Why balsa?

[Stump bumper]

I am going to try my hand at coping and maybe improving the buckeye wake up. This lure looks easy to make and I know balsa is easy to work with but seems a harder wood like ceder would cast further and if it was sealed right would float as well.

It is important to get the wake on top of the water but I would also like to improve casting distance and still have a lure that can be worked quickly, stay on top.

I have never made my own wooden lures so for those that have, could you lend some advice.

[CatFan]

Balsa is less dense and floats higher.  Both will make good lures, but they have different characteristics.

[bassindude]

If you want more weight Stump, use 2 pieces of balsa, and sandwich a wire frame and some lead weight in the middle.  Youl have to do some experimenting to get the weight and the lure balance correct, but your hook hangers will be much stronger.  Balsa IMO rises much faster than plastic, therefore, when you crash it into a piece of cover it exagerates the deflection, and drives Bass crazy.

[Stump bumper]

If you want more weight Stump, use 2 pieces of balsa, and sandwich a wire frame and some lead weight in the middle.  Youl have to do some experimenting to get the weight and the lure balance correct, but your hook hangers will be much stronger.  Balsa IMO rises much faster than plastic, therefore, when you crash it into a piece of cover it exagerates the deflection, and drives Bass crazy.

The bait I am making is a top water for making a V in the water so I don't think the lead would work.

[bassindude]

You'd be supprised how much weight you can add, and still have the lure float.  you can adjust so it sets just slightly under the surface, for a different look.