Craw Patterns

[Mike C]

I am just starting out and I can al;ready tell that this is going to get very addicting   Can some tell me what the best way tto make a craw stencil.  Are there any out there that are available.  Can someone give the step-by-step process to make one?  Great site and I plan on spending a lot of time here...winter will be here shortly 8-)

Mike

[whittler]

Welcome, Mike. There are a lot of things that can be used for stencils from plactic bottles, paper, vinyl sheet and the list goes on. Have a friend who just uses Dixie cups as a stencil for craw patterns and gill detail.

I personally like to use vinyl sheet for cutting stencils, just pencil on your pattern and cut it out with an exacto knife. The vinyl sheet is very flexible which will help you hold it on your bait, at least for me.

You will get a lot of other advice on what others use and it is all correct for them, you just have to experiment and see what works for you.

[Stringjam]

It's very simple - - just cut a concave shape out of any suitable material (as idlov mentioned, there's a lot of stuff you can use).

I use Frisket a lot because it's clear and I can stick it to the bait and trace a shape while it's actually on the lure.

Just take a look at some of the lures on this forum for ideas on the general shape. A lot of guys use basically a circular pattern and just keep moving it back along the lure.

You can also make a couple of different shapes for the plates.

I used two different shapes for this one. A concave "L" for the two main body plates, and then a skinny U shaped stencil to make the tail plates.

Obviously this is reverse craw - - you can make the craw face either direction....whatever your preference. Some lures look best reversed (especially shallow cranks) and others look really cool facing forward (check out bnwcrankin's posts!)

[Mike C]

Thanks guys.  I have a bunch of old lures laying around so I guess I will be doing some experimenting.  That Blue/Black ias absolutely awesome!!

I just got my airbrush...now I need to order a compressor, make my drying station and get some paints!

Mike

[wickyman]

When you get your compressor, make sure you get a filter, so that you don't get moisture into what you spray.  It will cause the paint to splatter, and mess up whatever you do.  Inline filters work wonders!  And just have fun, take your time, figure out what works best for you!

[bnwcrankin]

Dang stringjam.. Love that craw...!! 

[BobP]

I use frisket material too.  It's a clear vinyl sheet with an adhesive backing and is peel-and-stick.  It's soft enough to conform to the round sides of a bait.  Buy it at an art supply store.  I cut my stencil with an Xacto knife but then I never peel off the backing.  That way, I can flip the stencil over and use it for both sides of the bait (dry the paint on it first!), and I can also save it for use on other baits.