Make your own soft plastic lure components by recycling old baits.
Soft plastic lures are widely used for attracting and catching both fresh and saltwater game fish species. A variety of soft plastic imitations including worms, crayfish, toads, grubs, crabs and sand fleas can be purchased from various retail outlets. However, soft plastic bait components can be made at home with a few basic supplies. Making your own plastics allows for customization based on fishing conditions and personal preference.
Instructions
1. Place the soft plastic molds on a heat resistant work surface. Position the molds, when using more than one, so that they are conveniently located to minimize the amount of time necessary to pour melted plastic.
2. Place old soft plastic lures in a glass measuring cup. Choose a measuring cup that will hold at least 4 cups. Add old lures that are the same color or mix colors to create new soft plastic colors.
3. Place the glass measuring cup with the soft plastics in a microwave oven. Heat the soft plastic until melted. As a rule of thumb, begin with heating the soft plastics 3 1/2 minutes and add time as needed.
4. Remove the glass measuring cup with melted plastic and pour into the lure molds. Fill the molds for a rounded lure component but do not allow it to overflow.
5. Leave the soft plastic components to cool for up to 15 minutes. Turn the plastic lure component out onto wax paper to completely cool. Trim the lure components with scissors if necessary to remove excess material.
