Battlbox
What Are Fishing Lures Made Out Of?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Chemistry of Soft Plastic Baits
- Hard Plastics and Synthetic Polymers
- Metal Lures: Spoons, Spinners, and Jigs
- Natural Materials: The Traditional Choice
- Anatomy of a Professional Lure
- DIY Lure Making: What You Need
- Comparing Material Performance
- How Material Choice Impacts Survival Situations
- Advanced Coatings and Finishes
- Environmental Considerations
- Practical Maintenance for Different Materials
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Every angler selects a lure based on its action or dive depth, but it is the material science behind that gear that dictates its success. Modern fishing lures are primarily made of soft plastisol, hard ABS plastics, metals like brass, lead, and tungsten, and traditional woods such as balsa or cedar.
At BattlBox, we know that understanding your equipment is the first step toward mastering the outdoors. This guide breaks down the specific materials used in professional tackle and explains why certain compositions are chosen for specific environments. To ensure you always have a reliable kit on hand, choose your BattlBox subscription.
Quick Answer: Fishing lures are primarily manufactured from soft plastisol, hard ABS plastics, metals like brass, lead, tungsten, and stainless steel, or traditional woods such as balsa and cedar. Many modern designs also integrate silicone, bucktail, feathers, and internal components like stainless steel through-wires and tungsten weight systems.
The Chemistry of Soft Plastic Baits
Soft plastic lures like worms, craws, and creature baits are essentials for any bass fisherman. If you're looking to refresh your tackle, start with our Fishing Collection.
What is Plastisol?
Plastisol is a suspension of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) particles in a liquid plasticizer. When heated to approximately 320 degrees Fahrenheit, it turns into a thick, clear syrup that is poured into molds. As it cools, it solidifies into the flexible, rubbery material found in your tackle box.
Adjusting the Durometer
The "durometer" refers to the hardness of the material, which manufacturers adjust by changing the resin-to-plasticizer ratio:
- Soft Blends: These provide maximum action and movement, ideal for finesse techniques where subtle vibrations are required.
- Hard Blends: These offer higher durability for toothy fish and are often used for swimbaits that require a specific tail resistance to create a "thump."
Additives and Scents
Many soft plastics are impregnated with salt to add weight for faster sinking or scents like garlic and anise to attract fish. For a deeper look at how material choice changes with water type, our freshwater lure guide is a useful next read.
Key Takeaway: The life-like feel of soft plastics is a result of the precise chemical balance of plasticizers within the plastisol mixture.
Hard Plastics and Synthetic Polymers
Hard-body lures like crankbaits and poppers are designed for durability and buoyancy. If you're comparing lure styles, our bass lure guide is a solid companion.
ABS Plastic
The most common material for commercial hard lures is ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). This thermoplastic polymer is chosen for its exceptional impact resistance and precision in injection molding. Manufacturers typically create two hollow halves that are ultrasonically welded together.
Polycarbonate
The "lips" or "bills" of crankbaits are often made from polycarbonate. This material is significantly stronger than standard plastic, allowing it to survive constant impacts with rocks or timber. Its transparency also makes it ideal for clear-bodied lures.
Internal Weight Systems
Hard plastic lures often house internal mechanisms for sound and balance. For a compact backup rig, the xREEL handline fishing kit keeps essential components together. Internal systems include:
- Steel or Tungsten Balls: Used as rattles for sound or as weight-transfer systems for longer casts.
- Lead Counterweights: Placed strategically to ensure the lure sits at the correct angle.
Metal Lures: Spoons, Spinners, and Jigs
Metal lures rely on flash and vibration. For a broader selection of rugged tools, browse our Hunting & Fishing collection.
Lead and High-Density Metals
Jigs are traditionally made from lead due to its high density and low melting point. However, environmental concerns have led many manufacturers to adopt alternatives:
- Tungsten: Nearly twice as dense as lead, allowing for a smaller profile that sinks just as fast.
- Bismuth and Steel: Non-toxic alternatives used in areas with lead restrictions.
