DIY Swimbait

[bing!]

I started making a trout imitating plug....

pattern on block

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/bing123/IMGP5778.jpg

thru wire canal cut into block

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/bing123/IMGP5780.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/bing123/IMGP5779.jpg

pattern cut out

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/bing123/IMGP5781.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/bing123/IMGP5782.jpg

After carving and sanding....

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/bing123/IMGP5783.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/bing123/IMGP5785.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/bing123/IMGP5784.jpg

[bsp]

Looks good so far! Any details on what it'll be when it's finished (like sinker, wake bait, billed, # of joints, wood, resin, soft plastic, etc)?

[bing!]

Its going to be a slow sink jointed swimbait.

I'm thinking 2 joints with stabilizer fins for the front.

/bing

[bsp]

That's a solid plan. I personally am a wake bait guy, but slow sink baits are a lot more versatile. I like seeing garage baits made since I have no aptitude for myself. One day maybe, but I'd massacre the wood trying to get it to look right. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

[bing!]

I milled out 0.10 oz of lead trying to tweak for a 2-3 second foot drop. Thanks for the input Eric!

http://www.bloodydecks.com/gallery/files/8/9/2/8/imgp5804.jpg
http://www.bloodydecks.com/gallery/files/8/9/2/8/imgp5805.jpg

Then I finished it off with the bottom fins. Voila!

http://www.bloodydecks.com/gallery/files/8/9/2/8/imgp5802.jpg

Initial tests indicate that my hinges needed more movement. I was angling (pun intended) for a subtle swim. I was way too conservative. I have since opened up the hinges and am waiting to do more tests. What I did learn is the my sink rate is good to go. And that the ballast allows the plug to run true.

Here is the preliminary test for your viewing pleasure :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6YqVxh2XTA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmK5o0aFrfM

[bing!]

after minor hinge tuning....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSPhimZRBJU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmTIPmIwHEc

does it swim ok now?

[GeordyBass]

Nice swimming action!