Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any special tools that I require before I start to make lures?
   
2. Can I make copies of the brand-name lures I now use?
   
3. Can Fisherman's Shack special order a lure component which I require?
   
4. Why should I make my own fishing lures?
   
5. What size spinner should I use?
   
6. When would I use .032" french blades rather than .025" French blades?
   
7. What is the advantage of using torpedo bodies?
   
8. Is there a guide to help me determine what size components I need to build a No. 3 spinner? How about a No. 5?
   
9. How are spinners built?

1. Are there any special tools that I require before I start to make lures?
   There are a number of tools used in lure making. The exact tools each budding luremaker will require will depend on the lures you wish to build. But a good starting point is a good quality pair of needle nose pliers with wire cutter and a pair of split ring pliers. More tools can be added as required.
   
   
2. Can I make copies of the brand-name lures I now use?
   Yes, you can make copies of most lures for personal use. If you will be selling your lures, you must be sure that your lure is not infringing on any valid patents or trademarks.
   
   
3. Can Fisherman's Shack special order a lure component which I require?
   Fisherman's Shack can and does special order components for our customers. Please remember that in most cases you would have to purchase the minimum quantity of the required component. The minimum is often 500 but can be as many as 10,000 pieces.
   
   
4. Why should I make my own fishing lures?
   Save money making all of your own fishing lures. When you purchase your tackle components from Fisherman's Shack, most finished lures cost only a fraction of brand-name store bought lures.
   Make lures that will get to where the fish are. Most pre-made lures are too light to sink down to where the fish are. By making your own lures you can build them to match your own fishing style and the conditions that you fish, greatly increasing the chances of hooking a fish on each cast.
   Have fun making your own homemade lures. Tackle making is great fun and is one of the best hobbies for any angler. Be creative! Design unique lures or make your own improved versions of brand name lures.
   You will catch more fish! Most anglers tell us that they catch more fish than ever before, after they started making their own lures with lure components from Fisherman's Shack.
   
   
5. What size spinner should I use?
   The size of spinner that you should use will vary with a number of factors, including the style of spinner and the current in which you are fishing. However, a major factor appears to be the size of line used. Heavier line has a larger diameter and greater resistance to movement through water, so it will require a heavier spinner to sink at the same speed as a lighter spinner on lighter line. For example we have found that with 8lb monofilament line a #3 spinner will sink at the same rate as a #5 spinner on 12lb monofilament line retrieved at the same speed.
   
   
6. When would I use .032" French blades rather than .025" French blades?
   Spinners made with .032" French blades will tend to sink faster than spinners made with .025" blades. And once a .032" blade starts to spin its retrieval speed can be decreased and it will continue spinning. .025" blades will not spin well (if at all) at these slower speeds.
   
   
7. What is the advantage of using torpedo bodies on my spinners?
   Spinners built with torpedo bodies will have less resistance to movement through water, so they will sink faster.
   
   
8. Is there a guide to help me determine what size components I need to build a No. 3 spinner? How about a No. 5?
   The chart below shows our recommendations for component sizes for spinner construction using torpedo bodies and French style blades. You may substitute your favorite body and/or blade style(s) but the appropriate size will probably differ from that given.
   
   

   Spinner	Shaft	Treble (Single) Hook	Torpedo Body	Solid Bead	EZ Spin Clevis	French Blade	Barrel Swivel
   No. 3	4x.029-in. wire	5 (1)	3/16	3/32	No. 2	3	No. 10
   No. 4	4x.029-in. wire	5 (1 or 1/0)	1/4	3/32	No. 2	4 or 5	No. 10
   No. 5	4x.029-in. wire	3 (1/0)	3/8	1/8	No. 2	4 or 5	No. 10

   
   
9. How are spinners built?
   The animation below shows the basic method by which most spinners are constructed. The wire loop at the front end of the spinner (where the swivel is attached) can be made either with pliers or with a spinner building tool.