Diving/Trolling plug questions

[jklett]

My brother in law asked me if I could make him some diving plugs for trolling. I told him I would have to figure out how to do it first. The only trolling plugs I have any experience with are Manns and similar types, so wooden ones are new to me. I was figuring on making something shaped like a surfster or a sloped headed danny. I think the slope would act as an additional diving plane no? Also I thought I should make it out of hardwood and weight it so it is almost neutrally bouyant. I'm not sure on what shape lip to use yet, but I figure a pikie type with the bill extended a bit should work? Does it sound like I'm on the right track or am I totally off? Also, how do you know how deep a plug dives? Any suggestions will help.