Net Man Posted February 17, 2020 Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 Looking back today it has been almost 5 years since I was last on here. Man I have missed it bad!! But recently I have been able to get back in the shop and doing some work. So today I come with a question about balsa cranks. I have built plenty of shallow divers with a through bait harness and they work great. In the last month I have been working on a medium diver with the line tie in the lip. I have learned that it is very difficult to do this as a complete through bait harness. Maybe I am making this to hard and maybe it is not a must. What are you guys thought on this? Is the through wire really required with balsa? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted February 17, 2020 Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 I don't see a significant increase in difficulty, assuming a wire slot in the lip. If you are going for two small holes, then yes, I can see a complication. Balsa density varies from model aircraft balsa with a density of 4Lb/cu ft to heavy 20Lb/cu ft. I would say that 12Lb balsa is strong enough without through harness. You need to perform some drop tests, say 2Kg from 1m or what ever, to gain confidence. Think about what force is the fish capable of imparting on the lure. Double that and test. I fish for bawal up to 12.7Lbs, a deep bodied fish and very powerful. I have to stop the fish from running through the aeration tubes running down the center of the pond or I could find myself in a world of trouble. Often my 25Lb bs line is snapped. So, a fish is capable of imparting a load 5x it's weight on a restricted run. If you are fishing open waters and can allow the fish some head, then the loads are reduced. If you fish waters with lots of cover and need to apply some force, then this needs to be factored in to your tests. Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted February 17, 2020 Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 I say no, depending on the other features you build onto the bait. I use long hand twisted ss hook hangers and a tough epoxy undercoat on balsa baits, and have never had a bass break one. Imho, thru-wiring only gets you one thing, and that’s maybe the fish that breaks your balsa bait. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted February 17, 2020 Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 (edited) Wot Bob says is good enough for me Drill depth is important. I try to have at least 1" but with smaller lures not always possible. Dave Edited February 17, 2020 by Vodkaman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Net Man Posted February 17, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2020 Here is a picture of one bait. Its not terrible doing it with two halves of wood But you have to put is all together in one step. I was just thinking that if I could get away from the harness it would be much faster. I glue the two halves together with epoxy and clamp. After it cures I sand again and coat with epoxy. Am I on the right track or is there more I need to do? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
