I used Red Cedar at one time but the grain drove me nuts, I see you are in WI I am in the northeast part. I did purchase my wood from Menards, but now when I use wood I buy from local saw mill White Cedar better for lures and less grain problems. I now make mine out of plastic, more consistent from lure to lure. With cedar I did not worry about sealing just a good primer. I will be at the Musky show next week.
If you go stop by at the Raven Lures Booth.
Wayne