Jerkbait Lure Making- a how to guide on making wooden fishing lures

Please join me for this lure making step-by-step tutorial on how to make a DIY wooden jerkbait out of figured maple. Through this process, I had an awesome time working on some detailed carving for this handmade fishing lure. Made for saltwater fishing, this lure is sure to catch the eye of tuna, redfish, red drum, and speckled trout. However, it would be equally at home in freshwater for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, pike and muskie.
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[@gabifishing642]

Nice work, well done, I loved your carvings, you give me a lot of inspiration.

[@zimmtex]

Thank you, I'm glad you find it useful!

[@HHH-nv9xb]

I found that these tasks are easier while the blank is still rectangular: Drill the eye socket hole all the way through. Cut the lip slot. Drill the weight hole(s). All from the relative center / layout lines. Then I cut the blank into shape.

[@zimmtex]

Sounds like you've got a great system! Thanks for the tip and for watching!

[@dingydate]

HI Mike love the idea with your lure turner what size end caps and PVC tube are you using mate if you don't mind at the moment i am using Valcro and your idea looks a lot better, love the vids, mate. Aussie Chris.

[@zimmtex]

These are 1/2" pipe and cap. I really appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@Straight0uttaCrofton]

you lost me at triangulation j/k, but i do think that inlay was a missed opportunity for a fin of some sort / =

[@zimmtex]

You might be right! I made this particular lure for a special occasion, but perhaps on another build?

[@personsa8934]

Could you make me A video on how to draw a lure

[@zimmtex]

I'll try to focus on that a little more moving forward. Thank you for commenting!

[@joshuaschmidlin2052]

you make your lures the same way marling baits does

[@zimmtex]

I'd say he knows what he's doing! Thanks for watching!

[@juscranktackle8492]

With skill, patience, and precision 🔥🔥

[@tgmod]

nice job, What does the baking soda on top of the weight do?

[@zimmtex]

Thanks! I use baking soda and Instacure as a quick and durable patch. You could also use Bondo which is a little less toxic. Great question!

[@labtrainer09]

Hi, Mike. This one is truly LOADED with good information that will help with lure-building, regardless of a bait's design. The triangulation method for the transfer of the gill stencil and the adjustable lip-angle jig are just two examples. Moreover, your idea of increasing the buoyancy of the maple bait by adding a "slice" of balsa to a slot in its top confirms my own solution for modifying a large maple glide bait that I'm working on. (It's just too heavy.) Thanks so much for your efforts, Chris (in Maine)

[@zimmtex]

Hey Chris! I'm glad you found this information helpful. Best of luck to you with your glidebait!

[@banditva8040]

What size wire did you use.

[@zimmtex]

I used .041" wire for this one. Thanks for watching!

[@i1bike]

Do you have any video for long slim jerkbait ? They are the most fished artificial lures in europe. And they really work the best. Fast sinking with reverse single hooks. Floating for trolling and shallow laguna. Suspending for feeding freenzy. It would be amazing if you would made one with 2 holes for tying. One closer to the lip for high vibration and one closer to the forhead for low vibration.

[@zimmtex]

Thanks for your request; I have added it to my list!

[@Daryl185]

Excellent video. Your tips are outstanding as usual. The slot jig is a great idea, and I would love to see a build video.

[@zimmtex]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I've already got some refinements to make to the lip slot jig. Maybe once I get it perfected I'll make a full video about it.

[@r.s.barker9393]

I really enjoy your videos and the techniques you use to build a classy lure. I do have one suggestion: Please wear gloves when working with epoxy. Over time exposure to it can cause a buildup allergic reaction. Other than that, keep up the great work, and I'll continue to watch. Cheers!

[@zimmtex]

Thank you for watching and for the tip. I had not heard of that before.

[@dexxie77]

Nice vid again thanx only got a question if u put in the baking soda dou film it uw with super glue?

[@zimmtex]

Yes, that is correct. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@mike1261]

Triangulating the stencil's placement is clever. I will have to remember to give it a try. I have a school compass that holds a pencil which should work. Thanks!

[@zimmtex]

Thanks and good luck!

[@pontoontri-hull156]

When you cut the slot on top, I half expected you to include a through-wire since you were adding Balsa. Very nice lure!

[@zimmtex]

I thought about it! Thanks for watching!

[@JonJonsOutdoors]

Another amazing bait! I’d think a jerk bait is tough bc they are so finally tuned. Thanks for sharing jj

[@zimmtex]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@Franklinfishingflies]

That's a well designed beautifully constructed lure witb great action The carving is a nice touch

[@zimmtex]

Thank you, I appreciate your comments and support!

[@MarcosMVlures]

Good to see you again!!!! Nice lure. What color did you use for that lateral line?

[@zimmtex]

Thanks! I mixed half pearl gold and half pearl white for that.

[@stephenjohnson1221]

a couple of magnets in the lip slot jig would help hold the saw a little better.

[@zimmtex]

Good idea!

[@thehamptonsbutcher3786]

You share a lot of good tips. Thanks for the content

[@zimmtex]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you like them!

[@generjara]

what kind of glue is used??

[@zimmtex]

I use 30 minute epoxy for the lip and InstaCure for the eyes and hardware. You can find links to most of the products I use on my website: www.zimmtexlures.com/productlinks

[@bouritchristian1177]

Excellent vert good job

[@zimmtex]

Thank you!

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Very cool!

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@BOSN_BAITS]

Glad to see your back

[@zimmtex]

Thanks, I've got a cool grouper glidebait coming up next that I'm really excited about.

[@BOSN_BAITS]

@@zimmtex I have been waiting on that one since the first drawing. Then the teaser with color added.

[@BOSN_BAITS]

@@zimmtex on the cutting jig, please do a video on that. One thought on it, try recessing some rare earth magnets on both sides to hold the blade against the block.

[@BOSN_BAITS]

@@zimmtex what brand is your depth marking gauge

[@zimmtex]

Great idea!

[@lukelabonte6869]

Great stuff as always..beautiful lure..your cutting block is pure genius..would like to see a video on how you made that..cheers 🍻🎣

[@zimmtex]

Thanks, I'm always trying new things. Glad you like it!