How to make a weedless topwater bass lure, Weedless and snag-proof bass lure

In this video I introduce you to a lure I designed a few years ago that has caught me some big lunker bass. This is a weedless and snag-proof topwater lure that will walk the dog through grass and lily pads.
www.amazon.com/shop/engineere...
lure rattles: • Lure Rattle
lure making tools Playlist: • Lure Wire Bending Tool...
Making weedless treble hooks: • Making Weedless Treble...
/ engineeredangler
pB5ReGuDlS...
/ engineered-angler-9424...
/ @engineeredangler
Affiliate product links
Affiliate product links help support the channel. As an Amazon Associate EA earns from qualifying purchases found in the links below.
Lure Parts:
Bargain Lure Eyes: amzn.to/3Hd1zVg
Spinner Wire: amzn.to/3obAtVz
Bulk Wire (I use the 174lb): amzn.to/3qk2pJx
SS Straight Wire: amzn.to/3C8CuHn
Stainless Steel:
.022in sheet: amzn.to/3F7atC5
Mold Making Silicon:
Smooth-on fast: amzn.to/3o6r2rN
Smooth-on oomoo 30: amzn.to/2ZGM4nA
Specialty resins’ mold silicon: amzn.to/3G10gXX
Casting Resin
Specialty Resins’: amzn.to/30ZheHy
Alumilite white: amzn.to/3E4jdbE
Micro Balloons Alumilite: amzn.to/3IdHj6r
UV resin:
amzn.to/3nPvvOa
amzn.to/3my4UWv
Moldable Thermoplastic: amzn.to/3AfrKrf
Glues:
Super Glue (may favorite size): amzn.to/3wrjD94
Larger size super glue: amzn.to/3mUmfJv
Super Glue accelerator: amzn.to/3EWJEQM
Spray on glue: amzn.to/302FEic
Paint Sealer, Mid-Coat:
Minwax Polycrylic: amzn.to/3oaBU6F
Floor Wax: amzn.to/3bQRgHN
Spray on Cleat Coat:
Krylon outdoor clear: amzn.to/3n2fQfv
2K Automotive Clear small batch: amzn.to/3qetApn
Clear coat 2-part resins:
Amazing quick coat: amzn.to/3d1uD4f
East coast resin: amzn.to/3jTYWNO
Good lower coast alternative: amzn.to/3H2r1fV
Chrome spray:
SpazStix: amzn.to/2ZK0zqp
Molotow: amzn.to/3jWkIRd
Looking Glass: amzn.to/31gaXXv
UV Lamps
UV LED Nail lamp amzn.to/3jVdwF2
Basic UV nail lamp amzn.to/3pTPIoP
UV Spot light: amzn.to/3mBdsvX
Terminal Tackle
Treble hooks: amzn.to/3F374UX
Size 14 snap swivel: amzn.to/3EfZpS9
Small swivel: amzn.to/3yxws2L
Willow blades: amzn.to/3F5rdd4
Airbrush:
Full setup: amzn.to/3GIIMRe
Beginner airbrush: amzn.to/3CC7gJs
Iwata Revolution: amzn.to/3bwiOlI
Iwata high performance: amzn.to/2ZCqSi6
Texture stencil: amzn.to/3kfzd2C
Fly Tying Stuff:
Excellent fly tool starter kit: amzn.to/3xEY5GL
Flu tying materials kit: amzn.to/3D1OavS
Paints:
Badger ghost tints: amzn.to/3buSFnd
Createx paint set: amzn.to/3nR9Vcl
Excellent high quality paint set: amzn.to/30bLcaL
Powder Paints:
Welch Lure colors: amzn.to/31hSmKz
Measuring tools:
Basic mini gram scale: amzn.to/3EmufsV
Larger gram scale: amzn.to/3EnZrrO
Basic digital calipers: amzn.to/3ojTQgM
Hand Tools:
Hemostat set: amzn.to/32N4nbS
Twisting pliers: amzn.to/3wd314U
Hand drill: amzn.to/3q0NWlJ
Wire bend pliers: amzn.to/3nMMm4n
Twistech wire former: www.jannsnetcraft.com/wire-fo...
Sanding sponges: amzn.to/303Myo2
Sanding Board: amzn.to/3wqr2oY
Flush cut saw: amzn.to/3ESdeXu
Coping Saw: amzn.to/3kjoLY5
Mini plier set: amzn.to/3mWIjDn
Wire cutters: amzn.to/3EWpvdr
Sanding Buffs: amzn.to/3fuZ04g
Power Tools:
Bandsaw: amzn.to/3mvGkWi
Drill bits: amzn.to/3CvHZ3H
Lathe: amzn.to/2ZHtdYW
Wen Belt sander: amzn.to/3jWqz92
Pistol grip rotary tool: amzn.to/3bRj4Mj
Light duty cordless drill: amzn.to/3C7jMjn
Benchtop drill press amzn.to/3EV8wYV
Heat Gun: amzn.to/3EbWdHL

[@EngineeredAngler]

This lure is very sensitive to weight and balance changes. Especially how far it casts and how easy it will walk. If you attempt to make one you'll have to play with where you put your rattle and your added weight if any. Also, I did not make a video of how I developed this design. It was a long time ago.

