There’s a certain satisfaction in catching fish on a lure you made yourself. While many anglers stick to store-bought options, crafting your own twin tail rubber lures can be a rewarding and surprisingly simple hobby. A pastime that likely gained popularity when anglers were stuck at home during the pandemic, lure-making allows for customization, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment when that first fish bites. And if you’re looking for the perfect lure to target sculpin this season, twin tails paired with a bullet-style lead head of .50 or .75 ounces can be a game-changer.
Twin tail lures are soft plastic baits featuring two curly tails that create an enticing flutter as they move through the water. These lures are particularly effective for bottom-dwelling fish like sculpin, which are aggressive by nature. Since rockfish season doesn’t reopen until April 1, 2025, sculpin fishing has been the main attraction, and these fish aren’t shy when it comes to striking. They tend to group up in large numbers, making them even more competitive feeders. Rather than wasting valuable live bait on these voracious fish, twin tails work wonders by triggering reaction bites purely based on movement and vibration.
Making your own twin tail lures isn’t as complicated as it might seem. With the right tools and materials, you can create effective, durable lures in your garage or backyard. The essential equipment includes molds designed specifically for twin tails, such as the BTS Molds twin tail grub mold, available for about $70 at BTS Molds. Another option is Fast Guys Fishing, which offers a similar twin tail grub mold at a competitive price. You’ll also need a milk pan with a pouring spout for melting plastic, a measuring jug, and a metal spoon or rod for stirring. It’s important to avoid using plastic tools, as they can melt, and wood should also be avoided due to potential absorption and contamination. A reliable heat source, such as a stovetop or gas burner, is also necessary for melting the soft plastic material.
To create your lures, you’ll need Plastisol, pigment, glitter, scent, worm oil, and a mold. Plastisol can be sourced from Color Master, which specializes in high-quality plastic colorants. You can further enhance your lures with Mica powder and Pearlescent powders, such as those available from Gilded Planet, adding an eye-catching shimmer to your creations. Customizing your lures with different color combinations and textures ensures that you have a variety of options to attract sculpin under various fishing conditions.
The process starts with preparing your mold and heating the plastic. Most anglers prefer using pre-mixed liquid plastic, which can be purchased online or at tackle shops. Pour the measured plastic into your milk pan and place it over low to medium heat, stirring continuously with a metal rod to prevent scorching. The plastic will begin to transform from a cloudy consistency to a clear liquid as it reaches the optimal temperature. This is when you can add colorants and glitter to customize your lures, giving them the extra flash needed to catch a sculpin’s eye.
Once the plastic is fully melted and colored to your liking, carefully pour it into the twin tail mold, ensuring an even distribution without overflow. Allow the material to cool for a few minutes before gently removing the finished lure. The twin tails should have a soft but durable texture, capable of withstanding multiple bites from aggressive fish. If needed, trim off any excess material from the edges to refine the lure’s shape.
One of the best aspects of making your own twin tails is the ability to experiment with different colors, sizes, and softness levels. Bright colors like orange, pink, and chartreuse tend to perform well in deeper waters, while more natural hues can be effective in shallower, clearer conditions. The flexibility of the twin tails also influences how they move in the water, so adjusting the plastic’s softness can make a difference in action and durability.
Pairing your homemade twin tails with the right jig head is essential for optimal performance. Bullet-style lead heads in .50 or .75 ounces are ideal for fishing deeper waters where sculpin congregate. Bullet Weights offers a range of bullet-style jig heads, with prices averaging around $3 to $5 per jig, depending on size and quantity. Another solid option is Ocean Angler, which provides a 5-ounce bullet jig head priced at approximately $6.50. These jig heads ensure your lure reaches the bottom quickly while maintaining a natural fluttering action on retrieval. While sculpin aren’t particularly selective, choosing a well-balanced jig head with the right weight can significantly improve your hookup ratio and maximize fishing efficiency.
Beyond effectiveness, making your own lures also saves money in the long run. Store-bought soft plastics can add up, especially when fishing for aggressive species that tend to tear up baits. By producing your own, you ensure a steady supply of lures without breaking the bank. Plus, there’s an undeniable thrill in catching fish on a bait you personally designed and crafted.
For anglers interested in refining their lure-making skills, online tutorials and forums offer valuable tips on advanced techniques such as layering colors, adding scent, or embedding reflective materials for extra visibility. With some practice, you can develop a collection of custom twin tail lures tailored to different fishing conditions and species.
As sculpin fishing remains one of the hottest options until rockfish season reopens, now is the perfect time to try your hand at crafting these versatile lures. Whether you’re looking to pass the time on a rainy day or seeking a new way to enhance your fishing experience, making twin tail lures is a rewarding endeavor that adds a personal touch to every catch. Gather your materials, fire up the burner, and start creating — your next sculpin is waiting!
