Fishing is a timeless outdoor activity that brings families together, teaches patience, and introduces kids to nature’s wonders. In Canada, where freshwater lakes and rivers abound, fishing is a favorite pastime. When it comes to engaging children, using the right fishing lure is crucial — something fun, safe, and effective. Among various lure types, custom spinnerbait fishing lures stand out for kids due to their vibrant appearance, easy action, and ability to attract many freshwater fish species.
At Lurebolt, we specialize in high-quality, customizable fishing lures, including spinnerbaits, minnow, pencil, popper, jig, and softbaits, designed for all ages and skill levels. This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to make custom spinnerbait fishing lures for kids in Canada, addressing common challenges, practical tips, and reasons why spinnerbaits are ideal for young anglers.
Why Choose Spinnerbait Fishing Lures for Kids?
Spinnerbait fishing lures are a versatile and forgiving choice, especially for beginners and children. Here’s why:
1. Visual and Auditory Attraction
Spinnerbaits flash and vibrate in the water, mimicking baitfish movement. The spinning blades reflect sunlight and produce vibrations that attract fish from a distance, even in murky Canadian lakes.
2. Easy to Use
Unlike delicate or complex lures, spinnerbaits are easy to cast and retrieve. Kids can quickly learn to fish with spinnerbaits without frustration, increasing their confidence and enjoyment.
3. Versatile Target Species
Spinnerbaits can catch various Canadian freshwater species such as bass, pike, trout, and perch, which are common targets for family fishing trips.
4. Durability and Safety
Spinnerbaits are robust and less prone to tangling. This makes them safer and more durable for kids learning to handle fishing gear.
Materials Needed for Custom Spinnerbait Fishing Lure Creation
Before diving into the construction process, gather the following materials:
- Spinnerbait heads (standard or custom)
- Wire frames (stainless steel or brass recommended)
- Spinner blades (Colorado, Willowleaf, or Indiana types)
- Skirts (silicone or rubber in bright colors)
- Split rings and swivels
- Sharp hooks (barbed or barbless depending on kid’s skill)
- Paints and markers (non-toxic and waterproof)
- Pliers, wire cutters, and small screwdriver
- Protective gloves and safety glasses
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Custom Spinnerbait Fishing Lure for Kids
Step 1: Choose the Right Wire Frame
Select a durable wire frame approximately 3-5 inches long. For kids, lighter wire is preferable to reduce casting fatigue.
Step 2: Attach Spinner Blades
Pick spinner blades suited for Canadian freshwater fishing conditions. For example:
- Colorado blades generate strong vibrations, great for murky lakes.
- Willowleaf blades produce more flash and speed, ideal for clear water.
- Indiana blades offer a balance of flash and vibration.
Use split rings and swivels to connect blades to the wire arm securely, allowing free spinning.
Step 3: Assemble the Head and Hook
Attach the weighted head to one end of the wire frame. Paint or decorate the head with bright, kid-friendly colors and fun patterns to personalize the lure. Attach a sharp, durable hook at the end.
Step 4: Add the Skirt
Slide the silicone or rubber skirt over the hook and secure it with a collar or thread. Choose skirts in bright colors like chartreuse, pink, or orange to appeal visually and simulate prey movement.
Step 5: Final Safety Check
Make sure all components are tightly secured, hooks are sharp but safe (consider barbless hooks for beginners), and edges are smooth to avoid injury.
Tips for Using Custom Spinnerbait Fishing Lures with Kids in Canada
A. Match Lure Size and Color to Local Conditions
Canadian freshwater bodies vary greatly. In darker, tannin-rich waters, bright and flashy spinnerbaits work best. In clear water, more natural colors such as white, silver, or blue imitate baitfish better.
B. Teach Proper Casting Techniques
Encourage kids to use gentle overhead or sidearm casts to avoid injury or tangling. Practicing casting on grass before hitting the water can boost skills and confidence.
C. Adjust Retrieve Speed
Show kids how to vary retrieve speed to find what triggers fish strikes. Slow retrieves work in cold water, while faster retrieves are better in warmer months.
D. Use Appropriate Tackle
Light to medium action rods with spinning reels and 4-8 lb test line are ideal for kids. This setup complements spinnerbaits well and prevents frustration with heavy gear.
Addressing Common Concerns and Challenges
Problem 1: Tangling and Snags
Spinnerbaits can sometimes snag in vegetation or underwater structures. Teaching kids to fish near open water or along edges can reduce this problem. Additionally, using weedless skirted spinnerbaits helps.
Problem 2: Fish Not Biting
Sometimes fish are less active or picky. Encourage patience and trying different colors, blade types, or lure sizes to match conditions. Switching to a slow or paused retrieve can also help.
Problem 3: Safety With Sharp Hooks
Kids should always fish under supervision and wear safety glasses. Use barbless hooks for easy catch and release, reducing injury risk.
Real Canadian Case Study: Spinnerbait Success on Lake Ontario
A family fishing trip on Lake Ontario’s freshwater bays saw remarkable success using custom spinnerbait fishing lures designed for kids. By employing bright chartreuse skirts and Colorado blades, the kids caught over 30 smallmouth bass and perch in under two hours. The lure’s flash and vibration enticed strikes from various depths, and the kids enjoyed hands-on lure personalization, boosting their enthusiasm for fishing.
Benefits of Customizing Fishing Lures for Kids
- Enhances engagement: Kids enjoy personalizing their gear, fostering a sense of ownership and excitement.
- Improves learning: Customization teaches children about fish behavior and lure mechanics.
- Builds skills: Creating lures improves fine motor skills and patience.
- Encourages environmental stewardship: Kids who fish responsibly develop respect for aquatic ecosystems.
Maintenance and Storage Tips for Spinnerbait Fishing Lures
- Rinse spinnerbaits with fresh water after use to remove dirt and algae.
- Store in a tackle box with separate compartments to avoid tangling.
- Periodically check hooks for sharpness and replace skirts if damaged.
- Clean blades gently to maintain spinning action and flash.
Why Buy Custom and Quality Fishing Lures from Lurebolt?
At Lurebolt, we craft premium fishing lures tailored to anglers of all ages. Our custom spinnerbait fishing lures combine quality materials, durable construction, and kid-friendly designs. We offer:
- Wide selection of vibrant colors and blade types.
- Safe and eco-friendly materials.
- Helpful tutorials and customer support.
- Fast shipping across Canada and beyond.
Our passion is to help every angler, especially young ones, discover the joy of fishing.
Multimedia Suggestions to Enhance Learning
- Step-by-step video tutorials showing lure assembly and fishing tips.
- Interactive diagrams highlighting parts of a spinnerbait.
- Coloring sheets for kids to design their own lure ideas before building.
- Real fishing trip videos demonstrating lure effectiveness in Canadian lakes.
These resources boost engagement, retention, and make fishing fun and educational.
Conclusion
Creating and fishing with custom spinnerbait fishing lures is an excellent way to introduce kids in Canada to angling. These lures provide visual appeal, ease of use, and effectiveness across a range of freshwater species. By following this detailed tutorial and tips, parents and young anglers can enjoy successful, safe, and memorable fishing experiences.
For quality custom spinnerbait fishing lures and other premium fishing lures like minnow, pencil, popper, jig, and softbaits, visit Lurebolt at lurebolt.com. Start your family’s fishing adventure today with gear made for all ages!