Swim/Crank-Bait (first baits)

homer how the heck u joint these swimbaits to stand up to musky 50 lbs or more i prefer to have all my baits through wire i like the action these swimbaits produce but are they tough and what are the joints made from and each pcs held together with

I started by splitting this bait in two and then slotting what basically looked like a "U" for the first front two joints and then pinned them together. The rear joint is held together by a slotted "T" and wire bent ("T" loop) to fit accordingly. It takes some time to get the joints correct but they are incredibly strong. Stronger than a standard .092 screw eye. I have used .092 screws then epoxied in, they too are extremely strong. From what I've read here on TU many builders use only screw eyes with no problems.