Which Lure or Bait to Use?
Learning about Lures and Baits does not have to be difficult, however, there are so many types of lures and baits on the market that makes shopping for them a bit overwhelming especially when first learning about the type of lure to use. The price range of this fishing equipment can be very expensive. You can find them in different shapes, sizes and colors. Depending on the type of fish you will be catching determines whether you will be using lures or baits.
Learning more about the fish’s habitat and how fish respond to conditions will teach you about whether you use a lure or a bait. Visit our “Fishtopia” section to learn more about fish’s habitats.
A fishing lure is an object that is attached to the end of the fishing line. It is designed to act just like the fish’s prey. Lures create vibration and motion just like their prey. Lures are designed in the same color of the fish’s prey. Lures can either be used below the water or on the surface as this is how the prey acts.
I’ve used different types of lures and have my favorites. These are some of the basic fishing lures.
SPINNERBAITS – A spinnerbait gets it’s name from the metal blades that spin like a propeller when the lure is maneuvering through the water. The blades reflect off the sunlight and create a vibration in the water. Fish sense that vibration as it’s the same vibration of their prey. Typically you use spinnerbaits to catch bass, muskies, northern, perch and walleyes. Spinnerbaits are dressed up with various accessories like bucktails, spoons, and twister tails, for example, and are equipped with either single or treble hooks. Spinnerbaits move through the water horizontally.
JIGS – A jig is made up of a lead sinker connected to a single hook. The lead sinker is covered with a soft substance to attract the fish. Jigs come in various florescent colors and are designed to create a vertical jerking motion when in movement. Various types of fish are attracted to this type of lure. Jigs are also designed to fish towards the bottom of the lake, that’s why they are made up of sinkers – hence sinks to the bottom.
SPOONS – A spoon lure is oblong and shaped like the bowl of a spoon. There are four types of spoon lures: casting spoons, trolling spoons, top water spoons, and jigging spoons. Spoons are made of metal and are used to attract fish because they resemble its prey. Spoons are generally created equal – they have a body, an eye and a hook. Spoons create vibration when in motion and when pulled through the water or on the surface they wobble back and forth just like a baitfish. Various fish species are attracted to spoon lures.
WEEDLESS LURES – Weedless lures are designed so that they can maneuver through weeded areas like lilly pad beds and other heavy cover areas without getting tangled up. They are top water lures and have their hooks covered so that they won’t snag. The colors of weedless lures resemble heavy covered areas so they blend in easily. I use weedless lures that resemble frogs and fish in weeded areas as this is where I tend to find bass. Typically you use weedless lures to catch bass and northern pikes.
SURFACE BAIT – A surface bait or lure is designed to create noise and commotion as it moves across the surface of the water. This noise and commotion resembles frogs, mice, ducklings, lunes and any type of injured fish. A surface bait/lure is made of plastic or wood and has one or two treble hooks attached to it. Surface bait/lures come in many shapes, sizes and colors and can entice any type of fish. Large fish such as muskie and bass are very attracted to surface bait/lure.
CRANKBAITS – Crankbaits are very popular among anglers and come in various sizes and shapes. You’ll hear terms like wobbler, minnow, plugs, shallow diver, etc. as another name for crankbaits. Some crankbaits function on the surface of the water, while others will dive under the surface of the water and wobble side to side. Crankbaits require you to crank them to create varying movement in the water and on the water surface. I consider crankbaits as lures that require a different degree of retrieving so that you create action and draw attention to it. Typically you use crankbaits to catch bass, muskies, northern pike, and walleyes.
There are various types of lures and baits to learn about. A fishing bait is an object designed to attract and catch a fish. Generally natural bait like nightcrawlers (worms), insects and small bait fish are used to catch fish. There are also artificial wood and plastic baits available to fish with. You can even purchase bait that resembles nightcrawlers and fish that are scented so that fish are attracted to them.
BOBBERS – Bobbers are used to assist in fishing for smaller fish. Bobbers float and act as a striking indicator when a fish hits your line. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and color. Bobbers are equipped with slip shots strategically placed underneath the bobber as a weight to allow the line to move up and down depending on the depth of where you’re fishing.
You should really find lures and baits that are designed to attract the kind of fish you want to catch. Like I noted above, there are so many types of lures and baits available on the market and shopping for them can be overwhelming. Ask a sporting good store professional for assistance when purchasing your fishing equipment. Learning about Lures and Baits can be a fun especially when you start purchasing more to add to your collection.
