Creating a pattern for carving cranks?

[basscatcher8]

Hey was wondering what you crankbait carvers use to make a pattern for the profile of the bait before you carve. Ive been out all morning messing around with scrap wood and a band saw just trying to get a pattern to look right from the side before i start rounding the bait.

think im gonna play with AutoCAD some..

[BIG M]

A picture or the actual bait to start with.  I put the bait on a copy machine and get a profile shot.  The pictures I mess with in powerpoint or ms pics to resize and make changes.  I put all my templates on thin heavy cardboard, if it's a bait I really like I cut the pattern out in 1/4 poplar.

[ernel]

I start most of my new cranks on draft paper. I use a ruler, a compass, and a protracor to get started. Once the body is designed and measured, I get the lip angle for the type of lure I am trying to design. After the design is what I like, I transfer it over to something more rigid. I use cardboard, stencil material, or whatever I come across.

[basscatcher8]

is there a way to make the curves flow smoothly. My problem is the bottom throat to tail. I cannot make the  transition look right and I end up with a funny looking bait. Ill just keep playing im sure ill get it soon enough.

[BIG M]

use the curve of an existing bait and add it to your design.  That will get you in the ball park.   I will take an idea and draw it using only straight lines first and start adding the curves second.  I'll take a pic of 1 tomorrow to show you.