[@saeem1571]

We want to see you making soft hollow body topwater lure , mostly used to catch bass and snakeheads and these lures are completely weedless but only problem is there low Hooking ratio , so if you engineer a hollow body soft lure with higher hooking ratio it would be great 👍 ! Hollow body gives more smoothness to the lure on weeds or vegetation on the water And thanks for sharing all of these unique ideas ! 💡

[@bigt9341]

Like this build! The weedless wires are a great addition.

[@kdfbaits409]

You are VERY underrated. Brilliant lure maker and engineer in general.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Wow, thank you!

[@davidelliott8324]

Excellent design, and a positive testament to have fish hit it in cold water

[@wayned5872]

That keel design is one of a kind

[@trinidadoutdoors9284]

Another great video, I appreciate you sharing all your knowledge with us. You have definitely inspired me with each video. Thanks for all your hard work, please keep it up.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you so much.

[@TRICOTSTRICOTS]

Very unique and interesting topwater design... it obviously is very productive... thanks for sharing...keep up the great work 👍👍👍

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@pakde8002]

Sadly I doubt I'll ever see another largemouth bass but as always I learned something useful that can be applied here in Indonesia.

[@sddiymakeitworthit7512]

Beautiful workpiece 👍

[@stripermanly]

Your organizational skills makes my AADD go into overload. Nice job on that bait

[@JeffOfAllTradez]

Thanks a ton. I’ll try and share a pic of my 1st attempt. I’ve learned a ton from you. Thank u very much.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Cheers

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Looks like a good design

[@thewarpsyrhead]

Great stuff, as always!

[@fishman1347]

Very nice lure! 👍

[@q-rri-kan9811]

Great video Franco 👍👍👍 Thanks for sharing Trying to follow your steps and you help so much! Thanks 🙏

[@EngineeredAngler]

My pleasure!

[@chadchapman5303]

Just found your channel and so far love it!!!

[@EngineeredAngler]

Welcome

[@AAE-cg1il]

Although not a traditional mainstream pattern it certainly has the hallmarks of a good paint scheme. After all, it’s the end results on the water that prove out these things and it got bit. The body design itself appears well thought out for its purpose. Another great EA design….

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment. Cheers

[@JayLee-od8ob]

Wow what a beautiful design

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@asturafricain]

Good morning from Spain, Another great video, thanks a lot for sharing. This looks very nice and it must be great also in saltwater for seabass fishing when seaweed is floating around. Thanks a lot, keep it up!

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you so much 👍

[@andrewmeigel2088]

Definitely need to try and make one of these, I've lost so many lures in the lily pads.

[@maniachill3069]

Yes, THIS is what I've been looking for! Thanks Bro

[@EngineeredAngler]

Enjoy!

[@stevewaggoner8237]

Just started watching your videos a week ago pretty good content..

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you...share it with your friends; I could use the help to grow the channel 😊.

[@user-tv6zf6qv6c]

Здравствуйте. В этом году начал делать свои приманки и попал на ваш канал. Сразу подписался. Много полезной информации. Я имею высшее техническое образование и по этому мне нравится как вы делаете приманки применяя науку. На свои приманки ловить интереснее.😊. Спасибо за труд. Надеюсь перевод моего комментария будет таким же позитивным, как я написал😊

[@EngineeredAngler]

Переводчик отлично справляется с русским языком. Я рад, что вы найдете мои видео полезными. Надеюсь, вы поймаете крупную рыбу на свои приманки. Ваше здоровье.

[@user-tv6zf6qv6c]

@@EngineeredAngler Благодарю. И вам здоровья и процветания 🤝🤝🤝

[@davidelliott8324]

I'd enjoy seeing you design something like an improved, weedless Heddon Torpedo. A stubby prop bait with a sloped front keel like this one to keep it from rotating and help it over obstacles. Maybe two counter-rotating blades on the rear to help with stability and tracking.

[@ColinB89]

Nice one Franco ;) ! Would work very well in Europe too.

[@DogCatpets792]

Looks awesome! Just a suggestion, maybe get your co angler to fly a drone over the lure during the operational testing.

[@EngineeredAngler]

That's an excellent idea.

[@johngonsalvesiii8142]

Keep up the great work! Since your making top water weed less lure I have an idea for you….. They used to make a weed less Jitterbug it had fixed double upturn hook. If you could make one it would be awesome I would love to have one again I caught a lot of bass at night with these Thanks!

[@coreyflynt2540]

Very nice

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thanks

[@stevebrockway4738]

That is a very interesting design. I may have to give that a try out of wood rather than molding it. It has been below freezing here in NE Ohio and cabin fever is setting in. No ice fishing for me.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Give it a go… and stay warm. Cheers

[@pakde8002]

I actually made a lure like this when I was first starting to make my own lures, originally inspired by finding a use for trash, especially trash that washed up on the beach. My version was from a black flip-flop sandal and looked like a small mouse. Truthfully, as I got more advanced in lure making I just tossed it in my experimental lures box because I thought it looked a bit amateurish with the fixed hook but it actually worked pretty well.

