Making a Wooden Atlantic Croaker Crankbait Fishing Lure

The idea for this fishing lure came from a trip I took not too long ago in the Gulf of Mexico. We were saltwater fishing for redfish (red drum) and speckled trout over oyster beds using live Atlantic Croaker. We caught a lot of fish with these live baits and the experience inspired me to make a wooden fishing lure. This handmade crankbait is designed to mimic small baitfish swimming over oyster beds commonly found along the gulf coast.
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[@theinvasivespecies1119]

Using the rough finger grip of the exacto knife was a great idea. That grip on the knife is called knurling

[@zimmtex]

Thanks, I didn't know what the name of that was. I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@user-jk2lu1ib1q]

Your lures are beautiful and your very generous showing people who to make them all the best God bless

[@zimmtex]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@rockysingh3972]

Incredible, absolutely incredible. Such amazing work.

[@zimmtex]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your kind words!

[@allentrevino9280]

That's one of nicest and most true to life color croaker lures I've ever seen, great job!

[@zimmtex]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rfmoe1418]

So well done with a great optical appearance. Have been using hooks on top for a while but also never really trusted the eyebolts or whatever is attached to the lips directly. So, for safety reasons I have been using a short linking piece of line between the clip that connects the main line with the bait and the hook eye. That doesn't disturb to much but holds a fish in case the connection between lip and bait comes loose. You can also hold the hook in place at the top with small rubber bands but that's of course not in the least as beautiful as your solution with the magnets. I love it!!!!

[@zimmtex]

I was originally going to make this a thru-line which might have worked as well. Keep up the good work. I appreciate your comments and thank you for watching!

[@waterdoglures1352]

I like the idea of having the hooks on top. Great idea! Excellent video!

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@ozenfant_ozn]

looks great and the action is top notch! 10/10!

[@zimmtex]

Hey, I appreciate it!

[@fishingshallowminded8600]

that looks excellent i like the hook on the top of the lures back

[@zimmtex]

Right on, thanks!

[@wayned5872]

A fine looking working lure, very nice job

[@zimmtex]

Thanks Wayne, I appreciate it!

[@richardlewin9282]

Nice job , good action to the lure 👍🐟👍

[@zimmtex]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@cbagg6]

Lure turned out nice and has a good action 👍🏻

[@zimmtex]

Thanks, I am happy with it!

[@jimscoggins1526]

You make it look so easy. Thanks for the video, subscribed

[@zimmtex]

Welcome to the channel!

[@barrettbryan8905]

Another great job my friend! Thanks for the video!

[@zimmtex]

Thank you for watching!

[@terrywade7346]

Amazing. Great work

[@zimmtex]

Thanks Terry, I appreciate it!

[@alancastellon9225]

Iove this one! Would love to see this in a pinfish pattern! That color would do some damage in Florida !

[@zimmtex]

Thanks! I've got a 3 piece Bluegill Swimbait that would look cool painted as a pinfish. I may have to give that a try one of these days. I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@KarelRode]

Nice work with the stencil. Now for the success with the lure on the water.

[@zimmtex]

Yes, I am really excited to see how it does! Thanks ror watching!

[@john20pb]

Awesome video. The grip on the exacto knife is called "knurling" just for future reference.

[@zimmtex]

Thanks! You wouldn't believe how often the names of things escape me when I'm recording. I appreciate you watching!

[@DCJiuJitsuGeelong]

Great tip with the foil thanx

[@zimmtex]

I'm glad you found it interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@rezanorikia837]

It was amazing👍👍👍

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@andyprest]

Ahh brilliant buddy you remembered the weigh test 👍👍 that's an interesting result & I guess should be taken into account when adding lead for a certain sink rate? Your lure turned out spot on really liked the hook configuration! Keep the vids coming 👍👍

[@zimmtex]

Thanks for your support!

[@pescamortalmidwest3874]

Thats an awesome lure, would like to see it catch a fish, great job

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@j.ciscaartificialartesanal]

Ficou show de bola esta isca artificial artesanal ficou muito bem feita

[@zimmtex]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@zzz7zzz9]

So smart, to use the lead in the belly, to also secure the tow point.

[@zimmtex]

Thanks for watching!

[@matyasabkarovits]

U should do a topwater lure that has a similar "lip" like the 'riser bait'. I saw some vids about that lure and it has some crazy action. Keep it up!

[@zimmtex]

I'll check it out, thanks for your support!

[@tezcan.yavuz38]

Thanks you

[@zimmtex]

My pleasure, glad you are here!

[@lureup9973]

Very nice!

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@kolbiebordelon3888]

Very nice man

[@zimmtex]

Thank you very much!

[@randymcgee9176]

Very nice Bait

[@zimmtex]

Thanks Randy!

[@rawson74]

Cool design and build... wondering if you have ever tried polishing the Lexan with mini torch after sanding ? It’s a technique my father taught me from his time working in special effects for the movie industry. It’s quick and super clear.

[@zimmtex]

I haven't heard of that before today, but I am definately interested in trying it. Thanks for the tip!

