I was bored one day and did not want to pay $7 on a fishing lure that looks just like every other lure out there so, I decided to make my own.  To make these lures, you will need wire cutters, needlenose pliers, roundnose pliers (not requires but very useful),  some wire, beads, hooks, spinner blades, and spinner clevises.

You want wire that is thin enough to thread a bead onto, thin enough to bend with pliers, but stiff enough to not bend easily.  Most any type of beads will work.  I like beads that are about 6mm.  You can buy beads from a craft store but they tend to be expensive.  Some fishing stores sell cheap plastic beads and they tend to be less expensive but there is generally less selection.   Glass beads weigh more and sink faster than plastic beads so choose your beads based on how you want your lure to behave.

There are a wide range of spinner blades available.  Different shapes behave differently in the water.  I recommend Colorado or Indiana blades but you may find other shapes useful.  Silver and gold colored blades are the most common but there are colored and patterned blades.  You could even paint your own.  Pick a size suitable for your size lure.  Spinner clevises are used to connect the blade to the lure and allow the blade to spin freely.  Plastic clevises allow you to change blades easily.  Wire and metal clevises are more durable but you will not be able to change the blade.  I like the plastic ones because I can change blades as conditions change and I don’t need to buy as many blades.

You will also need hooks.  Treble hooks are the most common type of hook on spinner lures but you could use single hooks.  Pick a size of hook to match the size of the lure.  I use Size 10 for small lures and Size 6 for larger lures.

First, cut a length of wire (8-12″ should be plenty).  Then you will need to bend a loop which will act as an attachment point for your fishing line.  To make the loop, hold the wire with the needlenose pliers and bend one end of the wire to make a 90 degree angle.

Hold the wire at the bend with the roundnose pliers (or needlnose pliers) and wrap the wire around the pliers to form a ring above the 90 degree bend.  Reposition the roundnose pliers (see photo) and finish the loop.  Bend the wire back around itself below the loop 2 or 3 times to prevent the loop from unwinding.  Cut off the excess wire.

Thread a clevis on the wire up to the loop.  Now add beads to the wire.  You should add enough beads so that when you put on the blade and hook, the hook will not catch on the blade.

Now you will need to repeat the loop forming steps but before you close the loop you will add a treble hook.  Leave a little slack so that the clevis can spin freely.  Then cut off the excess wire.  Add the blade and you are finished!