Ask HN: What are you working on (August 2024)?

Making swim baits. I started carving and paints fishing lures during Covid. It’s easy to knock out something that looks like a lure, but it’s surprisingly nuanced to make something that behaves in the water as you want it to. Mass production is absolutely the correct way to go about this, but - you know - it keeps my hands busy in the evening and I’m improving my carving, airbrushing, weighting/buoyancy, etc with each one.

I have a ton of respect for people who can craft beautiful and functional baits. I watch Nate Marling a lot on Youtube and it amazes me what he can do with a block of wood and some wire.

Do you fish your lures, or is making them just a hobby unto itself? If the former, what species are you targeting? I consider myself a bass angler, but I honestly haven't a. had much time to fish lately or b. had much luck catching bass when I do find time to fish.

I’m in Minnesota, so mainly targeting panfish, bass, and pike. Salmon when I can get away for the run. I do fish them, but I’m only now getting to the point that my crank/swim/glide baits act right. Hand carving right now, but may try to start making molds next.

Engineered Angler Lures is another YouTube creator worth checking out.

Also, I try not to be precious about them. Give them away to friends. Don’t stress if they break off. Just make another one.