[@stripermanly]

I like this idea. Bait came out very nice. Couple things I may add to this bait. Slightly more weight for a slower rise and maybe add some transparent blue or purple pearl highlight powder to your last epoxy coat to give it that sheen you see with croakers. Well done

[@zimmtex]

Thanks! These are some great ideas, I appreciate it!

[@tpbbuzzelli1327]

A real beauty

[@zimmtex]

I appreciate it!

[@goovaerg]

Nice one again. You should make your own eyes. I do it. It really adds something special to your lures. Keep up the good work

[@zimmtex]

I will look into that, thanks for the suggestion and for watching!

[@dimitriosstefanis9396]

Thank you for sharing! Very nice work! I learned so much information and details .Just subscribed! I apreciate It a lot Wishing the BEST. Greetings from Mayorca Spain.

[@zimmtex]

Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@weekender38]

Killer job on the croaker.

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@zemi23.]

Gooood job👍

[@zimmtex]

Thank you!

[@wagnersantana_]

Great lure. I think that you'll catch a lot of fishes. See you!

[@zimmtex]

Thank you very much; I can't wait to see how the do!

[@albertoalonso2644]

Hace poco que le sigo y es mi ídolo. ¿ 😃😁 . Es un artista ..... mi objetivo llegar ha hacer uno como los suyos 👌👍

[@zimmtex]

Thank you for watching!

[@jarodbrenneman8661]

That is really COOL tank you man:-)😎

[@zimmtex]

Thank YOU!

[@raghubirjsudan8865]

Hi buddy Prefect action as you planned, superb 👍 Rss

[@zimmtex]

Thanks for your support!

[@JohnJonelis]

As an artist, I appreciate your drawing skills combined with your straightforward, honest presentation.

[@zimmtex]

Thanks John! I really appreciate your support!

[@julioctaboada]

Great content. I hope you get all the subscribers that you deserve.

[@zimmtex]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@dmac7530]

I'd say you hit the nail on the head for what you were going for.

[@zimmtex]

I am very happy with the way it turned out, thanks for watching!

[@johnnorris1227]

Lure came out great definitely realistic for a croaker and the hook idea was pretty ingenious. I just wonder how well that lip and line tie would hold up on a decent size redfish. I was thinking maybe should have drilled that hole for the lead a hair deeper so you could of bent a slight L on the end of each of 2 pieces of tie wire which would create a much stronger hold especially with the lead pored around it. Also oyster bars are pretty rough not sure how well that lexan is gonna do if your truly bouncing it off bottom maybe a metal lip would have been more suitable.

[@zimmtex]

Thanks for your input John! This is kind of a prototype for me. I'm sure it will get some refining after real world testing. I appreciate your comments!

[@kashmirheaven8082]

Super 👍

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@ssidskiy]

1:06 ❤ ,👍👏👏вы делаете очень интересные воблеры. . Смотря на вас я тоже начал делать. Но пока не очень получается. Видно нужно начинать с копий. Жалко что у вас нет схем и чертежей.

[@zimmtex]

Thank you for your kind words. Many have asked about patterns, but unfortunately I am struggling to find enough time to even make videos. I appreciate your interest and wish you the best.

[@pmm422]

Great looking lure and really cool design! Please when carving get a vertical surface covered with padding so you can push your baits against that while carving, rather than carving directly towards your self. I now you have a lot of control with the carving tools I've carved a bit my self. However you have great control until you don't and then you are extracting the tool from your extremities.

[@zimmtex]

You are right, bad habits die hard don't they! Thanks for the reminder, and thanks for watching!

[@pmm422]

@@zimmtex Just finished watching the video, that is a super nice action I love the top mounted hook and the "reverse out of trouble" feature! Very nicely done!

[@zimmtex]

@@pmm422 I appreciate your support!

[@reynaldobalisi9008]

Watching lng po bro ,Fish-on. ,,,,,,

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@yekau19]

Sempurna

[@zimmtex]

Thank you!

[@schweinerzz]

like reali wel

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@morenoflamenco8025]

Que madera usas?..eres un artista

[@zimmtex]

Thank you! I use poplar.

[@user-qz2cc7jz9v]

Hi great lure could you share the size of the magnets width and the size of the double hook thanks

[@zimmtex]

Thank you! The magnets are 3x2mm and the double hooks are 2#. I appreciate you watching!

[@danomite359]

Love the thinking. Curious if the lip has been fine?

[@zimmtex]

I made this one for family, but as far as I know its holding up. Thanks for watching!

[@magcolor]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@MarcosMVlures]

GREAT, AGAIN!!! What wood did you use?

[@zimmtex]

I used poplar for this one. Thanks for your support!

[@dimonrydik5808]

Здравствуйте. Прекрасный и познавательный канал, жду с радостью новых встреч.

[@zimmtex]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@insomniahobbies]

You should look into some needle files instead of folding over sandpaper for that lip channel.

[@zimmtex]

I actually have some, not sure why I didn't use them. Someone mentioned using disposable fingernail files too. Thanks for watching!

[@insomniahobbies]

@@zimmtex Aye, nail files. I use those for my models cars.....don't know why they didn't come up with my thinkings.

[@stephenjohnson1221]

you can flame polish lexan.

