Your alarms wakes you before the sun is up. You quickly get ready. Grabbed your pole, net and tackle box. You meet your friends at the river bank and are ready to catch that big one. The sun is just starting to come up and a fog is rising up off the water.
You see a fish jump and you are scrambling to get your line in the water. But wait! Do you have the right bait today? Should you be using a drop shot presentation or a crankbait? Maybe a Texas Rig is the choice today or wait the fish are near the top so I better throw a top water lure.
Well folks, buckle up and let’s take a look at what could work better, lure, live bait or plastics. We are going to look at the different types and when each might be the go to for that big one on a given day.
What Are Fishing Lures?
Fishing lures at their basic level are simply artificial baits that are designed to attract fish by mimicking the appearance and movement of their natural prey. The key to your success lies in the choice of lure for the adventure of the day.
Think of picking the right fishing lure similar to picking the right outfit for a special occasion. For example, you wouldn’t wear a tux to a pick up hockey game! Selecting the right lure or bait is no different. Depending on the fish species you are chasing on any given day, you will need to choose the right lure or bait accordingly.
So let’s look at what you need to consider when making your choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Lure
1. Type of Fish
Understanding the species you’re targeting is paramount. For instance, bass might respond differently to lures than trout or pike. Research the preferences of your target fish and tailor your lure selection accordingly. You need to consider colour, size and type of lure.
2. Water Conditions
The environment in which you’re fishing plays a crucial role. Clear or murky water, warm or cold temperatures, and shallow or deep depths all influence the type of lure that will yield the best results. Adapt your choices to match the prevailing conditions. Take into consider any possible underwater obstacles like, shoals, rocks and sudden drop offs.
3. Lure Presentation
Fish can be picky eaters. Consider the mood and behavior of the fish on a particular day. Experiment with different presentations, such as slow retrieves, erratic movements, or even imitating injured prey. The more your lure mimics natural prey, the higher your chances of success. Weather plays a role in this as well. Be aware of the light conditions and water surface temperatures.
Different Categories of Lures
Topwater Lures
Imagine the thrill of seeing a bass explode from the water to snatch your lure. That’s the magic of topwater lures. Ideal for calm waters, early mornings, or late evenings, these lures create a commotion on the water’s surface, attracting predatory fish like bass and pike.
These could be top water spinner baits, frogs or other popper style baits. If it makes the water move on the surface, the fish will make the water move from below as they crush these baits with massive authority!
Crankbaits
When you need to reach the depths where fish are lurking, crankbaits come to the rescue. These diving lures imitate injured baitfish, making them irresistible to a variety of species. Adjust the diving depth based on the fish’s location and the water depth.
Crankbaits come with different lengths of “bills”. The longer the bill, the deeper the crankbait will go. Experiment with these until you find just the right diver depth. Believe me you will know when you have the right depth because the fish will not resist these.
Jigs and Soft Plastics
Versatility is the name of the game with jigs and soft plastics. Whether you’re fishing in weeds, rocks, or open water, these lures can be adapted to suit various conditions. Use jigs for a vertical approach, and experiment with soft plastics to mimic the movement of worms or small fish.
This is where a Texas Rig or a drop shot comes into play. Depending on the other factors mentioned, you will need to determine the best approach. If the conditions are weedy than a Texas Rig might be your best method.
If the fish are in a clear water situation and the fish are not all that active, a drop shot would be a great choice. Adjusting your bait above the weight allows you to set the food right in front of the fish.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are the flashy performers of the lure world. With spinning blades that create vibrations and flashes, these lures are excellent for attracting fish in murky waters or low-light conditions. Perfect for targeting bass and other predatory species.
Spinner baits have come a long way. Some now have a glow paint on them to make them brighter under water. Great for those murky conditions. You need to try different retrieval speeds and jerking motions to get just the right presentation depending on the species.
Live Bait Tactics
In some situations, live bait can be the key to success. Different types of live bait appeal to different fish species and conditions. Here are some scenarios where live bait might be more successful:
Worms
Worms are a classic and versatile live bait option. They can be used for various species, from perch to bass. Try threading a worm onto a hook for a natural presentation or use it with a Carolina rig for bottom fishing.
If you want to get adventurous, try using green worms for Bass. They will attack those like no other fish you have seen. If you are using them in a dropshot rig, try using a work inflating needle to keep them floating.
Roe
For salmon and trout fishing, especially in rivers, roe (fish eggs) can be a highly effective bait. Fresh or cured roe can entice these species during their spawning seasons.
Try using a single egg presentation from Atlas Mike’s on a #14 or smaller hook. Even placing a small bead just above the hook can help with roe and getting those less active fish biting.
Minnows
Minnows are excellent for predatory species like bass, pike, and walleye. Hook a live minnow through the lips or back and let it swim naturally. This mimics the movement of injured prey and can trigger aggressive strikes.
Minnows are a great choice of live bait when ice fishing but, don’t be afraid to try them jigging over the side of a boat during certain times of the year.
Real-life Stories of Lure Success
Let’s take a moment to share a couple of anecdotes that highlight the impact of choosing the right lure:
Story 1: The Topwater Triumph
Last summer, during the early hours of dawn, I decided to try my luck with a topwater lure at my favorite lake. As the sun began to rise, I cast my lure near a lily pad patch. The water exploded as a bass leaped to grab the bait. The excitement of that topwater strike is a memory etched in my mind forever.
Story 2: Crankbait Chronicles
On a chilly autumn day, the fish were holding deep. Switching to a deep-diving crankbait proved to be the game-changer. With each retrieve, I could feel the bait bouncing off the submerged structures, triggering aggressive strikes from the resident bass. It was a lesson in adapting to changing conditions and selecting the right tool for the job.
Final Thoughts
In the world of fishing, the right lure isn’t just a tool; it’s your ticket to a memorable and successful angling experience. By considering the type of fish, water conditions, and presentation techniques, you can elevate your chances of hooking that trophy catch. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, experimenting with different lure categories adds a layer of excitement to each fishing trip.
So, the next time you’re at the water’s edge, take a moment to assess the conditions, understand your target, and carefully choose your lure. It’s not just about catching fish; it’s about the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of outsmarting your aquatic adversaries.
We hope this guide has shed light on the fascinating world of fishing lures and inspired you to approach lure selection with a strategic mindset. Remember, every cast is an opportunity to learn more about the fish you’re targeting and the lures they find irresistible. Tight lines and happy fishing!