Beginner Bait-Making Equipment Checklist (What You Actually Need)

To start making soft plastic baits you need seven essentials: a heat source, a thermometer, microwaveable measuring cups, high heat gloves, a mold, plastisol, and colorant. Add an injector only if you choose injection molds. Most of the rest is inexpensive or already in your kitchen, and a starter kit bundles nearly all of it.

Here is the full checklist, split into what is essential, what is optional but helpful, and the safety gear you should not skip.

The essentials

1. A heat source. A 700-watt microwave is the easiest and most popular option. A hot plate with a thin saucepan also works.
2. A thermometer. A probe or infrared thermometer so you can hit about 350°F, the temperature plastisol needs to convert.
3. Microwaveable measuring cups. For measuring and heating your plastic.
4. High heat gloves.  Plastisol heats to over 350° , always wear gloves.
5. A stirring stick. A metal rod, butter knife, or screwdriver is fine.
6. A mold. Open pour (no injector needed) or injection.
7. Plastisol. Start with a medium durometer.
8. Colorant and glitter. Pick colors you actually fish.

Optional but helpful

• An injector, required only for injection molds.
• A griddle to keep open pour molds warm for cleaner baits.
• Salt for stick baits and heavier falling baits.
• Softener, hardener, and heat stabilizer to fine-tune plastic once you know your preferences.
• Bait storage bags to keep finished baits flat and organized.

Safety gear (do not skip this)

• Heat-resistant gloves: mechanic's, welding, or thick wool. Plastic heats past 350°F.
• Safety goggles to protect your eyes while pouring or injecting.
• Good ventilation. Work in a well-aired space, like you would when painting a room.
• Cover up. Closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and pants to prevent burns.

The shortcut: a starter kit

If you would rather not source everything piece by piece, a starter kit bundles the mold, plastisol, injector, and core supplies together. It is the fastest and usually cheapest way to get everything you need in one purchase.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need to make soft plastic baits?
At minimum: a heat source, a thermometer, measuring cups, a mold, plastisol, and colorant. Add an injector only for injection molds, plus safety gear.

Do I need special equipment or can I use kitchen items?
Many items (microwave, measuring cups, stir stick) can come from your kitchen, but dedicate them to bait making rather than food afterward. The mold, plastisol, and safety gear are purpose-bought.

Do I need an injector?
Only if you use injection molds. Open pour molds do not need an injector, which makes them the cheapest way to start.

What is the cheapest way to get everything?
A starter kit, which bundles the mold, plastic, and tools for less than buying each separately.

Get set up

Start with a starter kit, add a premium injector if you go the injection route, and browse molds by category. New to pouring? Read our beginner's guide to making soft plastic baits.

By the Angling A.i. team