I have yet to dive into cranks and plastics like I would want too, but I have spent some time creating spinnerbaits using components available just about any where.  These baits are easy and fun to experiment with.  I had a favorite bug that I used exclusively on Silver Lake for many years, that is now living on the bottom of that same lake.  I spent fifteen minutes one cold April trying to recover the bug in the icy water!!  If I recall, I was SO depressed that I lost focus and jammed my trolling motor into a log just north of the state ramp.  Took another five minutes to get myself loose!! 
Anyway, I have moved on from that relationship and have had much success with other baits for other lakes.  That particular bug had a huge hammered brass Indiana (single) and a black and red skirt.  THe arm on the bug was also a bit on the long side, putting the blade well behind the hook point by about an inch.  I would break a 6" black lizard (of any make) just behind the head for a trailer.  I am not sure what this resembled to a bass, but there were many times I was the only one having success.  I have another ready for Silver, though.  The parts came from other baits, like the swivel, blade, and skirt.  In most tackle shops, you can buy blade assortments used for Walleyes and other species.  Check out the blades on some of those trout flashers like ford fenders, etc.  I have a smallie bug that has about a number 2 Indiana that I love, that I stole off of a muskie bait I bought in Nebraska some years ago.  That blade is so big, I can actually use it to pull my boat around Barker Flats.  Trust your instincts, and have some fun with it.  Remember also that sometimes, we try to make our sport too complicated.
Kirk

A 6-pounder on your own lure?  Holy Jes.... wait... I got it, Oh My G.... ummm....     Sweet Jes....   no...   

Uhh... Jeepers Rev, that's  a pretty swell thing you did there.  It's so swell I'm swollen... oh no.... uh... Aww Hell !

You guys are too much!!!   

Hey Chuck,
You might want to also check out a Norwegian site at http://www.lurebuilding.nl/

Don't worry, it's all in English.

Thanks Glenn for thinking about me - I discovered that luremaking site a year ago.  As I did, I began to realize that "pike" was a major sport fish for many European countries.  Especially in the scandinavian countries.  And so most of the cranks are large and made to take some heavy duty beatings from those toothy critters.

As for the club record, there have been several 6# fish since I joined.  Infact last month - one of our members reported catching a 6# fish but he didn't have a verified scale so he didn't turn in a green slip.  I'm sure there have been some big beauties in all the years our club has been around... but you bring up a good question... is there even a way to discover the "club record" largemouth and small mouth.  I'll bet the lack of good records will make that impossible.  Anyone know?

??? Thanks guys....How bout smallies?