RichBaits18 Posted July 14, 2020 Report Share Posted July 14, 2020 (edited) Hi everyone, bear with me as I know this was probably discussed multiple times on this forum. I have read as much as I possibly could but never really got a clear answer to my question. I have gotten fairly good at making crankbaits but am struggling with choosing the right wood for a jerkbait. I have tried poplar with very poor results. The action im looking for is a consistent wobble on a straight retrieve but also a nice crisp jerk action when ripping the bait. I also will be using a polycarbonate lip. I’m testing different ballast locations but would ultimately like a slow rise with the head slightly facing down. any suggestions are much appreciated. Jim Edited July 14, 2020 by RichBaits18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtlela Posted July 14, 2020 Report Share Posted July 14, 2020 Have you tried western red cedar? Another wood I like to carve, but may be hard for you to get is tupelo. Should get great action with that wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted July 14, 2020 Report Share Posted July 14, 2020 (edited) If strictly talking wood the basswood to me is about the ideal wood in regards to carving and bait making. Guys use all sorts of woods for various reasons. Basswood carves well, grain is not problematic, allergy friendly wood, cheap in price, readily available, finishes/paints well, not too soft, and just simply easy to use. Edited July 14, 2020 by Travis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichBaits18 Posted July 14, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2020 3 hours ago, turtlela said: Have you tried western red cedar? Another wood I like to carve, but may be hard for you to get is tupelo. Should get great action with that wood. Hmm. I was working with cedar before I switched to poplar and pine. Might have to go back to it though I should probably start wearing a mask as I have horrible allergic asthma to wood dust and anything with four legs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanny Posted July 15, 2020 Report Share Posted July 15, 2020 (edited) Here at work we buy poplar by the 10s of cubic meters and what I can tell you is poplar has a wide variation in densities, some boards can be light as a feather almost like balsa and some as heavy as oak. I use poplar for all my baits but I'm lucky enough to be able to pick and choose what I want for a specific job in mind. Atb Kanny Edited July 15, 2020 by Kanny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Epp Posted July 15, 2020 Report Share Posted July 15, 2020 I'll second the motion for cedar. I make European style jerkbaits with it, and am very happy with the results. And yes, a mask is a GREAT idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenlures Posted July 16, 2020 Report Share Posted July 16, 2020 I use White Cedar and mask when turning on lathe and sanding is a must. I like White Cedar over Red Cedar less grain to work with when sanding, If I am making a lure to mold then Maple or Bass wood is my choice. Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichBaits18 Posted July 16, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2020 All great ideas. I’ll be sure to try to pick up some cedar at my local lumber store. Here’s the start of my newest one made out of pine. If I were to duplicate this with cedar, would I need more holes for weight or is this appropriate? It’s a 3/8” forstner bit about 1/4” deep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Epp Posted July 23, 2020 Report Share Posted July 23, 2020 Looks great! I'd try the same hole first and see how it works, then add more only if needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
