Ever felt that frustrating moment when your favorite lure just isn’t catching fish? You watch other anglers land big ones, and you wonder what their secret is. Maybe it’s the color, the shape, or just the way it moves in the water. The truth is, sometimes the perfect lure just doesn’t exist on the store shelf.
That’s where making your own soft plastic lures comes in! But when you start looking for a Soft Plastic Lure Making Kit, the choices can feel overwhelming. Should you pick the one with the most colors? The cheapest one? It’s tough to know which kit gives you the best value and the best results without wasting money on supplies you won’t use. You want quality plastic that lasts and colors that truly attract fish.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what makes a great soft plastic lure making kit. You will learn which components matter most, how to avoid common beginner mistakes, and how to choose a set that fits your fishing style perfectly. Get ready to stop guessing and start creating your own fish-catching magic!
Top Soft Plastic Lure Making Kit Recommendations
- 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
- Fun & Easy to Learn
- Saves you Money
- Great Gift Idea for Bass Fishermen
- JUST HEAT AND POUR INTO YOUR FAVORITE LURE MOLD
- OVER 1 PINT (0.5L) of Resin - SAMPLE PACKS CONTAIN 6 (2.8 Fl Oz.) PACKS OF COLOR CUBES
- CONTAINS 1 Pack Each: Ghost Shad, Chart Pearl Blue, Boiled Craw, Green Pumpkin, Milky Craw, Charcoal Shad
- ALL Xcube ARE SCENT AND FLAVOR ENHANCED
- No Messy Liquids to Measure, Mix, and Pour
- Plastic handle: Сomfortable plastic handle protects your hands and makes injector operation usable.
- Locking nozzle: Safe fixation of the injector nozzle.
- Injection port: 5/8" injection. This diameter has become a standard over the years for soft plastic bait injectors. It's an optimal size to create targeted pressurized plastisol flow.
- Volume: 45 ml (1.52 US fl oz). This volume is the perfect balance of convenience and versatility for working with small, medium and multi-mix molds. Light and easy to use for beginners and professionals.
- Material: Aluminum. Aluminum alloy injector for plastisol (liquid plastic) recommended itself as a light and durable material, which is suitable for injectors.
- JUST HEAT AND POUR INTO YOUR FAVORITE LURE MOLD
- OVER 1 PINT (0.5L) of Resin - SAMPLE PACKS CONTAIN 6 (2.8 Fl Oz.) PACKS OF COLOR CUBES
- CONTAINS 1 Pack Each: Grey Ghost, Golden Emerald, Electric Blue, Mossy Craw, Copper Craw, Black Red Flash
- ALL Xcube ARE SCENT AND FLAVOR ENHANCED
- No Messy Liquids to Measure, Mix, and Pour
- 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
- Fun & Easy to Learn
- Saves you Money
- Great Gift Idea for Bass Fishermen
- Excellent Clarity
- Non Yellowing / Scorching
- No Hard Pack
- Low Oder
The Ultimate Soft Plastic Lure Making Kit Buying Guide
Making your own soft plastic lures is a fun and rewarding hobby. You can create custom colors and scents that attract fish right in your local waters. This guide helps you pick the best kit for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a soft plastic lure making kit, look for these important features:
- Mold Variety: Good kits offer molds for different fish. Look for molds that create popular shapes like creature baits, swimbaits, or stick worms. More shapes mean more fishing options.
- Heat Resistance: The molds must handle high temperatures without warping. Quality aluminum or silicone molds last much longer.
- Color Selection: A wide range of concentrated liquid or powder dyes lets you create unique colors. Bright colors work well in murky water; natural colors fool cautious fish.
- Scent Additives: Many kits include liquid attractants. These scents make your homemade lures irresistible to bass, crappie, and other species.
- Safety Gear: Always check if the kit includes basic safety items like pouring cups and stirring sticks. Safety first when working with hot plastic!
