Do-it-yourself bait slingshot for fishing

Home House and cottage Do it yourself

The slingshot has long been perceived as nothing more than an attribute of defense and attack by all the boys in the yard. Due to the easy way of its model, which can be made with your own hands, it has become a favorite toy and even a weapon among adult men for small game. Currently, the slingshot is still very popular and has unconditional respect among boys of different ages. Despite its apparent simplicity, its manufacture can be different from each other, as well as the material used.

It is a mistaken belief that a slingshot is just a small mini weapon for hooligan boys. A professional slingshot in the hands of a fighter can become a real weapon with which you are not afraid to go at the enemy. To obtain such a weapon block, specialists use the highest quality materials: titanium, carbon fiber. Supplemented with a laser pointer or red dot sight, it was often used to restore order during riots. A combat slingshot is also used as a first “assistant” when firearms were not used appropriately. The purpose of the slingshot is not specified; everyone uses it for different purposes. Later we will describe ways in which you can do without a slingshot, but with its help make the work easier. Let's look at what a slingshot is for, how to make it yourself, and figure out which material is preferable in everyday use.

A slingshot is a throwing weapon in which the projectile acquires the kinetic energy of the potential energy stored in a stretched rubber band.

Origins of the slingshot

The meaning of the word “slingshot” itself, according to some unreliable sources, comes from the word “horns”. Indeed, they do have certain similarities. It is often compared to a catapult, only in this case it is a miniature device. Like many inventions that have survived to this day, the slingshot was created by Leonardo da Vinci. The original device was a slingshot without rubber, and instead there were special rollers on the axles. Inside there were springs with pulleys. A cord is attached to them, when stretched the springs stretch and create conditions for an accurate and long-range shot. Over time, this mechanism was replaced by a simpler one replaced by rubber.

What does a slingshot consist of?

In appearance, the slingshot does not have a complex mechanism, however, it is divided into several important units:

Slingshot device

No man needs to explain what a slingshot looks like. A homemade slingshot, made from scrap materials, has been in the hands of almost every boy. But it still doesn’t hurt to remember. Moreover, modern hunting slingshots have undergone some improvements, and manufacturers no longer use forked branches specially spotted on a particular tree. Although the principle remained unchanged.

So, a slingshot for hunting consists of three main parts:

The base, which simultaneously serves as a handle and a place for attaching the harness.
Tourniquet. Power and range depend on its elasticity and resilience.
Kozhetok. A specially selected piece of tanned leather into which the projectile is inserted.

Previously, the process of making a slingshot began with finding a suitable branch. The type of wood also mattered. Oak, ash, cherry or apple trees were best suited for this purpose. A dense forked branch was tied with twine and left for a while so that it took the desired shape. Only after this the blank for the slingshot was cut off. They removed the bark from it, polished it and burned it.

A multi-layer elastic cord was attached to the upper ends, in the middle of which a leatherette was attached - a small piece of tanned leather. Then the slingshot had to be shot, because it is impossible to make products identical in strength, range, accuracy and lethality.

Shooting principle

Ammunition

There's not too much variety here. But after many years and even centuries of practical exercises, three types of projectiles for hunting slingshots were chosen:

Plastic balls of various weights and sizes. They are not very effective for hunting, or more precisely, they are too light, but they are ideal for training.
Metal buckshot and shot. These are just combat options.
And, of course, small-sized and suitable-shaped pebbles. This type of shell can be easily found right on the spot.

Advantages and disadvantages

The debate on this topic will never subside. Some consider a slingshot to be an ideal weapon for hunting. Others, on the contrary, do not compare it with the same bow or hunting crossbow. And there’s nothing to say about a good branded gun or carbine. However, not all so simple.

The undeniable advantages of the slingshot:

Can be used under any circumstances. Even if you went into the forest to pick mushrooms or go fishing in the river, you can make a targeted shot at any time.
Having certain skills, preparing for a shot takes only a few seconds. Which, coupled with noiselessness, makes it possible for a second attempt to hit the target if the first was unsuccessful.
The slingshot is easy to carry and even with a supply of shells it is quite light.
Relatively high power. There are slingshots whose destructive power reaches 70 meters or more. Of course, it can’t be compared with a gun, but in a dense forest sometimes there are only ten meters left.
Silence.
And the last argument is cheapness.

What other arguments could there be that speak in favor of a hunting slingshot? They certainly exist, as well as disadvantages:

To learn how to properly and successfully use a slingshot for hunting, you will need many days of training.
Large game is not available for this type of weapon, although cases of wild boars have been reported.
No matter how high-quality the harness is, its service life is very limited.
Not a long aiming range. This point was also noted in the merits, so it all depends on the circumstances in which the slingshot is used.

