We design custom baits, from initial sketch to production CAD, exclusively based on your direction, making them unique to you or your brand. Our lure design process begins with clients providing rough sketches, reference products, inspiration, or a description of their desired outcome. We then schedule a Zoom meeting to create a custom quote based on the specific needs of each project for your review and approval before we get started. Let us know how we can become your trusted lure designer!
You can provide rough sketches, reference products, prototype pictures or write ups via email of what you are looking for. We then typically meet on a Zoom meeting to review needs/details to create a custom quote.
At our core, we're designers who work hand-in-hand with you to bring your brand's vision to life. We don't just create designs; we craft unique, ownable lures and baits that set your brand apart in the market. What sets us apart?
By choosing us, you're not just getting a design service. You're gaining a partner committed to elevating your brand through innovative, tailored designs that are uniquely yours.
Most of our projects begin with concept sketches done by hand. These are then reviewed with you and a direction is selected. We will then move into CAD to create the design in 3D. This 3D CAD design is reviewed on a Zoom meeting with you where it can be spun and viewed from all angles. Any needed changes are made and we then release the data as STEP or IGES file for use in quoting tooling.
We are using AI in the concept phase to further develop our hand sketched designs. This uses our creative front end sketches to then create many more options for our clients to choose from. While AI does glitch (gets stuck in the Matrix) on some of the details we do find that aspects/details are usable for inspiration and bettering our ideas on form as bait designers.
We deliver the 3D CAD models that are used for tooling or 3D printing. We work in Rhino and SolidWorks CAD packages and can release many types of NURBS data. Most typically we release STEP or IGES data to be used for CNC work in aluminum or steel. We also provide a multi page PDF of all development throughout the process. This includes computer renderings for you that can be used in your social media postings or promotional material.
We work with partners to provide CNC and rapid prototype 3D printed single cavity molds for prototype molding of soft plastic designs and lead lure designs. These take about a two or three weeks to deliver from the time the CAD data is created. Our CNC partner can also transition you to production hand poured or injection molds.
Many of our soft lure design projects cost in the $1000-$2500 range to get to CAD data that can be used by a CNC tooling house. More complex lures or hollow lures can cost more because of the time involved in creating the CAD data. Each job is custom quoted based on your needs and no work is started without your approval.
Our typical process of development takes one to two months but it depends on the complexity of the bait and rounds of revisions needed for each project.
We are very experienced with working with non disclosure agreements. Your ideas and data are never shared unless you have given us permission. We only share images of lures once they are released to the public by you. We also work to avoid overlap of similar projects in our studio within a 6 month period.
We are located in Utica New York. Basically about half way between Syracuse and Albany. Yes, it is cold for six months of the year here!
Once you approve our quote you would sign and return it with a deposit to kick off the project. We will then set a schedule and begin the design process.
Yes, we partner with KDM Design and Machine to offer a handful of molds for bait makers. See the link below.
Well…let me tell you, it’s a great #fishstory. We get asked this a lot by new clients. Even though we had been designing products for over 20 years and I co-taught a class on lure design in college @prattinstitute, it wasn’t until we did the hooks for @trappertackle that we started working in the category. Once we had helped design the flat hooks for Trapper and won an @icastshow award we then designed the treble hooks the following year and won a second @icastshow award. Our buddy Bill @bigbasszone connected us to Brad @bassinmag where we did a high end computer rendering for their cover and Bill talked Brad into giving us a 1/4 page ad in return. That ad lead to @zmanfishingproducts reaching out for help designing #slingbladez and as they say, the rest is history.
#luredesign #luredesigner #baitdesign #baitdesigner
2016 Best of Show - Terminal Tackle
2017 Best of Show - Terminal Tackle
2022 Best of Show - Saltwater Soft Lure
Did we mention that we have a few CAD models for free download on GrabCAD.
Z-Man talking with our owner Patrick Thrailkill about the design process and what is takes to be a lure designer.
Working with Z-Man on the design of Kicker CrabZ
Screwdriver Craw sketching and modelmaking.
A development with Z-Man Fishing Products and bass fishing pro Luke Clausen to create an new innovative spinner bait. The development used sketching, CAD modeling, computer rendering, 3D prototyping and metal casting in the development process to save time to production and accurately produce multiple sizes. As an incoming client we had a blast working with the team at Z-Man on their first project with Blokx Design!
A bait design with Rogue Bait for their shad lure.
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