Still amazed at what fish strike - many you can make yourself!

[senkosam]

I started out tying my own bass jigs and spinnerbaits and hair jigs and then began pouring soft plastic lures about 10 yrs. ago. What I learned from catching fish on so many different lures - even on the same outing - still amazes me today.

It's not that I'll never work large surface lures like the Spook or poppers, not cast 3/8 oz skirted jig with trailers or crankbaits, but small plastics have dominated what I use anymore - especially those I pour or modify. Maybe it's because of the variety of those lures that catch almost any fish species of all sizes. I get bored catching fish on the same lures day after day.

Pouring lures is easy. A microwave, pyrex cup and a mold are all that's needed. But still, how single-design/ size can I cast that I won't tire of. Modification is the cure! Casting both kinds of lures to see what they catch is something I'll never tire of doing. Here are a few:
This large crappie hooked itself attacking this 4" swimbait:


perch and a 2.5 lb bass hit this bright white mini-stick caught in the same water:


Never discount clear plastic lures of any kind like this clear stick crappie and sunnie:


Bright chartreuse does well any time:


When it comes to modifying soft plastic lures, all you need is a candle, a steady hand and an imagination (or copy what you see).
These are fin tails from one lure added to a segment of a plastic stick: