jonathan creason

Thanks for all the input, guys, it is really helpful. It's funny, I can go back and look at the first knife I forged, first fly I tied, first point I knapped, etc., etc., and think "holy crap, that is ugly" for each and every one of them. I was proud of them at the time, but I was able to accumulate more knowledge and skills with each and every one turned out from there and showed improvements. I know lure building works the same way, and I'm not giving up. I've started on a couple of poppers now that I hope show some improvement. I'll go back and finish this one eventually, and I'll fish it until it's hanging from the jaw of a pig.

Thanks for the pointers guys. I got the ballast set to where the nose just barely poked out of the water. Used painter's tape to hold the lead in place while I moved it around to find the right spot. Things went downhill from there, though. I twisted some wire I had for eyes, thinking it was pretty firm stainless. Turned out to be softer wire than I had thought, because now that the eye are set I can bend them with some decent pressure. From there I tried to paint with my dad's airbrush, but couldn't get it to cooperate (likely a maintenance issue). The pin had a tiny burr on the end, we finally figured out, but even after fixing that it wouldn't spray evenly. I went to the rattle cans from there, which turned out ok considering what I was using, but I'm not 100% pleased with it. At this point I'll probably seal it up and fish it a little, hopefully catching 1 fish, and then hang it up as a reminder.

I appreciate it, Ben. It doesn't show in the pic, but I did mark the center line before I started working, and marked my eye locations with an awl based on it before I did my final sanding. I probably do need to relocate it before I start working on the ballast.

Hey guys, first post here. I've dabbled and tinkered in making my own equipment in nearly every outdoor venture I enjoy, so I figured why not try to make my own lure, too. I plan for this one to be a walk-the-dog type topwater, with a small cupped mouth to throw a little water during the retrieve. I carved it out of a poplar dowel, and am just now to the point that I can add eyes, seal, and start the ballast process. I appreciate any critiques and pointers you all may have to offer.