Ever feel like the fish just aren’t biting, no matter what lure you use? You spend good money on store-bought plastics, but maybe they just don’t look quite right. Choosing the perfect Soft Plastic Lure Making Kit can feel overwhelming. There are so many colors, scents, and molds out there! It’s tough to know which kit gives you the best value and the tools you actually need to catch fish.
Stop wasting time and money on the wrong gear. This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what makes a great lure-making kit. You will learn which features matter most, whether you are a beginner or looking to upgrade your setup. By the end of this post, you will confidently pick the ideal kit to start crafting your custom, fish-attracting lures.
Top Soft Plastic Lure Making Kit Recommendations
- Fun & Easy to Learn
- Saves you Money
- Great Gift Idea for Bass Fishermen
- Fun & Easy to Learn
- Saves you Money
- Great Gift Idea for Fishermen
- Premium Soft Plastic Molds Lure Making Injection Molds Fishing Lures Starter Kit
- Please Note: Color of Molds may be different than on Photo. Two Plastic High Density Molds (Senko 5'' worm and Easy shiner 4'' shad)
- 45ml / 1.5 oz Aluminium Injector (with locking nozzle)
- 2 x 10ml bottles of Standard Liquid Colour (shartreuse)
- 1 bottle Luresol Medium 0.25L
- Locking nozzle: Safe fixation of the injector nozzle.
- Plastic handle: Сomfortable plastic handle protects your hands and makes injector operation usable.
- Volume: 45 ml (1.5 US Fluid Ounce). This volume is a perfect for small and mid size - it's light and easy to operate with. This size is recommended for baits of less than 5 inch.
- Material: Aluminum. Aluminum alloy recommended itself as a light and durable material, which is suitable for injectors.
- Rubber sealing rings. There are two rubber sealing rings to prevent plastisol from leaking as well as to create more pressure during pumping.
- Excellent Clarity
- Non Yellowing / Scorching
- No Hard Pack
- Low Oder
- 3 - CNC Machined High Density Resin Injection Molds ( 5" Worm, 3" Swim Bait, 2-1/2" Craw)
- FusionX Fishing 60 Degree Taper Stainless Steel Mold Injector
- 6 Colors of X-Cube Plastic Resin
- Instructions Included
- Mold Clamps NOT INCLUDED
- 3 - CNC Machined High Density Resin Injection Molds ( 5" Worm, 3" Swim Bait, 2-1/2" Craw)
- FusionX Fishing 60 Degree Taper Stainless Steel Mold Injector
- 6 Colors of X-Cube Plastic Resin
- Instructions Included
- Mold Clamps NOT INCLUDED
- 32 FLUID OZ - MEDIUM HARDNESS CLEAR FOR MOST LURE APPLICATIONS
- COMPATIBLE WITH COMMON PIGMENTS, GLITTER, EFFECTS
- DE-GASSED TO REDUCE AIR BUBBLES FOR ULTRA-CLARITY
- NON-YELLOWING AND NO HARD PACKING
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Soft Plastic Lure Making Kit
Making your own fishing lures is fun and lets you catch more fish! A good soft plastic lure making kit gives you everything you need to start. This guide helps you pick the best one for your fishing adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a kit, check these important features first. They make your lure-making journey easier and more successful.
1. Variety of Molds
- Mold Material: Look for molds made from strong aluminum or high-quality silicone. These last longer and give you sharp lure details.
- Lure Shapes: A good kit offers different shapes. You want worms, grubs, and maybe some creature baits. Different fish like different snacks!
- Cavity Count: How many lures can you make at once? More cavities mean less waiting time between batches.
2. Quality of Plastic Softener (Plastic Base)
The plastic itself is crucial. You need soft plastic pellets or liquid plastic. Check if the plastic is easy to melt and pour. Good plastic holds scents well.
3. Color and Additives Package
- Dye Selection: Ensure the kit includes several liquid or powder colors. Bright colors attract fish in clear water; darker colors work better in murky conditions.
- Glitter and Flake: Glitter adds flash, mimicking small baitfish scales. A variety of flake sizes is a big plus.
Important Materials in the Kit
A complete kit should supply more than just plastic. These materials ensure your lures look professional and work well in the water.
Plastic Preparation Tools
You absolutely need a way to melt the plastic safely. Look for:
- Pouring Pitchers/Pots: These must be safe for melting plastic (usually aluminum).
- Stirring Sticks: Simple wooden craft sticks often work fine for mixing colors.
- Heat Source (Often Sold Separately): Remember, most kits do not include the hot plate or heat source you use to melt the plastic.
Scent and Additives
Fish rely on smell. High-quality kits include concentrated liquid attractants. Worm oil or anise scents are popular choices. These scents make fish hold onto your lure longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all kits perform the same. Small details separate a frustrating experience from a successful one.
What Improves Quality?
High Melting Point Plastic: Plastic that requires a higher temperature often results in tougher, more durable lures that resist tearing when a fish bites. Easy-Release Molds also improve quality; lures pop out cleanly without breaking.
What Reduces Quality?
Thin, Cheap Molds: If the mold warps when hot plastic is poured in, your lures will look misshapen. Water-Based Dyes often do not mix well with oil-based soft plastic, leading to streaky, uneven colors. Always check that the dyes are compatible.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your kit. Are you a beginner or looking to mass-produce lures?
Beginner Kits
For beginners, look for kits with simple, one-piece molds and pre-measured plastic portions. These kits reduce waste and let you focus on mixing colors rather than complicated pouring techniques. A beginner kit should teach the basics quickly.
Advanced Uses
Experienced makers might want kits featuring multi-cavity molds and larger volumes of base plastic. Advanced users often experiment with adding salt to the plastic mixture to make it sink faster or feel more natural to the fish.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Soft Plastic Lure Making Kits
Q: Is making soft plastic lures dangerous?
A: You must be careful. Melting plastic releases fumes. Always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside or under a strong fan. Never let the plastic overheat.
Q: Do I need special safety gear?
A: Yes. Always wear heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses when pouring hot plastic. Protect your skin and eyes.
Q: How long does it take to make a batch of lures?
A: Melting takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Pouring and waiting for the plastic to set usually takes another 5 to 10 minutes. Total time per batch is often under 30 minutes.
Q: Can I use regular food coloring instead of specialized dyes?
A: No, do not use food coloring. It is water-based and will not mix with the oil-based soft plastic. This ruins the consistency of your lure.
Q: How long do homemade soft plastic lures last?
A: If made correctly, they last a long time. However, soft plastics can sometimes “sweat” oil over months, especially if stored in extreme heat. Store them in a cool, dark place.
Q: What is the best temperature to melt the plastic?
A: Most standard soft plastics melt between 300°F and 350°F (about 150°C to 175°C). Check your specific plastic manufacturer’s instructions, as overheating damages the plastic.
Q: Can I add salt to my plastic mix?
A: Yes! Adding table salt or Epsom salt makes the plastic denser, helping it sink faster. This is a common technique for making “floating” plastic sink.
Q: Are these kits cost-effective compared to buying store lures?
A: Absolutely. Once you buy the starter kit, the cost per lure becomes very low. You can make dozens of lures for the price of just a few store-bought ones.
Q: What if my poured lure sticks in the mold?
A: This means the plastic cooled too much before you tried to remove it, or the mold needs a release agent. Wait a few more minutes, or lightly spray the mold with a silicone-based mold release spray.
Q: Can I use these homemade lures in saltwater?
A: Yes, you can! Just ensure you use colors and scents that target saltwater species like redfish or flounder. Durability is usually high enough for saltwater use.