this loop. My finished hoochie leaders are generally tied at 6 to 10 inches and my spinner leaders can be anything from 12 to 18" depending on water temps, clarity, speed and dodger type. Part science and the rest is just dumb luck.

MMDON
06-20-2010, 06:18 PM
Blue/Glo, Blue/Purple, Purple/Glo, Purple/Blue:

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6754/610kokaneespinners.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/i/610kokaneespinners.jpg/)

SuperD
06-20-2010, 07:39 PM
I've been tying all my bag leaders at 18" and leaving the end untied. That gives me freedom to used the leader on anything and adjust lengths on the boat.

Don, did you get purple glow bead by dipping or buying?

MMDON
06-20-2010, 08:27 PM
The purple was dipped.

MMDON
06-21-2010, 11:04 AM
Dave, your white sparkle hoochies went out this morning. thumbsup

smokin' Kokes
06-21-2010, 03:59 PM
mmm,
great spinners with the colors and construction.
gave me some ideas of a small willow double blade in that chartruse green with same beads maybe in glow.
like the tubing on the hook shank to keep the hook straight and not flopping around
may experiment with drop back double tie hooks on 6" leader with hoochie

MMDON
06-21-2010, 11:35 PM
Glad you like them. It's fun inventing your own stuff!

smokin' Kokes
06-22-2010, 07:55 AM
even more fun catching a fish on one of my creations.
feedback that I'm still smarter than a Koke on my good days101ok101

MMDON
07-16-2010, 03:37 PM
Just returned from the Gorge! Dave was right about how much fun it is when your gear is the hot stuff! Dave's new spinners rocked their worlds as well!

Congrats Dave on your successful return with your own lures!

SuperD
07-18-2010, 10:56 AM
Don, now that we know what stuff worked, maybe we won't have to buy as much stuff. LOL!

MMDON
07-18-2010, 02:26 PM
At least our buying can be a lot more focused now! 101chromefish101

SilverBullets
07-18-2010, 03:47 PM
Don, now that we know what stuff worked, maybe we won't have to buy as much stuff. LOL!

It's great catching kokes on homemade tackle. I've made a few that should almost be outlawed! One in particular has accounted for hundreds of kokes over the years. The only problem is I like to experiment with different things and my fishing partner (Dad) mainly usees this one lure that I made and will end up most days catching his limit and mine unless I put a copy of it on my rod. One of these days I'm going to "accidently" forget those lures at home so we have an excuse to use the other 10,000 we carry on the boat!laugh hyst

Kokonuts
07-18-2010, 06:19 PM
Gary,
The rule is : You cant talk about a new/old lure and not tell us what it is!!
Especially one that catches fish!!

Sooo, What does the Super Lure " look like?

Something like a APEX?? 101idea101

How about some HINTS!! 101hearye


Kokonuts

SilverBullets
07-18-2010, 10:41 PM
Yep Richard...it's a Apex I modified. Dad and I made a pact years ago to keep the details of this one classified. I can say though with this lure it doesn't matter if it's made from the Hot Spot or Pro-Troll brand...same results with each. I know this lure works where I fish but probably couldn't catch a thing elsewhere.laugh hyst

Kokonuts
07-19-2010, 01:37 AM
Gary, Thanks for the update , I think? laugh hyst

I know how you feel , I've got some more "OLDIES" That I am keeping under wraps but so far they have done well!

And would you believe that they are similar to .....APEX! But much older! The oldtimers knew something about style!

signfishin......Kokonuts

montanafishin
08-22-2010, 02:45 PM
MMM When are you going to bring some of those new fancy lures up to Montana to try them out in the 48th parallel!!!

MMDON
08-22-2010, 03:32 PM
I'm hoping the economy keeps improving for my cabinet business. It will be nice to go back to fishing and let the guys build the boxes. 101cactus101

montanafishin
08-22-2010, 11:15 PM
Its been really hit or miss around here as well. We don't have a lot of work on the west side of the state, but our east side office is picking up. Still a rumor that I might end up in Dillion in the fall for a year. I'll let you know if I end up down there.

Nick

SuperD
08-22-2010, 11:28 PM
Its been really hit or miss around here as well. We don't have a lot of work on the west side of the state, but our east side office is picking up. Still a rumor that I might end up in Dillion in the fall for a year. I'll let you know if I end up down there.

Nick

Nick, both MMM and I have been know to hit Clark Canyon so if you end up in Dillon, you've got a great spot to fish for Rainbows and Browns.

MMDON
08-22-2010, 11:34 PM
Our business had doubled over what it was last year. If this keeps up I'll be on the fish train again. Nick, let me know if you do end up over here. We'll definitely wet a line!

Don

IdahoBrett
08-31-2010, 05:47 PM
Hey Don if you need someone to test all that out call me lol
Looks fun, but expensive.
That hookup you told me to get has worked great.
I thought about buying blanks and making a few dozen of the dodgers.
That tape on them is so cool.

DLM
09-01-2010, 10:40 AM
MMM

Excuse me if this has been addressed already, but in the picture I notice some bottles to the right of the tape rolls.

How much do these bottles play a part in your color seclection and spinner design101cheers101

SuperD
09-01-2010, 10:57 AM
David, the bottles are Spike It and Quick Dip. They are colored dyes for plastics like hootchies and grubs. They add both color and UV.

Pogue
09-01-2010, 12:18 PM
I don't think he was talking about those bottles, although the names could go on either!

DLM
09-01-2010, 12:59 PM
David, the bottles are Spike It and Quick Dip. They are colored dyes for plastics like hootchies and grubs. They add both color and UV.
Not those, the bottles on the other right.

IdahoBrett
09-01-2010, 07:54 PM
I think its for soaking the corn in.

Dang we figured out his secret wepon !

MMDON
09-02-2010, 03:54 AM
Not those, the bottles on the other right.

The secret's out now! nananana

SilverBullets
09-02-2010, 01:45 PM
I think its for soaking the corn in.

Dang we figured out his secret wepon !

Well...I'll be darn! I talked to an old geezer up at the lake years ago who said the secret was in the corn...said he soaks his in vodka. thumbsup I always thought he just liked to eat it.laugh hyst

MMDON
09-23-2010, 11:14 PM
I just purchased 5 of the Shimano "Monster" tackle binders from Hi's Tackle for all of my dodgers and flashers. Pulled out the plastic sleeves from the 3 ring clips and sectioned off gallon freezer bags into 4 individual pockets, punched the holes back for the 3 rings. Put 18 bags in each binder and started filing dodgers and flashers. What a great system! Each binder will hold 92 dodgers or about 60 cabled flashers. I'll see if I can't post some pics tomorrow!