3D Printing a Fishing Lure: Part I
So the time has come to design a lure. Unfortunately, I have ZERO artistic ability, and have no idea how 3D printers work. Luckily, my good friend Matt Zyla is a graphic designer – check out his LinkedIn hereand his website here – and I know a thing or two about fishing.
So how did this idea come about? Glad you asked. You see, one hot summer day, Matt and I are sitting on the dock at my cottage, enjoying a few cold beverages: Old Milwaukee for me, iced tea for Matt, the teetotaler. After sitting quietly for many hours, we get to talking:
“You know, bud,” I say, “I wish I could make my own fishing lure. Fly fishermen do it all the time, why should bass guys be any different?”
“Well, Gregory, if that is your real name,” responds Matthew, “I'm a wizard, and can make your wildest dreams come true.”
We sit in complete silence for another few hours as I work on my farmer tan. Finally, Matt explains to me the basics of 3D printing – all of which I’ve since forgotten. Then for a while, nothing happens.
But a few days ago, we start tossing the idea around again. Matt asks me what kind of lure we should make. I tell him that a lipless crankbait could work well – it’s the simplest of the hard baits, and of the crankbaits in particular, because, well, it has no lip. So today, Matt sends me a few designs. I'm amazed! They look great, and we're finally making some progress.
There are a few challenges ahead of us:
But a few days ago, we start tossing the idea around again. Matt asks me what kind of lure we should make. I tell him that a lipless crankbait could work well – it’s the simplest of the hard baits, and of the crankbaits in particular, because, well, it has no lip. So today, Matt sends me a few designs. I'm amazed! They look great, and we're finally making some progress.
There are a few challenges ahead of us:
- What's the best colour for the prototype(s)? The lakes around me in Huntsville are very turbid, but I also often fish the clear waters of Lake Simcoe. Studying forage will help us make an informed decision – that part’s on me. And what kind of paint should be used? Matt’s better suited to answer that question.
- How do we get the right action? Lipless crankbaits usually wobble and create vibrations as they’re retrieved. We have to make sure our design does the same.
- Does the 3D printing material float or sink? If it floats, maybe we’re better off making a top-water lure, like a popper. Or we could stick to the lipless crankbait design, but find a way to make it heavier.
Our goal is to have a prototype ready for open-water season. Stay tuned for updates!
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