This is the first stage. Drawing of lure. Lure must be drawn actual size and then cut on cardboard to transfer the shape onto Balsa wood. Mark usuing fine felt pen.

Usuing the cardboard transfer the shape onto suitable thickness balsa. Two must be cut so that you will have two identical sides.

After shaping the two sides prepare the stainless steel wire to shape. I use 1mm thickness wire for all sizes of lures. The ends must be wrapped with small gauge copper wire and then soldered. Cut into the balsa wood so that the wire sits well into the two halves.

Some lures require inserting lead weights inside to increase the diving capability. Make sure to put the lead weight approximately forward of the middle point of bouyancy so when the lure is pulled it will tend to sink immediately without resurfacing.

Before gluing the two sides together hold them finger tight and see if the wire is creating a gap between the sides. If this happens remove any excess material prior to gluing.

The stabilizing plate should be temporarily fitted before starting to paint. After the first two primer coats fit the plate and hooks and test the lure in the water. If adjustments have to be made its best to do them now not when the lure is fully painted. I use aluminium plate for the stabilizer. Aluminium is easy to cut and shape and does not increase too much weight at the forward end of the lure.

Two finished lures. Painting the lures in different colours can be very imaginative. Any colours can be used. I use aerosol cans and to create the scale effect i hold the can at a distance and this creates small dots. Lures must be painted in numerous coats because balsa is soft and the paint strenghtens the wood. After the colouring is ready make sure to spray the lure with at least 6 coats of clear lacquer.