Making fishing lures is a fun hobby, but it can be challenging to tell when you’ve made one that will catch some serious fish. So use this quick guide to help you evaluate your work and determine whether it’s up to snuff.

Step 1: Space your skirt

Before attaching any jig head, feel your jig skirt between two fingers and evenly space the strands. This way, the jig will have maximum movement in the water.

Step 2: Wire Durability (wired baits)

Firmly grasp the finished lure with your thumb and forefinger halfway down the body. Apply light pressure with your thumb to the wire and pull quickly back toward yourself using your forefinger. The lure wire should not bend more than about 3/4 of an inch. Consider using a higher gauge wire for the hook and mold or a thinner (make lighter) skirt if it does.

Step 3: Check lure toughness

With your lure placed on a flat surface, hold it down with one hand near your hook point and apply gentle pressure at the opposite end of the bait with your other hand. If there is any noticeable bending, check to see if you have gaps in the mold; if you do, add an extra layer of clear coatings to secure and make it stronger.