As a veteran sport fisherman and someone who has spent years honing my craft on the water, I’ve come to realize that one of the most important tools in any angler's arsenal is the humble fishing lure.
Whether you’re targeting bass, trout, or deep-sea monsters, the right fishing lures can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and going home empty-handed.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about fishing lures, from understanding their different types to how to choose the best ones for your needs.
And of course, I’ll share some insider tips on where to find quality fishing lures, including at my very own online shop, Deep Blue Fishing Supplies.
Table of Contents
- What Are Fishing Lures?
- Why Use Fishing Lures?
- Versatility
- Targeting Specific Fish
- Types of Fishing Lures
- Crankbaits
- Spinnerbaits
- Soft Plastics
- Jigs
- Topwater Lures
- Spoons
- Swimbaits
- How to Choose the Right Fishing Lure
- Fishing Conditions
- Target Species
- Water Clarity
- Lure Size and Color
- Where to Buy Quality Fishing Lures
- Deep Blue Fishing Supplies
- Other Options
- Tips for Maximizing Your Lure’s Effectiveness
- Conclusion
What Are Fishing Lures?
Fishing lures are artificial baits designed to mimic the movement, appearance, and behavior of prey fish or other animals that fish find irresistible.
Made from various materials like plastic, rubber, wood, or metal, fishing lures are equipped with one or more hooks and are used to catch different types of fish in freshwater or saltwater environments.
Unlike live bait, fishing lures give you more control over how you present the bait, and they allow you to fish more actively. You can retrieve them in different ways, experimenting with speed, rhythm, and depth to see what works best for the fish you’re targeting.
Some fishing lures resemble small baitfish, while others imitate insects, crustaceans, or even frogs. Whether you’re a novice angler or have years of experience under your belt, understanding the nuances of fishing lures can significantly improve your catch rate.
Why Use Fishing Lures?
You might wonder, why not just stick to live bait? Well, as someone who's been fishing for years, I can tell you that fishing lures offer a level of versatility and control that live bait simply can’t match. Here are a few reasons why seasoned anglers, myself included, love using lures:
Versatility
Fishing lures allow you to target multiple species of fish without switching your gear constantly. Whether you’re angling for bass in a freshwater lake or chasing saltwater species, there's a lure that can suit the conditions.
You can swap out fishing lures quickly to adapt to changes in the water, fish behavior, or even the weather. With lures, you can fish for different species on the same trip—one cast can be aimed at a bass, and the next could target a pike.
Targeting Specific Fish
Certain fishing lures are designed specifically for particular types of fish. For example, topwater lures are great for species like bass that strike near the surface, while deep-diving crankbaits can reach fish lurking in the deeper parts of a lake.
By choosing the right fishing lure, you can increase your chances of landing that trophy fish you’ve been after. This versatility also extends to fishing in different types of water, from still ponds to fast-moving rivers or the open sea.
Knowing how to select and use different types of fishing lures based on fish species can give you a major edge.
Types of Fishing Lures
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fishing lures. The key to success is knowing which type of lure works best for the kind of fish you’re targeting and the specific water conditions you’re fishing in. Let’s break down some of the most popular types of fishing lures and how each of them works.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are hard-bodied fishing lures designed to mimic small fish or other prey that swim in the water column. They often have a plastic lip on the front that causes the lure to dive to a specific depth, depending on the size of the lip.
Crankbaits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for targeting different species.
Best Use: Crankbaits work well for aggressive fish that are hunting prey. They’re especially effective when used to cover large areas of water quickly, making them a go-to choice for anglers targeting bass, pike, or walleye.
Some crankbaits even feature rattles or reflective finishes, which can further entice fish in murky water or during low-light conditions.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are unique fishing lures in that they feature one or more spinning blades that create flash and vibration as they move through the water.
The combination of visual appeal and movement makes them highly effective in attracting fish from a distance. Spinnerbaits often resemble small baitfish or aquatic creatures like crayfish.
Best Use: These lures are great for fishing in murky water or around structures like submerged logs or vegetation. Fish like bass, pike, and perch are particularly drawn to spinnerbaits.
The flashing blades and thumping vibration can trigger strikes even when fish aren’t actively feeding, making spinnerbaits a favorite for reaction bites.
Soft Plastics
Soft plastic fishing lures are incredibly versatile and come in many shapes and sizes, resembling everything from worms to crawfish and even small baitfish.
These lures are soft, flexible, and lifelike in the water. They can be rigged in various ways, from Texas rigs to drop shots, depending on the fishing conditions.
Best Use: Soft plastics are ideal for finesse fishing in calm conditions. They excel when fishing for species like bass and trout that are in a slower, more cautious feeding mode.
The beauty of soft plastics lies in their adaptability; they can be worked on the bottom, mid-water, or near the surface, depending on how they are rigged.
Jigs
Jigs are one of the most versatile and effective types of fishing lures available.
