3D Printing a Fishing Lure: Part II

On Saturday morning, Matt and I discuss our original designs. We need to figure out not only how we're going to attach the hooks to the lure, but also how we're going to attach the line. I also mention an idea I've had for the lipless crank: rather than having two treble hooks on the bottom of the lure, we could have only one at the top of its back end - similar to the backstabber baits, but without the bottom hook.

So today, Matt sends me a few new sketches:

This kind of design would let me fish the lure right along the bottom without snagging too much. And, if we keep in mind how bass feed, it also puts the hook right in the fish's mouth when it strikes.

I'm not sure how feasible it is to have two hooks hanging off the back of this lure, but the concept is there (remember, he's the artist, I'm the fisherman!). Colour-wise, I think a mix of brown and white, something that imitates a round goby, would be perfect for a lure that's meant to be fished along the bottom. Plus, Lake Simcoe is full of these invasive creatures!

Matt's also been toying with a much more difficult frog design. There are a few challenges with this model. Assuming this would be a top-water bait, we have to choose a material that's heavy enough to cast far, but still floats. We also need to make sure that it has a natural action when it's retrieved - if the line is attached to the frog's head, the arms will create wake, which can either be good, if it's reeled in like a buzzbait, or bad, if it just results in a choppy, sloppy action. Alternatively, if the line is attached where the legs are, the lure may glide through the water a little bit easier, and we could attach a treble hook where the head is. This definitely isn't as easy as the lipless crank.

Stay tuned for more updates! And don't forget to check out Matt's website.

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