Northwest Fishing Reports

I thought I would try my hand at building a few of my own muskie lures. What do you all think?



Just made this Suick style jerk. The Suick pictured above is 7".... This one comes in about 10". Made this one out of Oak, so it is heavier. Hopefully it will stay just under the surface. May have to add a small amount of weight to float it even. Not sure what color I will paint it yet, maybe like a Northern Pike-minnow.



Overall it weights in at just under 2 ounces. It's about 10" overall length.

Very cool. How did you get the treble hooks into the body like that?

A lot of trouble, and a stuck finger! I cut a slot on the bottom side and pushed the top in from the bottom. Then I pulled the material up over each individual hook. It would be nice if I poured my own, then I could incorporate the hooks in the mold. I'll see if the lure pays off before I try molding my own. It was tougher tying the stinger hook than it was getting the hooks in the body.

Well done Doug! So if this is your second lure what does the first one look like?

I didn't take a picture, but it has 2 french blades, not together like this one. Then an orange dressed treble off the back. I made a third tonight also, that has a single french blade, with the minnow off the back and a single treble. I can't wait to put them in the water and see how they look. We'll see! Maybe they will even catch me a fish or two!

Nice job Doug! Know it was fun.

It is pretty hard and takes creativity to get a spinner up to the two ounce range. Well done.

Really nice job on stringing that big minnow. No argument from me that Stingers 'are' a pain in the thumb.

I've never fished for Muskie, but that looks sweet nonetheless. How does it look in the water?

BentRod, I still have to try it in the water. My only fear is that the minnow doesn't run true, but maybe it won't make any difference. If it doesn't, I could possibly add a slight amount of lead to the bottom of it.....

dougw wrote:BentRod, I still have to try it in the water. My only fear is that the minnow doesn't run true, but maybe it won't make any difference. If it doesn't, I could possibly add a slight amount of lead to the bottom of it.....

Yeah, I can see how that might be a problem. Based on the minnow body, I can see it just spinning or operating upside down. Normally those bodies are run on a jig head to keep them upright, right (or maybe that is for smaller softbaits)? An additional swivel between the tail of the spinner and the hoook might help too. However, I'm getting a little out of my league here seeming as I haven't built many spinners. Well, only one way to find out if it works....give'er a toss.

Hey Doug,

That is a great idea for a Swimbait, see it takes people like yourself to think outside the box to make lure making go into a completely opposite direction. I would love to see how it runs!!! Good Luck this coming spring, hope to see you over at the March Pike Tourney with Good Ole USS Pend Oreille. Have a good one.

Nate

Nothing wrong with the wounded baitfish look. Those big Colorado's ought to move nice and slow while the minnow does its dance. Hopefully the black nickeled one learns how to follow!

fishcreekspinners, I actually put them so it would be random. The hope was that they would make a little more clanking as they spin. The clevises are intertwined.

Natebg1, I will be there at the POR with the SS Pend OReille! Have some improvements to the old girl for this year!

Good Deal Doug!!! I can't wait to get back over to the beautiful Pend Oreille, it really is one of a kind when it comes to Pike fishing!!! So what are the odds for who it taking it all home this time? I will just be thrilled to have a chance to fish with and against some great folks!!! Keep the posts coming, I really enjoy getting time to communicate back and forth about how things are progressing thru both Chapters. Are any of you guys planning on coming West for any of the tourney's this year? It would be great if you brought the good ole SS Pend Oreille over and showed some fisherman what old school is all about. I can certainly appreciate it, your boat is very similar to one of the first boats I fished out of with my Grandfather and learned some of my greatest attributes in fishing. My Grandfather use to tell me that if you can't catch fish in this boat then you don't belong out on the water with a Rod and Reel. Of course thru the years he moved up to a boat similar to mine and decided it was nice to have a little comfort and storage, but he always reminds me where we started as kids!!! I am hoping that maybe my Grandpa can make it over this summer to maybe fish the Pend Oreille if things work out. He really is looking forward to it, that much I know. Look forward to seeing you all soon.

Nate

Added a Suick style jerk bail. Looking at painting it like a northern pikeminnow.

Looks great Doug! Ever carve any fish decoys?

Actually, my next attempt will be at a style of lure I have yet to see anyone make. After I make it and test it, I may have to sell it! I think I have a great idea for one anyway. We'll see how it pans out.... Needless to say, I probably won't post that one here anytime too soon!