Fishing isn’t just a sport—it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry where anglers are always looking for effective, high-quality lures. If you love fishing and enjoy crafting, you can turn your skills into a profitable business by making and selling custom fishing lures. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing lure types to selling them to passionate anglers worldwide.
Step 1: Decide on Your Fishing Lure Type
There are many types of fishing lures, each designed for different water conditions and fish species. Choosing the right type will help you target the right market.
Here are some of the most profitable and in-demand lure types:
✔ Hard Baits (Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, and Topwater Lures) – Great for bass, pike, and muskie fishing.
✔ Soft Plastic Baits (Worms, Grubs, and Creature Baits) – Popular among bass anglers.
✔ Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits – Designed for aggressive fish like largemouth bass.
✔ Metal Jigs & Spoon Lures – Best for deep-sea and saltwater fishing.
✔ Fly Fishing Flies – Hand-tied flies for trout, salmon, and bass fishing.
💡 Tip: Research what’s popular in your area or find a niche, such as handmade bass lures or saltwater jigs.
Step 2: Gather Essential Materials & Tools
Once you decide on the type of lures you want to make, you’ll need the right tools and materials.
Basic Materials for Lure Making
🪵 Wood, Resin, or Plastic Blanks – To shape hard baits and crankbaits.
🎨 Paint & Airbrush Kits – For adding custom designs, scales, and patterns.
🪝 Hooks & Split Rings – To attach strong and durable hooks.
⚖️ Weights & Wire – Adjust buoyancy, movement, and durability.
🌟 Eyes & 3D Details – Give your lures a lifelike appearance.
🛠 Epoxy & Sealants – To protect the paint and increase durability.
💡 Tip: Invest in a high-quality airbrush system for realistic paint jobs—hand-painted details make your lures unique and more valuable.
Step 3: Designing & Crafting Your Custom Lures
A good lure is more than just attractive—it needs to mimic real prey to trigger fish to bite. Here’s how to design an effective and unique lure:
Step 3.1: Shaping the Lure
- If making wooden lures, carve them into shape using a knife or lathe.
- For plastic resin lures, use molds to create precise, consistent shapes.
- Sand the lure to make it smooth before painting.
Step 3.2: Painting & Adding Details
- Use airbrushing techniques to create natural color gradients.
- Apply stencils for realistic scale patterns and stripes.
- Add UV-reactive or glow-in-the-dark paint for night fishing lures.
Step 3.3: Assembling & Finishing the Lure
- Attach hooks, split rings, and treble hooks.
- Apply epoxy or waterproof clear coat to make the lure durable.
- Test the lure in water to ensure the right movement and weight balance.
💡 Tip: Offer custom colors and patterns so anglers can request lures tailored to their fishing style!
Step 4: Branding & Packaging Your Lures
Branding is just as important as the lure itself. Your logo, packaging, and brand story will set you apart from competitors.
How to Make Your Brand Stand Out
✅ Choose a Catchy Business Name – Something that resonates with anglers, like “Trophy Bait Co.” or “Predator Lures.”
✅ Create a Professional Logo – A clean, fishing-related design helps build brand recognition.
✅ Use High-Quality Packaging – Clear plastic boxes with custom labels give a premium feel.
✅ Take Great Product Photos – Show your lures in action by testing them in real fishing conditions.
💡 Tip: Offer limited-edition seasonal designs to keep customers engaged and coming back for more.
Step 5: Selling Your Custom Fishing Lures
Now that you have a unique, high-quality product, it’s time to find customers and make sales. Here’s where to sell:
Step 5.1: Sell Locally
🏪 Local Tackle Shops & Outdoor Stores – Approach them with samples to get your lures stocked.
🎣 Fishing Tournaments & Clubs – Sponsor local events to gain exposure.
🛍 Farmers’ Markets & Outdoor Expos – Perfect for meeting customers directly.
Step 5.2: Sell Online
🌐 Etsy, eBay, and Amazon Handmade – Great platforms for handmade lures.
📦 Your Own Website (Shopify, WooCommerce) – Control your brand and pricing.
📲 Social Media Sales (Instagram & Facebook Marketplace) – Sell directly through posts and live demos.
💡 Tip: Partner with fishing influencers to review and promote your lures to thousands of anglers.
Get the Right Tools to Start Your Custom Fishing Lure Business
Now that you’re ready to start, you’ll need the right tools and materials. Whether it’s high-quality hooks, lure blanks, airbrush kits, or epoxy sealants, starting with the right setup will help you produce premium fishing lures consistently.
🔗 Check out our collection of fishing lure crafting essentials and start designing today!
🎣 Design, test, and sell—turn your passion for fishing into a thriving business today! 🚀
