For anglers who like to tailor their gear, lead molds open the door to custom sinkers and soft-lure components. This guide highlights reliable options for making bank sinkers, trolling weights, and compatible soft-plastic molds at home. Below you’ll find five top picks, each with image and key features to help you compare, plus a buying guide that covers safety, material considerations, and practical usage tips.
| Product | Brand | Type | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimatteo Fishing Sinker Mould | Generic | Metal Sinker Mold | 3 cavities; 1/4oz to 3/4oz; 127 pcs/pack |
| Do It Mold In-Line Trolling Sinker | BT Outdoors | In-Line Sinker Mold | Sizes 3, 4, 5 oz |
| Smedioks Premium Soft Plastic Mold | Smedioks | Sof Plastic Mold | 3 cavity; 5” Yama Senko style |
| Do It Mold Cannon Ball Sinker | BT Outdoors | Cannon Ball Sinker Mold | Sizes 4, 5, 6 oz |
| Do-It Ultra Minnow Jig Mold | DO-IT | Jig Mold | Multiple sizes; 1 piece |
The following product sections provide concise details to help you decide which mold best fits your fishing setup, from saltwater trolling gear to soft-plastic lure production. Each section includes a clickable link to the Amazon listing and a visual image for quick reference.
Dimatteo Fishing Sinker Mould
The Dimatteo metal lure mold offers 1/4oz, 1/2oz, and 3/4oz cavities in a 3-cavity format, designed for home production of bank sinkers. This kit emphasizes volume and cost savings by enabling anglers to produce a large number of sinkers at home. The absence of a handle in this pack reduces upfront costs and allows long-term use for enthusiasts who regularly craft their own weights. While lead handling requires caution, it provides a practical, money-saving alternative to purchasing premade sinkers.
Do It Mold In-Line Trolling Sinker Sz
This Do It Mold package focuses on in-line trolling sinkers in 3, 4, and 5 oz sizes. It’s positioned for trolling setups where sinkers must ride inline with line and lure. The Do It Mold system is known for compatibility with standard fishing rigs and offers a reliable option for anglers who prioritize weight accuracy and consistent sink rates. The listing emphasizes traditional use for trolling applications rather than soft lure creation.
Smedioks Premium Soft Plastic Mold
The Smedioks mold enables production of high-quality soft plastic lures, featuring a 3-cavity design aligned with a 5-inch Yama Senko-style body. It emphasizes professional-grade results at home, with customization options for color and scent to suit different waters and species. This mold is positioned as a cost-effective alternative for anglers who frequently fish soft baits and want to tailor lure shapes, hues, and aromas without the ongoing cost of pre-made plastics.
Do It Mold Cannon Ball Sinker
The Cannon Ball Sinker mold produces sizable sinkers in 4, 5, and 6 oz options, designed for fast, even drop characteristics. The shape minimizes drag and improves stability during casting and water column tracking. It’s a straightforward option for anglers who want reliable, heavier weights for deep-water or strong-current applications. The Do It Mold line is recognized for robust metal molds and consistent cavity dimensions to facilitate repeatable results.
Do It Mold Swimbait Head Jig
The Swimbait Head Jig mold covers jig heads in multiple sizes (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 oz) with a 90-degree head design and compatible eyes. While the package notes that hooks and eyes are not included, the mold supports versatile lure production by shaping swimbaits that pair with standard jig components. This option caters to anglers who want to customize body shape and rigging for lifelike swimming actions in freshwater and light saltwater settings.
Do-It Ultra Minnow Jig Mold
The Ultra Minnow Jig Mold focuses on jig-making for crappie, trout, panfish, and similar species. It includes multiple small lure profiles (18, 14, 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 oz options) in a compact, single-piece mold. This selection is suitable for anglers who want precise, small-profile jigs and the ability to produce varied sizes to match forage conditions. Do-It molds are widely used for their durability and repeatable cavity shapes.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Intended use: Distinguish between metal sinker molds for weights and plastic/soft-lure molds for baits. Your target species and water type determine which mold categories to prioritize.
- Material and safety: Lead-based molds require caution, protective gear, and proper ventilation. For beginners, consider starter kits with safety notes and cleaner handling instructions.
- Number of cavities and ounce range: More cavities increase throughput; a broader weight range offers flexibility for different rigs and depths.
- Compatibility: Check dimensions and design compatibility with your lure components (eyes, hooks, skirts, and scents) to ensure seamless assembly.
- Ease of use and maintenance: Look for molds with durable construction, smooth release surfaces, and straightforward cleanup. Aluminum and steel variants often offer long-term durability.
- Cost vs. value: While initial costs may be higher, reusable molds reduce ongoing purchase costs for weights and lures. Evaluate long-term savings based on your fishing frequency.
- Safety practices: Always pour lead in a well-ventilated area with appropriate PPE, and follow local regulations for lead disposal and handling.
Usage Tips and Considerations
- Preheat molds to reduce pour stress and improve cavity fill. Maintain a steady, controlled pour to avoid air pockets.
- For lead molds, skim impurities before pouring and use protective equipment to minimize exposure.
- Seasoning new molds with a small amount of the material can make releases smoother over time, particularly with metal cavities.
- Test your weights in a controlled environment before heading to the water to ensure the target depth and speed behavior align with your tactics.
- Store molds in a dry environment to prevent corrosion or degradation of the mold surfaces and handles (where applicable).
When selecting the right lead mold, consider your preferred fishing style, target species, and the environments you frequent. The five options highlighted above offer a blend of weight-focused, lure-focused, and hybrid molds to support a versatile approach to home lure making.