I could use some more input.
The picture below is a third iteration; it's getting close.
- Dimensions are 9 3/8" L X 1.45" at the shoulder.
- Wood is AYC.
- Rear wt is .82 oz centered with ~.22 oz slug just ahead of it.
- The 3/8" eyes are pretty flush, as the recesses were drilled to match the taper.
- Belly hook is a 3/0.
- Tail hook is a 4/0 Siwash, which is lighter than even a 1/0 treble.
- Rigged weight is ~3.7 oz.
- At rest, the lure is straight up & down with the eyes just above the waterline.
The action isn't too bad, the rear weight forces the nose to splash when working it, but not overly-so. It zigs/zags but not as easily as I like, sometimes it get's "stuck" in a lurching motion before walking again.
I'd like to stay under the current rigged weight -- I'd like to be able to toss this with my usual sticks.
I can't help but think I might get more of a "walk" if I kept the existing taper of the plug, but I lopped 1" or so off the rear so it didn't have so far to swing to change the direction of the plug.
Wooden musky plugs I've seen around this length are much heavier, which leads me to believe I need to start making concessions on the overall length if I want to throw it with my usual gear.
Anyone else have any advice on geting this design to "walk" better?