[@stevebrockway4738]

@@pakde8002 I have just started playing around with lure making. I thought I was the only person to come up with a laminated wood concept for lures. Since then Franco and many other You Tubers have shown me that all of us think along the same lines about everything, not just lures. Thanks for the reply from the other side.

[@hankvana2149]

Interesting design Franco, will have to add this one to the to-do list! How do you make your rattles? Was wondering what the tube material is. I've been using thin-walled aluminum tubing (old arrow shafts) and a couple of steer BBs for mine.

[@EngineeredAngler]

I put a link in the description for the video making lure rattles. Check it out...

[@lukeprince7690]

Do a give away for the old mold

[@tenndude1]

Have u ever used magnets on ur lures?? If u have would u tell me what u used?? Lookin for the thinnest possible!! Thanks!!

[@PavelBuyevich]

Could You make a video about rattles please? Interesting to know your opinion how effective they are, how do they increase the biting.

[@EngineeredAngler]

I put a link to a video of making rattles for lures in the description. And maybe we need to do Q&A video and include that topic. Thank you for your comment. Cheers.

[@JeffOfAllTradez]

Hey! Love the videos. Question: if I’m making basswood lures, is a scroll saw or a stationary belt sander more effective in cutting down time on initial shape.

[@EngineeredAngler]

The process would normally be Cut with a saw Power sand the shape close to finish shape Hand sand to final shape and finish.

[@surfcat2051]

Is there a video of this lure build? That's a very interesting design. Is that tail treble necessary? It's quite close to the hook on the belly. Looks like it might gut hook fish.

[@EngineeredAngler]

I actually used the lure for a while without any treble. But I find that the treble hook acts as a snach-hook for those short strikes.

[@striperhunter-ic2wt]

This lure looks fantastic! It would be great at my private testing/fishing pond in the summer when weeds get tough. Any ideas where I could get anything similar? Thanks

[@EngineeredAngler]

No, I don't know of any lure like it in the stores.

[@striperhunter-ic2wt]

@@EngineeredAngler well I learned a lot from this video. Off to my little shop with 10 thumbs...lol Thanks

[@michealmedhat2575]

Can you show us how to make a self walker topwater lure please

[@EngineeredAngler]

Do you mean like this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ6wk6yjpZyZfZo

[@semihsemra8612]

👍👍👍💖💖

[@leehowell4258]

This looks like an awesome design! If you have to redo the mold would you incorporate a hook with a seedless wire on it or keep the current configuration with the mono?

[@EngineeredAngler]

The current configuration is best since the weedless gate can get bent or broken and if it were attached to the hook, you could not replace it. Thanks for the question...

[@leehowell4258]

@@EngineeredAngler good call on that! Thanks for the reply!!

[@joehall5487]

Nicely done! I am curious ....what would happen if you paint them before it has completely cured?

[@EngineeredAngler]

Fish eyes and orange peel, especially in the clear coat.

[@claudiocurti7631]

Hello !!!! I ask you a question, I have made an alamo wood lure with an acrylic paddle, the size of the lure is 12 cm by 3.5 cm high, the reel line is not on the paddle but on the lure's snout, the way is similar to rapala's super shad rap 14, and I have a problem that when I swim against the current at a good recollection speed it starts to swim in circles and appears on the surface, do you have any idea what I'm doing wrong???? Thanks !!!!!

[@EngineeredAngler]

It is difficult to say what the problem is...but it is likely that either the dive bib (you call paddle) is not perfectly straight. I would do an experiment and lower the where the line is connected. This will give the lure a bigger action and could stabilize it. Good luck and Cheers.

[@papapicman]

Franco I am curious as to how many of the bass you caught with this lure design were hooked with the fixed hook and how many just with the weedless treble. Wondering if the fixed hook is really needed.

[@EngineeredAngler]

That's a great question. Almost all the bass are hooked on the fixed hook. Only the smallest bass end up on the treble. On the video you see even that Pickerel was hooked (momentarily) with the fixed hook. Cheers.

[@i2aspire]

What would you charge to make one to sell me?

[@bobtomlinson8247]

Great video....do you have a pattern for this available?

[@EngineeredAngler]

No sorry...maybe in the future.

[@bobtomlinson8247]

Thanks for the quick reply....your channel is among the very elite in the realm of fishing lure design and creation

[@mikecross1149]

Have you tried making that bait with a soft pour rather than a hard pour?

[@EngineeredAngler]

No but it could be done. I just prefer it as a topwater lure.

[@mikecross1149]

@@EngineeredAngler It wouldnt work top water if it was soft plastic?

[@surfcat2051]

Unrelated to this video but don't know how to communicate with u otherwise. Looking for video where you demonstrate Archimedes principle. Thanks.

[@EngineeredAngler]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKOYZJuObrygjas