Crafting Wedding Band Fishing Lures: A Creative Guide

Wedding ring lures are a classic, effective lure for catching a variety of fish species. The sparkly bead in the middle of the lure, resembling a diamond on a wedding ring, gives this lure its name. Wedding ring lures are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours, hook styles, and blade finishes. They are also easy to make, and customising your own lures can be cheaper than buying pre-built versions.

Choosing the right beads

Wedding ring lures are a classic and effective lure for several species of fish, including kokanee, trout, walleye, and other larger game fish. The name comes from the sparkly bead in the middle of the lure, which resembles the diamond on a wedding ring. The lure typically consists of a bead stack with a rondelle in the middle.

When choosing the right beads for your wedding band fishing lure, there are several factors to consider:

Size

The size of the beads will depend on the type of fish you are targeting. For smaller fish like trout and kokanee, use smaller beads in the 3mm to 6mm range. For larger fish like walleye, you can go with bigger beads, such as the 12mm faceted beads.

Colour

The colour of the beads can play a crucial role in attracting fish. For wedding ring lures, the central bead is typically a sparkly, clear, or diamond-like colour to mimic a wedding ring. The surrounding beads can be a variety of colours, including red, orange, green, blue, purple, pink, black, white, or chartreuse. You can also opt for glow-in-the-dark beads or beads with fish scale patterns to add an extra element of attraction.

Material

Fishing lure beads come in a variety of materials, including plastic, glass, and metal. Each material has its own unique properties that can affect the lure's movement and appearance in the water. For example, glass beads may create a different level of friction than plastic beads, which can impact the spinning action of the lure. Metal beads, on the other hand, can add weight to the lure, helping it to sink deeper.

Shape

Beads also come in various shapes, including round, oval, and faceted. The shape of the bead can influence the way light reflects off the lure, potentially making it more or less attractive to fish. Faceted beads, for example, can create a sparkling effect that mimics the flash of a fish's scales.

Specialty Beads

Some beads have special features that can enhance your lure. For example, beads with eyes on them are believed to attract fish. Adding one of these beads at the front of your bead group can increase the effectiveness of your lure. You can also find beads with UV coatings, which are designed to grab UV rays in deeper water, making your lure more visible to fish at greater depths.

In summary, when choosing the right beads for your wedding band fishing lure, consider the size, colour, material, shape, and any special features that can improve the effectiveness of your lure. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for the type of fish you are targeting and the water conditions you are fishing in.

Selecting the right hook

Wedding ring lures are a classic and versatile option for fishing enthusiasts, given their ability to attract a wide variety of fish species. When crafting your own wedding band fishing lure, selecting the right hook is crucial to ensure success on the water. Here are some detailed tips to help you make the right choice:

Consider the Type of Fish: Different fish species have varying behaviours and feeding habits, so it's important to choose a hook that suits your target fish. For example, if you're aiming to catch trout or kokanee, opt for smaller hooks that align with the size of their mouths. On the other hand, larger game fish like walleye will require you to size up your hooks accordingly. Understanding the anatomy and behaviour of your target species will help you select the most effective hook type.

Single vs. Treble Hooks: Wedding ring lures can be paired with either single or treble hooks. Single hooks are straightforward and easy to work with, making them a popular choice for many anglers. Treble hooks, on the other hand, feature three hooks attached to a single shaft, increasing the chances of hooking a fish. When using treble hooks, you can experiment with different combinations, such as tying three single octopus hooks onto your line, as mentioned in one source.

Hook Size and Presentation: The size of your hook will depend on the size of your lure and the type of fish you're targeting. As a general guideline, for trout and kokanee, use 1 to 1.5-inch hooks, while for larger fish like walleye, opt for 2-inch or larger hooks. Additionally, consider the presentation of your hook. Experiment with different hook angles and positions to create a natural and appealing presentation that mimics the movement of your target fish's prey.

Barbed vs. Barbless Hooks: Another consideration is whether to use barbed or barbless hooks. Barbed hooks feature small barbs that help secure the fish once it bites, making it difficult for them to escape. Barbless hooks, on the other hand, have a smoother surface and are easier to remove from the fish's mouth. If you're practising catch-and-release fishing, flattening or removing the barb can make unhooking quicker and less harmful to the fish.

Hook Material and Strength: Hooks are typically made from various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, or bronze alloys. Consider the strength and durability of the hook material, especially if you're targeting larger, stronger fish. Stainless steel, for instance, is known for its corrosion resistance and durability, making it suitable for saltwater fishing. Additionally, choose a hook with the appropriate wire thickness and strength to withstand the force of your target fish without bending or breaking.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the right hook for your wedding band fishing lure, increasing your chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Remember to also take into account local regulations and guidelines regarding hook types and sizes to ensure a responsible and sustainable approach to your favourite hobby.

Adding bait

When adding bait to your wedding ring lure, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check that it is legal to add bait to your lure in your area. If it is, then bits of nightcrawler, mealworms, and corn are all effective options for attracting fish.

When attaching bait, it is important to maintain the balance of the lure. Adding too much weight can affect the action of the lure, so only add a minimal amount of bait, just enough for the fish to detect a scent. If you are attaching bait to a treble hook, this can be more challenging and may require some experimentation.

Additionally, consider using a swivel in your line when adding bait, as the bait will often cause the line to twist. You can also add scent to the lure to make it even more enticing to fish.

If you find that adding bait to your wedding ring lure is not effective or is too cumbersome, you might want to try a different type of rig, such as a knocker rig, which is designed specifically for bait and does not require continuous reeling.

Using the correct line

Wedding ring lures are a classic, effective lure for catching a variety of fish species, including kokanee, trout, walleye, and larger game fish. When creating your own wedding ring lures, it is important to select the correct fishing line for optimal results.

The type of fishing line you choose will depend on several factors, including the species of fish you are targeting, water conditions, and the weight of your lure. For trout and kokanee fishing, a 10-pound line is generally sufficient. However, if you are specifically targeting kokanee, a 15-pound line is recommended to better transmit the action from the dodger.

When selecting a fishing line, it is important to consider the water conditions. For colder water, opt for a silver spinner blade, while gold or bronze blades are more suitable for warmer water. In green or turbid water, a larger and flashier blade is ideal. The colour of the lure should also be chosen based on water conditions and depth. Reds and oranges are effective when fishing higher in the water column, while greens are more suitable for deeper fishing.

To add weight to your wedding ring lure, you can use a small crescent sinker or sliding sinker placed a few feet above the lure. This will help to get the lure deeper in the water, but it does not provide precise depth control. For better depth control, consider using a lead-core fishing line. This type of line is heavier and stiffer, providing the necessary weight to troll a lure deeper. However, it is important to note that lead-core lines are difficult to tie and are very visible underwater, which may spook the fish.

In summary, choosing the correct fishing line for your wedding ring lure depends on the target species, water conditions, and desired depth. By selecting the appropriate line and adding weight when needed, you can effectively present your lure to the fish and increase your chances of a successful catch.

Attaching a spinner blade

If you are using a metal spinner blade, you will need a clevis to attach it to the line. You can use either a quick-change or a regular clevis. Quick-change blades are convenient, but they can come loose during the fight with a big fish. Regular clevises, especially the folded ones, tend to cut into the leader less.

Before attaching the spinner blade, you can add a small bead to the clevis to act as a bearing and minimise friction as the blade turns. Then, simply attach the clevis to the line, and your spinner blade is ready to spin!

It is important to note that the spinner blade will cause line twist due to friction. To avoid this, use at least a 10-pound line. For kokanee fishing, a 15-pound line is recommended to better transmit the action from the dodger.

Frequently asked questions