Brass and Stainless Steel
The blades on spinners are typically made from brass, which is rust-proof and can be plated with silver or gold for high-visibility flash. Stainless steel is utilized for its strength and resistance to saltwater corrosion.
Copper
Common in Great Lakes salmon fishing, copper is used for spoons because of its unique weight-to-flash ratio and the effective patina it develops over time.
| Material | Primary Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Jigs, Weights | Cheap, easy to mold | Toxic, soft |
| Tungsten | Finesse Jigs | Very dense, high sensitivity | Expensive |
| Brass | Spinner blades | Rust-proof, high flash | Heavier than plastic |
| ABS Plastic | Crankbaits | Durable, consistent | Less buoyant than wood |
Natural Materials: The Traditional Choice
Many professional anglers still prefer natural materials for their unique performance. For more classic tackle choices, see Must-Have Fishing Lures for Every Angler.
Balsa Wood
Balsa is the gold standard for high-end crankbaits. Its extreme buoyancy creates an erratic vibration that plastic struggles to replicate. Because balsa is fragile, it must be sealed with multiple protective layers to prevent water absorption.
Cedar and Hardwoods
Cedar and Pine are often used for larger lures like muskie plugs. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and provides the density needed for long-distance casting while remaining buoyant.
Bucktail and Feathers
Natural Bucktail (deer hair) has a hollow structure that flares out in the water, moving naturally even at slow speeds. Marabou feathers are also common on jigs for their responsiveness to current. For adaptable field setups, Top 5 Fishing Gear Picks for Bushcraft Life Near Water is worth a look.
Anatomy of a Professional Lure
A quality lure is a combination of different materials working together, a level of complexity we include in our gear like the Mission 124 breakdown.
Through-Wire Construction
For powerful fish, a stainless steel wire runs through the entire body from the front eyelet to the rear hook. This ensures the fish remains connected even if the lure body breaks.
G10 Glass Epoxy Lips
High-end crankbaits may use G10 fiberglass laminate for the diving lip. It is thin, stiff, and more durable than plastic, allowing for a faster dive and a more distinct vibration.
Split Rings and Hooks
These are generally made from carbon steel (for strength and sharpness) or stainless steel (for saltwater resistance).
Note: Always rinse metal lures with fresh water after saltwater use to prevent galvanic corrosion.
DIY Lure Making: What You Need
Making your own lures allows you to target local conditions. For a pocketable backup, the Grim Workshop Bushcraft EDC Survival Card fits this field-minded approach.
- Choose your medium. Decide if you want to work with wood (balsa/cedar) or soft plastics (plastisol).
- Acquire a mold. Use aluminum or silicone molds for soft plastics, or carving tools for wood.
- Prepare the material. Heat your plastisol in a dedicated microwave or melt lead in a specialized pot.
- Add color and flash. Incorporate liquid pigments and heat-resistant glitter for visual appeal.
- Seal and finish. Apply a high-quality clear coat, such as epoxy, to protect the finish of hard lures.
Important: Never use a microwave for food after using it for plastisol. The fumes are toxic and will contaminate the appliance.
Comparing Material Performance
Material choice dictates how a lure fishes. Wood lures sit higher and back out of cover more easily, while plastic lures are more consistent for suspending at specific depths. For action and sensitivity tips, How to Choose a Casting Rod pairs well with this discussion.
Vibration and Sound are also material-dependent:
- Metal spoons create low-frequency vibrations.
- Plastic crankbaits with glass beads create high-pitched clacking.
- Soft plastics are nearly silent, relying on visual movement.
Bottom line: Use metal for depth and flash, soft plastics for finesse realism, and wood or hard plastics for specific surface or swimming actions.
Quick Summary:
- Soft Plastics: Made from plastisol, using plasticizers to achieve life-like flexibility.
- Hard Baits: Primarily use ABS plastic and polycarbonate for impact resistance and precision.
- Metals: Lead, tungsten, and brass are chosen for density, sink rate, and visibility.
- Wood: Balsa and cedar remain relevant for their superior buoyancy and unique action.
