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How to Choose and Use Lures

How to Choose and Use Lures

Fishing lures can come in various types, shapes, sizes and colors. Usually, lures are produced and designed for bass lure fishing, but they can also be used for other fish species, such as perch, crappie or northern pike. On the fishing equipment market, there are always new “must have” lures, but most of them become forgotten very soon. On the other hands, some fishing lures have been popular among anglers for decades. Right now I’ll help you choose freshwater fishing lures depending on the species you’d like to catch and fishing condition you are usually fishing in. Also, you’ll get several useful tips and tricks on lure fishing.

How to Choose Perfect Lure?

lures 2Fishing lures are colorful for reason. Thus, it’s crucial to pick the color according to water and weather conditions. In general, you should choose dark colors for darker days and light colors for bright days. If you’re fishing in dirty water conditions and it’s cloudy outside, it’s recommended to choose dark lures that vibrate or make noises while moving through the water. On the other hand, on a sunny, bright day if the water is clear, you should use a light-colored lure that mimics natural patterns. There’s, nevertheless, an exception to the rule. Many anglers prefer using plastic worms with a dark head and fluorescent tail when they fish on cloudy days.

Not every lure is for every tackle. Not every lure is for every fish. When fishing for perch, sunfish, or crappie, opt for smaller grubs and jigs, whereas it’s better to use crankbaits, spinnerbaits and other larger lures if fishing for pike, bass or walleye. Smaller lures suit light spincasting and spinning tackles with lines of four to ten-pound test. On the other hand, heavy baitcasting and spinning reels and action rods with lines of twelve to twenty-pound test work well with larger lures.

Weather conditions affects recommended size. Lure sizes should also be chosen depending on weather conditions and the way fish react to them. Smaller lures are better option when fishing in early spring when fish are rather lethargic. Ice fishing almost always calls for small spoons or grub jigs. On really windy days, it’s crucial to use larger lures because you need to have resistance on the end of the fishing line to prevent the wind to bow it.

Lure Fishing General Tips

lures 3More lures more rods. When fishing with more than one lure, opt for having at least two rods rigged up in order to be able to switch between several lures. When fishing with spoons, spinnerbaits and crankbaits, it’s wise to tie a snap swivel or snap to the end of the line to make it easier to change your lure. For fly fishing, tie the fly directly to the leader, whereas plastic worms and jigs can be tied directly to the line.

If the lure has to run below the surface (jigs, spoons or crankbaits), there’s a general rule: the lighter the line, the deeper the lure dives. Around timber, weeds and rocks, you need heavier lines. For anglers who use spincasting or spinning tackle, it’s the best to carry more than one reel spoon filled with various line weights; that way, you are always able to switch them in order to adjust to water and weather conditions.

If you use both crankbaits and artificial worms for fishing, keep them in separate trays/cases because soft plastic reacts with hard plastic. Finally, keep in mind that there’s no presentation or lure that works well for each species and in all conditions. Every angler should try several fishing methods to choose those they are most comfortable with. Once you find your own, pick those lures that suit those methods you prefer.