[@zimmtex]

Ooooh, that's intriguing! I'ma hafta try that! Thanks for the idea!

[@user-qz2cc7jz9v]

# ? The hook is the number 2 or two zeros thanks

[@gofishingandtraveltv6716]

🎉🎣🐟🐟🐟Today, January 26, world day of sport fishermen, Happy day to all friends😃🤘🎣🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@zimmtex]

I did not know that, thanks for sharing!

[@goovaerg]

What kind of wood do you use for your projects?

[@zimmtex]

I really like working with poplar & basswood, but if I need a lot of bouancy, I will use balsa.

[@toph2o676]

Nice work but I just have one question, with the way you set the wire for the line tie. I can see how that would cause many problems with the lure in running straight in the water along with tuning the lure. When used in a real application. Swimming pools are the best way to test but with snow that might be hard. In 30 years making crankbaits never ever seen that one.

[@wyattcollins957]

This is the standard way for a deep diver line tie, it works quite well

[@zimmtex]

We'll see how this prototype does. I'm thinking it may possibly need a thicker lip. Now that you mention it, I do need a full sized swimming pool! Thanks for watching!

[@toph2o676]

@@wyattcollins957 Man you are so wrong that isn't the way you bring a line tie through the lip there is not a single bait on the market or made by lure makers that do that and for reasons. Take a closer look bro. Whats going to happen is on a long cast the bait will spin to the surface because line tie is perpendicular to the bait no direct pull. How can you tune the bait? I'm sure this young man will figure that out.

[@wyattcollins957]

@@toph2o676 Okay I see what you mean now with the sideways loop.

[@joshuaolson2968]

Just like Marling Baits and Solar Baits

[@zimmtex]

Thanks, I'm honored to be in such great company!

[@ou1dadgumit]

Im going to read the other comments, but what is the purpose of the baking soda?

[@zimmtex]

It acts as a sandable filler. A dot of superglue locks it into place. You could also use bondo or some other wood putty.

[@emmanuelbozier7234]

Hello the artist. I watch all your videos, although I do not speak your language; for my part I make my lures with scraps of expanded pvc. I wanted to ask you what kind of wood you were using? I am fifty years old, I live in France on the Breton coast "last toilet before America" ​​I hope that the google translation will be clear. do well, and again bravo for your work. emmanel.

[@zimmtex]

Hello Emanuel, I am glad to have you here on my channel. I used poplar for this lure. Good luck with your lure making and thanks for watching!

[@GHuber-xh5vv]

So far I haven't seen a video of anyone using old CD's in lure making. For example for pectoral fins or tail fins. The CD's can be separated into layers in very hot water. Would that be worth a try for you?

[@zimmtex]

Hmm, that sounds pretty interesting. I have a lure on the list that this would be perfect for. I do have several in line ahead of this one, but stay tuned! Thanks for watching and for your suggestion.

[@GHuber-xh5vv]

@@zimmtex That pleases me.

[@GHuber-xh5vv]

An egineer took up the idea and presented on May 7th a video with a blade jig made from CD's.

[@barrettbryan8905]

Hey, It's saying "could not find this page" for the link to the rotary tool. Can you please let me know what the name is of it or what it might be called? It looks really handy Thanks!

[@zimmtex]

I actually have two, an old Dremel which they apparently don't make anymore, and a Thumb portable micro motor. The Thumb is the one I used in this video. I got it from Treeline. Thanks for your interest!

[@barrettbryan8905]

@@zimmtex awesome, thank you for the info. I was thinking about the Thumb. I’ve looked at micro motors before but they’ve all been so dang expensive and thought about even making one myself.

[@zimmtex]

@@barrettbryan8905 I do like how convenient and easy to use it is.

[@Alessandro-nr4tt]

🤩🤩👏👏👏

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@ericmarroquin9800]

Just a thought how about a mermaid lure.

[@zimmtex]

I do keep a list of ideas; I will add this to it. Thanks for your support!

[@Quansvideos]

Can you make some more of these and sell them please!!!???

[@zimmtex]

I am glad you like them! Unfortunately I do not currently sell lures, but I will definitely let you know if that changes. Thank you for your interest and support!

[@Quansvideos]

@@zimmtex dang it but still a nice lure!

[@minkyutekken]

💯💯💯💯💯👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@user-fm8do1cn2c]

👍👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🐠❤️❤️

[@zimmtex]

Thanks!

[@Mjones8383]

Cutting towards the thumb is a big big no no

[@tonetrain]

Just wanted to mention that your bandsaw use and how close your fingers get to the blade scares me. Enjoy the videos, otherwise.

[@zimmtex]

Its funny you mention that because I thought it looked a little close when editing. I do have a healthy fear of that saw and am very careful with it. I think the camera angle makes it look closer than it actually is. Nonetheless, safety is very important to me. Thank you for watching!

[@mirsadmemic5863]

What happens if lips are not straight. Ha, what about that

[@zimmtex]

If it's a little bit off, I don't think it makes a big difference, but if it's a lot off it will cause the lure to swim to one side.

[@giovanitomazela8051]

What is the thickness of this aluminum tape?

[@zimmtex]

The package says 1.5 mil.