Wildcat,
You'd asked about making lures,well I've made a few,I tye flies even replaced an eye or 2 on assorted rods over the years.
Anyways 1 thing I used to do is collect silverware,not the real silver stuff the cheap stainless stuff.I wouldnt bother with forks or knives but spoons were what I'd look for! Then I'd cut the handles off,simple hacksaw,and file the edge smooth.Drill a hole at each end,add a hook and a swivel at the other end and you have a simple spoon lure.
You can paint,add decals or just use as is,they're cheap and you wont worry about loosing them! I've made plugs,jointed minows and flatfish type lures out of wood,usually cedar. This can pass the long hours when the lakes and rivers are frozen.
