A Few Words About Us

Who We Are

At Bait Maker Molds, we’re more than just a mold shop—we’re fishermen, creators, and problem-solvers who turn ideas into high-quality bait molds built to perform.
Based in a small town, our family-owned business is made up of a tight-knit team of fewer than 20 dedicated folks who take pride in what we do. From a rough sketch on a diner napkin to a fully machined mold, we handle every step in-house, ensuring precision and quality in every design.
Whether you’re a weekend bait maker or a seasoned pro, we’re here to bring your vision to life—because great baits start with great molds.

Built by Fishermen, for Fishermen

A little bit of precision, a little bit of passion—every mold starts at the workbench and ends up at your tackle box.


How We Make It

Every mold we make goes through the same hands-on process: design, prototype, tweak, test. We don’t ship it unless we’d fish with it ourselves.

Design & Modeling

This is where the magic starts—CAD designs, tested and tweaked with the feedback of real anglers.

First, we start by designing the bait itself using CAD software. This is where we get the shape, size, and details just right—from the body profile to the fins and ribs that help it swim naturally. Every curve and contour is modeled to make sure the bait performs the way anglers want it to in the water.

Once the bait design is dialed in, we use that shape to cut cavities into a 3D model of the aluminum mold. This digital mold includes everything: the bait cavities, the injection channels for pouring silicone, and precise alignment features so the mold closes cleanly every time. We also think ahead here—adding draft angles and other tweaks to make sure your bait pops out of the mold without a fight.

Last, we simulate how the mold will be machined using CNC tools. This step helps us fine-tune everything, from how the metal is cut to where tiny vents are placed to let air escape during pouring. We even add texture and small details to help your finished bait look and perform like the pros’. Once the simulation looks perfect, it’s off to the CNC to turn that digital design into solid aluminum.

CNC Machining

We then mill each mold from aircraft-grade aluminum using precision CNC machines to ensure crisp detail and repeatability.

Testing & Finishing

And finally we shoot sample baits, check every cavity, and do hands-on QA to make sure you're getting a mold that's ready to fish.

The Man With the Plan

John Clouse is a seasoned machinist and lifelong angler who brought his two passions together in a big way. As the owner of a CNC machine shop, he already had the tools and know-how to make precision parts—but it was his love of fishing that sparked something new. What started as a side project to craft better baits turned into a full-time pursuit, combining high-end machining with hands-on testing out on the water. Today, every mold reflects John’s commitment to quality, performance, and the simple joy of a well-cast line.

Coast-to-Coast Shipping

No matter where you cast your line, we’ll get your molds to you fast and safe—anywhere in the U.S.

Precision Craftsmanship

Every mold is CNC-machined in-house, tested by hand, and built to outlast anything you throw at it (except maybe your buddy’s bad aim).

Fair Prices, No Gimmicks

We don’t do fake sales or inflated prices. Just solid molds at honest prices, year-round.

Secure Checkout

We use encrypted payments and trusted processors—your info stays safe, period.