Make a Model of the Lure

• Start the process by making a model of the lure. It doesn't have to be a working lure, but it does have to be exactly what you want. The model can be formed out of wood, wax, metal or clay, but it should be firm enough to support the mold material. You can even modify a lure from your tackle box to make your model. Take your time and use care to produce the model as precisely as possible. Remember, even the tiniest detail will be reproduced by the mold so you'll want it just right.
  
  

Prepare a Form for the Mold

• Make a box around your model lure. Allow about 1/2 inch of clearance from the model to the form wall on every side. The box can be made of wood or stiff cardboard (if the form is small) and simply hot glued together. Glue your model to the inside bottom of your form, being careful that the glue doesn't lump up anywhere around the edges of the model lure. Spray or brush vegetable oil on the inside of the form and on the model lure.
  
  

Pour the Mold

• You can make your mold out of Plaster of Paris or 100 percent silicone caulking. A plaster mold is very cheap, but it should be considered a temporary mold as it will eventually crack and chip. After curing, a plaster mold should be carefully painted to seal it and to fill any small pinholes. Silicone molds are long-term molds and will last for years. They are not damaged by accidental dropping. It will cost a bit more to make a silicone mold, but it won't take any longer.
  
  

Preparing the Mold for Use

• After allowing a minimum of 24 hours for the mold material to cure, remove the form from the mold. Remove the model from the mold if necessary. Gently remove any flashing (the thin excess material which always creeps under the edges of the form and under your model) and coat the mold with a release agent, such as cooking spray.
  
  

Using the Mold

• Melt your plastic per the instructions that come with it. The target temperature will be around 350 degrees F, so it can be done in a small pan on an electric hotplate. Don't do this in the house because it may smell unpleasant. Add dye and glitter if desired and pour the melted material in the mold cavity and cover immediately with a piece of glass. Allow it to cool for a few minutes and remove your lure. Drop the lure in water to help it cool completely.