If you mean swimbaits like the multi-jointed versions, they are not real easy to make. Cranks are a little easier, but there is a learning curve. Easier to start out with something like a popper. Cedar and white pine are decent woods to start with. I do cranks by drawing the pattern on the wood, rough cutting that pattern on a bandsaw, then cleaning it up on the beltsander. Cut the lip slot while still square. After that I mark weight and screw eye holes and draw a line around the bait dead center. I use that to help guide the final shaping. For final shaping I knock the edges off with the beltsander and then hand sand the rest to shape. Seal the wood, add screw eyes using some epoxy on the screws. I'll then put the lip in, but not glued, and test float to determine the amount of lead needed to float the bait right. Finally, prime, paint, coat with epoxy for a clear coat, and then add lip and hooks. Thats the basics.

Andrew