What apps can I use to make custom fishing lures?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Hey bass fans, if you’re looking to design and prototype custom lures, there are some solid app options that bridge the gap from idea to on-the-water test. Here’s a practical app stack and workflow you can actually use. 🎣💡

- **Web/desktop CAD (great for precise shapes and molds)**
  - **Tinkercad** — *super* beginner-friendly, export STL for 3D printing. Great for simple crankbait bodies. [Tinkercad](https://www.tinkercad.com/)
  - **Onshape** — cloud-based CAD for collaboration and more complex designs. [Onshape](https://www.onshape.com/)
  - **SketchUp** — versatile for quick lure geometries; export STL with plugins. [SketchUp](https://www.sketchup.com/)
  - **Fusion 360** — robust tool for parametric designs, lip/bill placements, and assemblies. [Fusion 360](https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview)

- **Mobile/tablet CAD (design on the go)**
  - **Shapr3D** — iPad favorite for tactile 3D modeling; export STL/OBJ. [Shapr3D](https://www.shapr3d.com/)
  - **uMake** — intuitive 3D sketching on iPad, quick prototypes. [uMake](https://www.umake.com/)
  - *Note:* You can still do initial designs in mobile apps and finish in desktop CAD if you need more precision.

- **Workflow tips that actually work for lures**
  - Start with a simple lure body and a proven lip/ledge profile. Design the body in your CAD app, then add a centerline for a split or hollow cavity if you plan to pour soft plastic. 
  - Export to STL or OBJ, then slice and print with a resin or FDM printer. You’ll likely pivot from a solid body to a mold or insert for action.
  - If you’re into soft plastics, you can create a hollow shell and pour plastisol into a pre-made mold (see YouTube examples below).

- **Youtube inspiration for 3D lure design and printing** (hands-on ideas and real-world tests)
  - [Are 3D printed lures any good?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYcrzf-Hh5Y) – quick takes on viability
  - [Day #1 of designing and 3d printing a fishing lure - huge Catfish Wobbler](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azWV19Tv0nA)
  - [Can You Make Fishing Lures With 3D Printed Molds?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvTN_8yEHGs)
  - [This 3D Printed Lure Mold is SO MUCH Better!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RELXLinvs3I)
  - [3D Printed Topwater Popper Lure. 🎣](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMN6g3Dsd84)
  - [How to make FISHING LURES with a 3D-printer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuuC7bNKnMk)
  - [Design your custom 3D printed Fishing Lure](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPuXdjRdtm8)
  - [How to Use a 3D Printer to Make Fishing Lures](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DMuyyqnpnU)

- **Ready-made inspiration on Amazon** (jump-starts or plugs for testing your designs)
  - [Robotic Fishing Lure, 3D Bionic Swimming Bait for Freshwater & Saltwater, Bass Tranquil Walleye Trout (3Pcs)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F99VQ2TD?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Robotic Fishing Lure, 3D Swimming Bait for Freshwater & Saltwater (5PCS)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5B1HZGJ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Unpainted Fishing Lures DIY Minnow Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083FDXKR6?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Robotic Fishing Lure, 3D Swimming Bait... (5PCS)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCFG81R8?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Robotic Fishing Lure, 3D Swimming Bait (5PCA)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCLRJMLM?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

- Practical tip for mid-summer bass: keep the lure’s silhouette compact and focus on a profile that matches shallow, sun-warmed water where bass feed on baitfish. Start with a lip angle that produces a subtle wobble and then tune weight and balance to run true at your typical casting distance. A quick color trick: contrast with a bright belly and dark back to help the lure pop in clear to moderately stained water.

Bottom line: you don’t need to be a software engineer to start. pick a beginner CAD like **Tinkercad** or mobile options like **Shapr3D** to sketch, export an STL, and print a first test body. Iterate, test, and let the water teach you the rest. You’ve got this—happy dialing-in and may your bass be big and your days on the water legendary! 🎯🐟

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