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Having considered both lists and having considered what outweighs the advantages or disadvantages, you will have to make a choice: will you take the slingshot into service and go hunting for hares, squirrels and other small game. Or will you prefer a more lethal weapon, which will provide the opportunity to kill a larger animal.

Correct selection of material

Slingshot body. Having become a favorite among young men, slingshots today are made of metal, plastic, wire, wood, and cardboard. Naturally, the most durable material from the above is metal, and then wood. It’s just that a slingshot made of wood is more common due to the fact that the complexity of working with metal cannot always be used at home. Plastic is no less durable, even mechanical stress is not harmful to it. Cardboard is only suitable for playing with children, but do not underestimate its power for throwing bullets.
Choosing a rubber band. According to numerous reviews, the most suitable option is rubber cable sheaths. The simplest option is a medical tourniquet, but only because it can be bought at a pharmacy. Many people recommend a Martens bandage, a GP 5 gas mask. A latex surgical drainage tube is considered very durable and malleable, but it is very difficult to get. Simpler options are used by those who need a slingshot only for playing, for example, rubber from a ball or a bicycle tire is used by young men. It is affordable, and its throwing properties absolutely meet their needs.
Kozhetok. Almost always it always has a rectangular shape. The material from which it will be made must be durable and provide reliable wear resistance. Usually it is leather, less often suede, dermantin.

Which projectile to choose

The good thing about a finished slingshot is that you can pick up shells for it even on the street; these can be ordinary stones. The size and shape are chosen by the owner himself for personal reasons. If you want to increase destructive power, speed, and impact when thrown, then opt for special metal bullets purchased in stores. These can be steel balls, lead shot, chopped lead, or drawing lots.

A simple option to make a slingshot with your own hands

A strong slingshot will be no worse than one bought in a store, if you approach your homemade product responsibly. Find a branch that looks like the letter Y. It is advisable to use sizes that are between 15 and 20 cm long.

To ensure the branch is strong and secure, make sure there are no cracks or chips before breaking it from the tree. It’s okay if there are small scratches on the branch; they can be easily cut off with a knife;
The bark will become redundant, so it is often removed. This is done for aesthetic reasons.

The best option would be a fresh branch. But the moisture it contains is excessive, otherwise the structure will lose reliability. How to dry it. The easiest way is to wrap it in material and dry it in the microwave. Use the correct step-by-step instructions:

Wrap the future slingshot in a small towel. Place in the microwave and leave on the highest setting for a few seconds.
The stick will create a hissing sound, when it stops, put it down again for a few seconds and do this several times.

The photo below shows what can happen if the stick is left for a long time without a towel. It may turn black or even catch fire. So be careful, watch what you do.

Let's move on to creating notches. For this you will need a construction knife. Make cuts on the top of each branch, as shown in the photo.

Let's move on to the choice of tires. In this example, a medical tube will be used; you, in turn, can use another rubber band, for example, a tourniquet, rubber from an old ball or a bicycle inner tube. The diameter is 80 mm, and as for the length, you decide what it should be. The traction force depends on this. The shorter the band, the stronger the throwing. Don’t forget that it still needs to be stretched, so you shouldn’t make it too short either. Once the length is chosen, cut the two tubes in half and tie the end of each to its own notch.
Tie a piece of dental floss around the tube. The thread will tighten the tube and make it strong.
Let's move on to creating the skin. It is not difficult to cut from any durable fabric, preferably leather. A 10x5 rectangle should have a small hole on each side (0.8 - 1.20 cm). Later we will thread the traction tube through these holes.

Now everything is simple. Pass each end of the rubber tube through the holes. Make a knot on each one. Manipulation with dental floss can also be used in this case, the structure will become much stronger.
The slingshot is ready. Practice using your new slingshot to shoot down any inanimate object, train your eyesight and accuracy.

This example is more suitable for the amateur method of throwing stones or other small equipment.

Correct shooting technique

This concept includes two components: aiming and the hunter's stance. By mastering both correctly, you can achieve amazing results. Experienced hunters are able to hit a target that is not standing still. And it’s also not uncommon to shoot while you’re on the move.

In this light, two aiming techniques are worth considering.

Instinctive shooting

This method is based more on imagination and feelings, although it does not abolish the laws of physics. Aiming is done with both eyes, and the slingshot is controlled by sensations, because it is completely outside of direct gaze. When the hunter feels that the direction of fire has been chosen correctly, by lowering his hand with the leatherette clamped in his fingers, the trajectory and flight range of the projectile is adjusted.