They consist of a lead sinker and hook, which is often adorned with soft plastics, feathers, or hair. Jigs are worked by lifting and dropping them, simulating the movement of prey like baitfish or crustaceans.
Best Use: Jigs work well in a variety of environments and can be used to target fish at different depths. They are particularly effective in deeper water or when fishing near structures.
Jigs are excellent for targeting species like bass, crappie, and walleye. They can be fished vertically or cast and retrieved, making them a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Topwater Lures
Topwater fishing lures float on the surface and are designed to create a disturbance that attracts fish from below. These lures can mimic insects, frogs, or small fish and often have props, spinners, or rattles to make noise and splash on the surface.
Best Use: Topwater lures are incredibly exciting to fish with because the strike happens right at the surface. They’re great for early morning or late evening fishing when fish like bass are feeding near the surface. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of seeing a fish explode on a topwater lure!
Spoons
Spoon fishing lures have a simple design but can be highly effective. They are metal lures that resemble the shape of a spoon, which causes them to wobble and flash as they move through the water, mimicking a distressed baitfish.
Best Use: Spoons work well for both freshwater and saltwater fishing and can be used to target species like trout, salmon, or pike. They are particularly effective in deeper water where their reflective action helps attract fish in low-visibility conditions.
Swimbaits
Swimbaits are fishing lures designed to mimic the natural movement of baitfish and come in both hard and soft varieties. These lures have a more lifelike swimming action compared to other types of fishing lures and can range in size from small to very large.
Best Use: Swimbaits are excellent for targeting larger predatory fish like bass, musky, or striped bass. They work best when the fish are actively feeding and looking for a larger meal. Larger swimbaits can be especially effective in targeting trophy-sized fish that are looking for a substantial meal.
How to Choose the Right Fishing Lure
Now that you know the different types of fishing lures, how do you choose the best one for your specific fishing trip? Here are a few factors to consider:
Fishing Conditions
The environment you're fishing in plays a big role in lure selection. Are you fishing in clear water or murky water? Is the current fast or slow? For murky water, fishing lures that produce vibrations like spinnerbaits work well, while in clear water, crankbaits or soft plastics might be more effective.
Target Species
Always keep your target species in mind when selecting a fishing lure. If you're fishing for bass, you might want to go with a jig, soft plastic, or topwater lure. If trout is your target, spoons or small crankbaits could be your best bet.
Water Clarity
In clear water, fish rely more on sight, so fishing lures with natural colors that mimic real prey tend to work best. In contrast, in murky water, you'll want fishing lures that create more vibration or noise, like spinnerbaits or jigs with rattles, to help fish locate the bait.
Lure Size and Color
The size and color of your fishing lure are just as important as the type. In general, smaller lures work better for smaller fish, and larger lures are more likely to attract bigger fish.
Color should be chosen based on water clarity and light conditions: bright colors for murky water or low light, and natural colors for clear water and bright light.
Where to Buy Quality Fishing Lures
When it comes to buying fishing lures, quality is key. A well-made lure can make all the difference in your success on the water. Here are some options for where to find high-quality fishing lures.
Deep Blue Fishing Supplies
At Deep Blue Fishing Supplies, we carry a wide variety of fishing lures to suit all types of anglers and fishing conditions. Whether you're looking for crankbaits, soft plastics, or topwater lures, we’ve got you covered. Our selection is carefully curated to include trusted brands that deliver results on the water.
Other Options
In addition to Deep Blue Fishing Supplies, you can also find quality fishing lures at other reputable retailers like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and even smaller, local bait and tackle shops.
Just be sure to prioritize quality over quantity, as a few well-made lures can last longer and perform better than a whole tackle box of cheap ones.
Tips for Maximizing Your Lure’s Effectiveness
- Match the Hatch: Always try to match your lure to the natural prey in the body of water you’re fishing in. If the local baitfish are small minnows, use a similar-sized lure.
- Vary Your Retrieve: Don’t be afraid to mix things up with how you retrieve your fishing lure. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times, erratic, quick movements are what trigger a bite.
- Keep Your Hooks Sharp: Dull hooks won’t penetrate a fish’s mouth as easily, leading to lost catches. Regularly check your hooks and sharpen them when necessary.
- Use the Right Line: Pairing the right fishing line with your fishing lure can make a big difference. For example, lighter line works better with finesse lures like soft plastics, while heavier line is better for crankbaits or spinnerbaits.
Conclusion
Fishing lures are an essential tool for any angler, offering a versatile, effective, and exciting way to catch fish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, understanding the different types of fishing lures and how to use them will improve your success on the water.
If you’re looking to expand your tackle box with high-quality, reliable fishing lures, be sure to check out the selection at Deep Blue Fishing Supplies and other trusted retailers.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out on the water, cast your line, and let those fishing lures do the work! Tight lines!
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