- Maintenance: Longevity depends on material-specific care, such as rinsing metals and storing soft plastics separately.
How Material Choice Impacts Survival Situations
In survival contexts, lure materials dictate your ability to secure food. Your emergency kit should prioritize durability.
- Metal Spoons: Nearly indestructible and easy to maintain; they won't melt or dry out in storage.
- Soft Plastics: Effective but fragile; they can melt if stored in high heat.
- Jig Heads: Made of lead or tungsten, these are heavy and compact, making them ideal for emergency kits.
For a field-ready backup, the Speedhook - Emergency Fishing & Hunting Kit is built for these scenarios. To get expert-curated gear delivered monthly, get gear delivered monthly.
Advanced Coatings and Finishes
The "look" of a lure involves complex layering. For more rugged picks, The Best Fishing Gear for Anglers Who Demand Reliability is a good follow-up.
Holographic Foils
To mimic scales, hard lures use aluminum or holographic foil under the paint. This provides a multi-dimensional flash that paint alone cannot replicate.
UV Coatings
Many modern lures feature UV-reflective coatings. Since fish see into the ultraviolet spectrum, these coatings help the lure stand out in murky or deep water.
2-Part Epoxies
The final layer on quality hard lures is a 2-part epoxy clear coat. This protects the paint from teeth and prevents wooden lures from becoming waterlogged.
Environmental Considerations
Lure materials are evolving as we learn more about aquatic ecosystems.
Biodegradable Soft Baits
Some manufacturers now use water-based polymers or starch-based materials. These break down if lost and often hold scents better than oil-based plastics.
Sustainability of Wood
Wood lures are made from renewable resources like balsa and cedar, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious anglers.
Practical Maintenance for Different Materials
Understanding composition helps with maintenance. If you're fine-tuning your setup, How to Hook a Bobber on a Fishing Line covers another essential.
- Soft Plastics: Keep different colors in separate bags to prevent dye migration.
- Wood Lures: Inspect for cracks; fix chips with clear nail polish to prevent the wood from swelling.
- Metal Lures: Use steel wool or polish to restore the shine on tarnished brass or copper.
Key Takeaway: Proper storage based on material composition prevents chemical reactions and significantly extends the life of your gear.
Conclusion
The evolution of fishing lures from bone to advanced polymers and tungsten highlights the pursuit of the perfect catch. Whether it is the buoyancy of balsa or the density of tungsten, every material serves a specific purpose. By understanding these materials, you can make better decisions on the water.
At BattlBox, we provide expert-curated gear you can trust. For a broader survival-minded setup, explore our Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection. Adventure. Delivered. Subscribe today.
FAQ
Can I melt down old soft plastic lures to make new ones?
Yes, you can recycle old soft plastics by cutting them into small pieces and heating them in a microwave-safe glass container until they return to a liquid state. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and avoid mixing different brands, as some plastics (like TPE or ElaZtech) do not mix with standard plastisol and can cause a chemical reaction.
Why are some fishing lures made out of balsa wood instead of plastic?
Balsa wood is significantly more buoyant than plastic, which gives the lure a more active, hunting action and a faster rise when paused. This makes balsa lures excellent for fishing around heavy cover, as they can "back out" of snags more effectively than denser plastic lures. For another angle on lure choice, see our bass lure guide.
Is tungsten really better than lead for fishing lures?
Tungsten is about 70% denser than lead, which allows manufacturers to make a lure that is much smaller but weighs the same as a lead equivalent. This smaller profile helps the lure sink faster and move through thick vegetation more easily, while the hardness of the metal provides better "feedback" or sensitivity when it hits the bottom. For a deeper look at rigging, How to Set Up a Fishing Hook and Weight is a practical companion.
What is the most durable material for a fishing lure?
For hard baits, ABS plastic is generally the most durable due to its high impact resistance and consistent manufacturing. For jigs and spoons, stainless steel and plated brass are the most durable as they are resistant to both physical damage and corrosion from saltwater. If you want more fishing-first gear, The Best Fishing Gear for Anglers Who Demand Reliability is a good next step.
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