The undoubted advantage of this aiming method is that the shooter does not care which eye he sees better. But the disadvantages include two facts:

If a hunter is poorly able to imagine the trajectory of a projectile, he is unlikely to achieve any success. This is the very imagination on which the method is based.
The second is the fact that after replacing a worn out harness, you will have to spend some time shooting.

Mastering this method requires long training. But having mastered it, the hunter is unlikely to leave the forest without trophies.

Aiming with an eye

Installing a landmark on a slingshot for hunting can significantly increase the efficiency and accuracy of shooting even for an inexperienced shooter. But there are some nuances here:

You will have to aim with one eye, the one that is sharper.
The reference point should be set slightly to the side, since the hand with the skin will be in close proximity to the face, and this fact can negatively affect accuracy.
When choosing a reference overlay, you need to ensure that it matches your individual color sensibilities.

The essence of aiming with an eye comes down to the following: three points must be lined up on one line. Eye, sight and target. The flight range is determined in the same way as in the previous method.

A well-made and individually adjusted eye can easily be used with several types of slingshots, simply by moving it from one to another, which can significantly improve hunting results.

Hunter Stance

When hunting with a slingshot, sometimes there is no time left to take the correct stance. Find support for your feet, fall on one knee, or vice versa, straighten up. All these movements in the forest, where any movement means danger for the animal, can scare away the prey, and you will have to spend some more time searching for it. Therefore, the hunter’s stance comes down to two concepts, from which the method of aiming follows.

In move. Experienced shooters advise not to try to keep the sight exactly on the target while moving. It is almost impossible to do this, and by and large it is not required. The sight can move along a certain trajectory, the ideal example of which would be the infinity sign - an eight falling on its side. The junction of the imaginary lines will be the aiming point. As soon as the shooter feels that the movements have converged at this point, and it, in turn, coincides with the target, a shot is fired. "Infinity" is not the only option. The trajectory of the sight should be selected individually.
Fixed aiming. At first glance, nothing complicated. Point the sight at the target, make sure that all three points coincide and release the skin. But there are subtleties here too. Learning to hold a tense slingshot straight throughout the entire time of sight is not easy. And one more thing: between the moment when the sight found the target and the shot, the delay should be 5, maximum 7 seconds. In the forest when hunting, this method is rarely used, since you can’t sit in an ambush with a slingshot, so this method of aiming is more suitable for sports competitions and shooting.

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In general, there are nuances. However, having mastered all these skills, you can safely take the slingshot into service.

An original slingshot for homemade work with children

It's no secret that most children who like slingshots are boys. Therefore, you can use this master class as a development activity for your son or grandson. To start the process you will need the following tools:

Toilet paper tube. You'll have to prepare in advance; you won't unwind a whole skein;
Insulating tape;
Pencil;
Rubber;
Scissors.

Take a cylindrical shape of toilet paper and cut it vertically, this will make it easier to roll. Roll it into a stick and wrap it with electrical tape.
At the end of the cardboard stick, make a hole the diameter of a simple pencil. Insert it, turning it round and round.
Let's move on to the skin. To make it you will need durable cardboard. Using scissors, cut out a rectangular shape and use a hole punch to make holes for the elastic along the edges.
You determine the length of the elastic yourself; if you don’t stretch it on one side only, it is approximately equal to the length of a pencil. Insert it into the holes of the leatherette, tying each end into a knot. And twist the other end onto the end of a pencil and tie tightly. This way you will get a slingshot that you can play with at home, and you can come up with anything you want in the form of bullets. For example, soaked paper from which you form bullets with your fingers.

Slingshots made of cardboard will be stronger when the handle, which bears the main force, is strong. Therefore, it is better to additionally wrap it with adhesive tape.

Rules for using a slingshot: caution

Some types of slingshots are considered melee weapons, but even if the slingshot you buy is legal to use everywhere, this does not open up the boundaries for you to shoot animals and people. Do not hold the slingshot at eye level and do not aim at the eyes of the person standing next to you; even a small bullet can lead to dire consequences.

Why do you need a slingshot when fishing?

Using a slingshot helps lure fish to a new location. It is easy to bait fish at close range, but when fishing with long casts it is difficult to control the accuracy of the cast. To do this, use a slingshot - with its help you can increase the casting accuracy and throwing range for any type of bait.

Most experienced fishermen use homemade bait. Dense circles are formed from the mixed mass, which are quite heavy.