Important Materials Inside the Kit
The core of any good kit is the plastic itself and the additives. Understand what you are buying:
The Plastic Base
Most kits use PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) plastisol. This liquid plastic is poured into the mold and hardened by heat. High-quality plastisol melts smoothly and cures evenly. Cheap plastisol might be lumpy or shrink too much when it cools.
Color and Scent
Liquid colorants mix better than powders. Powders sometimes leave specks in your lure. Look for UV-reactive colors; many fish see these colors better underwater.
Accessories
Ensure the kit includes enough measuring cups, stir rods, and maybe even a small scale if you plan to mix custom batches later. Extra supplies mean you can start fishing sooner.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your finished lure depends on the kit components and how you use them.
What Makes Lures Better:
- High-Quality Molds: Molds made from precision-machined aluminum capture fine details perfectly. Sharp details, like fish scales or creature legs, make the lure look more real.
- Accurate Heating: Kits that recommend or include a precise heating element (like a dedicated hot plate) help cure the plastic fully, making the lure tougher.
- Good Additives: Salt or glitter mixed into the plastic adds texture and realism. These small touches often catch more fish.
What Reduces Lure Quality:
- Thin Plastic: If the plastic doesn’t fully fill thin parts of the mold, the lure will be weak. This happens when the plastisol isn’t hot enough or the mold isn’t vented properly.
- Inconsistent Curing: If you cool the mold too fast, the plastic can become brittle. Brittle lures tear easily on the first cast.
- Cheap Molds: Low-grade silicone molds sometimes stick to the plastic, ruining the lure when you try to remove it.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good kit should be easy for beginners but offer room for advanced users to grow.
Ease of Use
Beginners need clear, step-by-step instructions. The process involves heating, mixing, pouring, and cooling. If the instructions are confusing, the process becomes frustrating.
Use Cases
- Customizing for Local Fish: You can match the exact forage (small baitfish) in your lake. If the local bluegill are small and chartreuse, you can make exactly that!
- Cost Savings: Once you buy the initial kit, making your own lures is much cheaper than buying store-bought brands, especially if you lose a lot of lures snagging on underwater structures.
- Fun and Creativity: This activity lets you experiment with colors you cannot find in stores. Try mixing two colors together for a unique swirl effect.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Soft Plastic Lure Making Kits
Q: Do I need a special oven to use these kits?
A: No. Most kits only require a dedicated hot plate or slow cooker to safely melt the plastisol to the correct temperature. Never use your kitchen oven for this process.
Q: How long does it take to make one batch of lures?
A: A simple batch usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, including heating the plastic and letting the mold cool down enough to remove the lures safely.
Q: Are the materials safe to handle?
A: The liquid plastic is safe when handled correctly. Always wear gloves and eye protection. Work in a well-ventilated area because heating plastic creates fumes.
Q: Can I make hard plastic lures (like crankbaits) with these kits?
A: No. These kits are specifically for soft, flexible baits using liquid plastisol. Hard lures require injection molding equipment.
Q: What happens if my lure comes out sticky?
A: A sticky lure means the plastic did not reach the correct temperature or did not stay hot long enough in the mold. You need to reheat that batch longer next time.
Q: How do I store the leftover liquid plastisol?
A: Store the unused plastisol in its original sealed container, away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. It lasts a long time if kept sealed.
Q: Are the molds reusable?
A: Yes. Aluminum and silicone molds are designed to be used hundreds of times if you take care of them and clean them properly between pours.
Q: Can I add glitter or salt myself?
A: Absolutely! Most kits encourage adding glitter, salt, or fine plastic shavings to improve the look and feel of your custom lures.
Q: What size kit should a beginner buy?
A: Beginners should start with a mid-sized kit. It should include at least two different mold styles and enough plastic for 50-100 lures so you can practice without running out immediately.
Q: How do I clean the pouring cups after use?
A: The easiest way is to reheat any leftover plastic residue in the cup until it melts, then pour it out or wipe it clean while hot (using protective gloves, of course).