by dahlberg » Thu May 05, 2011 4:21 am
For most glide type lures rock maple or ash are good choices. They need very little extra weight added to make them glide.
On crankbaits or lure that wiggle it's usually beneficial to create the lowest center of gravity possible. Using a very buoyant material with a lead plug at the belly hook hanger is the most common way to accomplish that.
Obviously, Balsa and white cedar are good choices.. The finlanders, including Laurie Rapala used the outer dark brown under bark of local pine trees!! Almost the same buoyancy as balsa.
I used to use wood for years and tried every kind you can imagine, from mahogany, every fir, every oak, teak, basswood, etc. even lignum vitae!
I now use foams, and hard urethane plastics and use molds rather than turn them all out on the lathe!
I can get almost any buoyancy I want, proto type much faster and in an afternoon make a dozen or so for my use use and to dole out to a few select buddies!
best,
L
Larry Dahlberg
The Hunt For Big Fish