It is difficult to cast such a circle over a long distance; it flies no further than the length of the rod. The bait remains near the shore and the fish does not notice it. Fishing from a long distance brings a much larger catch. To make it easier to cast the mixture from the shore, there is a slingshot for bait. Having mastered the correct technique for launching complementary food, you can accurately direct it to the selected area of the reservoir at a distance of 20-30 m.

How to make a hunting slingshot with your own hands

What makes a slingshot ideal is the correct design, and it doesn’t matter what material it consists of. The elastic band, in turn, ensures fast and accurate flight. To find the required forked branch you will have to work hard, but you can use a jigsaw. In order to make a slingshot for hunting we will need:

Jigsaw and wood or ready-made slingshot branch;
Sandpaper for sanding;
Rubber;
Construction knife;
Drill;
A small piece of leather.

When the slingshot-shaped branch is in your hands, we begin sanding away the tree bark. If you decide to use a jigsaw, know that the handle should not be flat, and the horns must be made the same in distance between each other and in length.

We cut out a flat flexible plate from leather. We make holes on the sides for the elastic and thread it through, tying it at the ends.

To attach the elastic band to the slingshot, you can use a drill and make corresponding holes at the ends of the horns, or you can make cuts with a knife. Both methods are welcome. The main thing is that the knot is strong.

The horns should be at the same angle from the handle. And the handle, in turn, should not be too thin, since you will have to shoot from it often, the design should be durable.

Types of slingshots

Depending on the type of bait, a slingshot for fishing can be of two types: for light food and for bait mixtures. You should choose a suitable model based on the type of bait.

For fine or crumbly feed

It is used for throwing feed consisting of individual particles that do not crush into a dense mass: maggots, pellets and others. Such products are equipped with cups that hold a small amount of complementary foods.

You can throw it at a distance of up to 20 m, since the cup of such a slingshot is made of lighter material, and the elastic band is much thinner.

To make the complementary feeding process more effective, it is recommended to include several slingshots with elastic bands of different lengths in your mandatory set of fishing tackle. This way you can distribute complementary foods over a larger area.

The shape of the cup should be cone-shaped. This allows you to prevent premature feed spillage and more accurately direct the cast.

For bait balls

The bait ball is a small dense lump that is formed from a viscous feed mass. It is useful to use them for the first feeding in a new place or periodic supplementary feeding. Slingshots for bait balls are equipped with large round cups. They are made of hard, heavy rubber - this allows you to strengthen the throw and increase the casting distance.

The cup can be solid or mesh. The solid one has a slightly convex bottom, it is heavier and larger. It is inconvenient to use: the ball can stick to the bottom, and the accuracy of the sight will be lost.

The mesh cup gives better results. It can be used to throw several small balls and large balls. The elastic on such a product should be short and thick, otherwise it will not support the weight of the cup, and the bait will crumble.

Slingshot from a plastic bottle

You can expand your imagination and create a completely different type of slingshot using a plastic bottle. You will need:

Plastic bottle;
Construction knife;
Rubber band for money;
Finger cap.

Cut off the top of the plastic bottle. We don't need a lid. We put the fingertip on the neck and tighten it with an elastic band. That's it, the slingshot is ready, all that remains is to put the projectile inside and take aim.

The best stretch for a slingshot is 80% of the resting length. A good option for a throwing harness is latex.

Pocket Weapon: Where to Use a Slingshot

The first thing that comes to mind for a person who is not interested in this type of weapon is the boys playing in the yard. But the slingshot has a much broader horizon and its properties very often become useful at home. Let's figure out where you can use a pocket weapon.

Anyone who has a vegetable garden or garden knows that very often it is attacked by petty thieves such as crows and other types of birds. You can save yourself with a scarecrow, but if it doesn’t help, you can drive away the ill-wishers with a slingshot. Just be extremely careful so that if you miss, there is no other person far away from you.
“The pear is hanging - you can’t eat it” - this is how the well-known riddle begins, but today is not about it. The slingshot can be used to aim to hit the fruits that are located at the very top of the fruit tree.
The tourist needs to give the slingshot its due. A foreign country is full of unexpected surprises, unless, of course, you are aware in advance of some of its dangerous zones. In this case, a slingshot can be useful in scaring away wild animals and protecting yourself from dogs. If you decide to stay overnight in the forest for a few more days, then this is the perfect time to try your weapon on small animals. Such hunting does not require licenses or special permits.
Anglers often use a slingshot to throw food into the distance of a reservoir.
With the help of a slingshot they develop accuracy. Using it for such purposes, in a very short period of time, you will shoot down targets from a very long distance.

As you can see, a slingshot is a very useful throwing device that is accessible to every person. You can put it in your pocket and carry it with you as a protective device.