Need Advice On Crankbait Making

[kcdinkerz]

Well I want to start making my own cranks and was wondering how well the screw in hook eyes held up compared to the wire through middle. My thought is if I go with screw type hook eyes will they hold after a few fish or will the wood get stripped pretty quick. The wire seems more solid to me but looks like a pain for someone new. Any input would be appreciated thanks.

[jesse1378]

i am new to this as well. I have been using the screw in eyes. From the videos that i have watched on youtube i believe they base it off of the type of wood they are using. when using balsa everyone has used the line through. Everything else they have used screw eyes. with the balso you dont have to cut the lure in half. watch the videos from Mikko. search solarbait on youtube. he is awesome. and has a great 2 video series on making a balsa crank with line through that you dont cut the bait in half.

[BobP]

The screw eyes work.  Not as well as thru-wire construction or hand-twisted screw eyes but OK if they are epoxied or superglued when installed.  I much prefer using soft temper .041" diameter stainless steel wire and twisting my own screw eyes, which I can make to any length desired and have more glue surface when inserted into pre-drilled holes in baits.  It's easier to install split rings on thinner diameter wire and the soft temper ss wire allows you to tune a balsa bait without cracking the finish, so it remains waterproof.

[kcdinkerz]

Thanks for the input. I'll have to try and see

[mixb7]

BobP, good concept, I will have to try that. kc if you screw the eyes in a little ways then screw them out them put a little epoxy on the threads then screw them all the way they will hold for as long as you need them. The epoxy clearcoat on the lure will help to hold them in also. This is only for freshwater though. If they are for saltwater the only way is through wire. Hope that helps.

Mike