FishNAddict

http://aeromarineproducts.com/ has a few options. Also search on Amazon. I've seen a few there and some are prime items which would mean free shipping if you are a member.

Try using google images to search for the scientific name (Yellow Perch = Perca flavescens).

For the tails, I used one of the plastic dividers from a tackle box. It's seems durable enough but can be cut with a good pair of scissirs. To keep it symmetrical, I used a similar approach to Vodkaman. I downloaded an image of a manufactered swimbait and then printed the size I wanted and traced it with a pencil. Lots of good images of swimbaits here: http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/swimbaits.html The size of the bait is why I went with a single screw eye for each joint. I just figured using 2 would make it tough to work with. I'm sure I will play around with 2 at some point after I get better at doing this.

Agreed, it does make sense. When I put the lure into water without a weight, it immediately went sideways even with a good size treble attached. I didn't think about the effect on the rear sections though. Looks like I get to play in the bathtub some more.

Good info everyone, TY! I think I figured out my problem. When I widened the slots to add plastic washers, it increased the amount of vertical movement allowed in the rear sections. This caused the screw eyes to catch the corners of the washers I added. Yes, the washers are square because I had to make them from scraps laying around. I'll trim the corners and be more precise on the size of the slot in the future. Thanks again everyone!

One more thing: Is the plastic the right way to go as far as the friction is concerned? Is this not necessary after coating/sealing the lure?

First off: Great site!!!! It inspired me to take lure making to the next level! So on to business... I decided to try making a swimbait and my 1st attempt with playing around with this has got me stumped. The lure I'm testing with is approximately 5" and has 4 parts including the tail. Initially, the overall action was horrible due to the amount of friction between the screw eyes and the wood. This seems to be much better after widening the slot and adding some plastic washers to reduce the friction. Now, the action while swimming (constant retrieve) is awesome! The action while moving really slow or twitching is a joke. It stays curved to one side or the other unless I do a constant retrieve or a really good twitch at which point it just goes to the other side. Since it happens on both sides equally, I'm assuming it's not a balance issue but could be wrong. I have searched the site but wasn't able to find an answer. If I overlooked something already here, please just point me in the right direction. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! A couple notes on the pic: The pins are small nails used just for testing so they are visible at the top of the bait. The tape is holding a weight to help with bouyancy and balance which seem fine. To the bottom right of the tape was a small sliver of wood which got stuck to the tape during the pic taking, it wasn't there during any testing. Still a friction issue? (there is plastic above and below screw eye, above very thin and not visible in pic) Segment sizes not correct? Tail size? The tape for the weight?