Off Topic But Related Project.

[Kasilofchrisn]

I have never made a wooden bait. Really not my thing. Mostly I make lead jigs and hang out in the wire baits forum.

I found a project the other day that I figured you guys could help me with.

I found somebody selling these on Ebay for a rediculous price as antiques and I figured I could make my own for actual use.

 

I like to duck hunt and occasionally jujmp shoot some deeper ponds etc. I normallly use a regular fishing lure for duck retrival As I don't own a bird dog. I was thinking these might work better and get snagged less if I miss on my cast or cast into heavy weeds etc.Also if the area I am hunting is closed to fishing these are obviously not a fishing lure.

Do you think I could just use some cheap basswood from the hobby store to make a couple of these out of?

Whats the best way to seal them for cheap as I only need to make a couple of them and don't want to end up with a lot of extra sealer lying around? I guess a small can of Minwax or other polyurethane might work?

What about lead weight do you think I will need to add some to get it to sit upright properly or would the weight of the wire be enough? Guess that would be easy to test and remedy as I already have lots of lead and supplies on that end.

Any tips and/or advice would be appreciated .Thanks,

Chris

[littleriver]

Chris, that is a pretty nifty retriever. How much do they want for it on ebay? 

 

First , No such thing as cheap basswood from my experience. You could make this from a variety of timber. If your wanting cheap, I suggest you use a scrap piece of pine 2x4. But anything you can get free and work into the shape would do .  I would avoid balsa or oak for this job. Balsa too light and oak too hard. You want something like basswood but your going to pay for it. A scrap piece of pine can be had for nothing . Stay away from pressure treated lumber though . Bad for your health. 

 

Once you have the wood selected and shaped, it may be water sealed using this 

 

http://www.dollargeneral.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11787193&CAWELAID=1000264234&cagpspn=pla&KPID=P11787193

 

 It may be squeezed directly from the tube to the lure sealing  half the retriever at a time. 

 

I would install wire and line tie now to see how your retriever sits in water. You may have to modify position of wire to get it to sit the way you want but I believe the wire should be sufficient weight if properly placed. Once you know where you want the wire hook installed and line tie. Installation is simple as drilling holes and filling with devcon to glue in place  .( last link provided) 

 

Now your ready for paint here is a cheap solution 

 

http://www.dollartree.com/household/arts-and-crafts/painting/Crafter-rsquo-s-Square-6-Color-Paint-Pallets/500c565c866p336948/index.pro?method=search

 

I would paint a bright color (pink or yellow) . Once your through painting hang onto the paint brush you'll need it for the nest step. 

 

Finally for the finish I suggest this product . 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Devcon-Purpose-Strength-Syringe-Minutes/dp/B0006O8QQ0

 

I suggest you use this because it is cheap enough, doesn't require special equipment and is readily available at many hardware stores like ace or true value. Apply the product with the same brush you did the painting with . You'll need to rotate or flip the duck retriever a few times during the drying process to prevent it all from running to one end. The good news this product sets up in 30 minuetes. 

 

I think that about covers it . Any question?

Edited September 8, 2013 by littleriver

[mark poulson]

You can use regular fir 2X4 for lumber, as long as it's dried out a little, and paint it with rattle can paints.  If you find a cut off that's been sitting around for while it will work.

Since it's decoy retriever, cosmetics are probably not an issue.

If it needs a touchup after a trip, let it dry out for a couple of days, and repaint.  It takes a while for a piece of fir to become so waterlogged that it sinks.

I hung one of my first topwater Punker knockoffs, made from fir, on a buoy rope while fishing from shore when the lake was closed for launching.  I came back the next week, launched my boat, and retrieved the lure.  The rattle can finish over a dipped wood sealer from the lumber yard was undamaged.

An older method of waterproofing was to soak the wood in boiled linseed oil first, let it dry for a couple of weeks, and then paint it with oil based paints.  That method still works.

Edited September 8, 2013 by mark poulson

[nedyarb]

On eBay they want 600$ for a set of six! Must be a collectors item.

[Kasilofchrisn]

Thanks for all the tips guys.

Yes they wanted $600 for a case of 6 of them. Way to rich for my blood. especially when I want to use them not display them.

I think I will start with some scrap 2X4 lumber and see where it goes.

If it works out I could always build a better quality one later.

I will use some bright paint to make it easier to see probably from a rattle can.

Guess I have some work to do.

Hopefully next week I get to test it out on some dead ducks.

[littleriver]

Chris

 

Please write back and tell us how it turns out. I have a few friends who duck hunt and I may make a few for gifts depending on your feedback. 

 

Good luck!

Edited September 8, 2013 by littleriver

[Kasilofchrisn]

I have a prototype built and the wire in it with a coating of CA glue.

It was kinda nice in that the wire holds it up so I could coat the whole thing at once then stick into a cardboard box to dry.

I am not too concerned about the first one looking too pretty as it is really just a proof of concept and If I like it I'll make a couple more a bit nicer later.

I think It will require some lead in the bottom but when the CA dries I'll have a better idea on that.

[Griffond]

I'm curious if you shaped the hook the same or just went with a simple curve on this?

[Kasilofchrisn]

I'm curious if you shaped the hook the same or just went with a simple curve on this?

I made my hook just like the original. I used 70S2 Tig wire to make the hook with.

I painted mine rattle can red as that's what was on hand.

The next one I make will be a bit smaller.

I haven't needed it yet this season so haven't tested it yet.

The rounded top and the weight of the wire makes it naturally want to float hook down. No additional weight is needed.

I did lose a widgeon yesterday to a bald eagle as I couldn't get to it fast enough with the boat.

I will have to watch for Hawks and Eagles when using it that's for sure.

Had a Hawk circling today as I was picking up my decoys. Fortunately I had my 3 ducks I had shot under my decoy bag. I think he thought some of my decoys piled on the shore were dead ducks and he could steal one.

When I get a chance I'll take a picture of the one I made.

Edited September 18, 2013 by Kasilofchrisn