How Do You Pick A Lure?

Ever wondered why some anglers always catch fish while others struggle? The secret often lies in choosing the right fishing lure. With countless options available, selecting the perfect lure can be overwhelming. In this post, you'll learn about different types of fishing lures and how to choose the best one for your next fishing adventure.

Understanding Different Types of Fishing Lures

Fishing lures come in many shapes and styles, each designed to attract fish in unique ways. Knowing these types helps you pick the right one for your fishing trip. Here’s a look at some common lure types:

Spinners

Spinners have a metal blade that spins as you reel them in. The spinning blade flashes and creates vibrations, mimicking small baitfish. These lures work great for aggressive fish hunting in clear or murky water. They’re simple to use and effective for many species.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits look like small fish and often have a plastic lip that makes them dive when pulled. You just reel them in steadily, and they wiggle or bounce to imitate prey swimming. They’re perfect for covering water quickly and triggering strikes from bass and other predators.

Jigs

Jigs feature a weighted head and a hook, often dressed with soft material like feathers or rubber. You fish them by lifting and dropping the rod tip, making the jig dance up and down. This action attracts fish hiding near the bottom or around structures. Jigs are versatile for many fishing styles, including ice fishing.

Poppers

Poppers are topwater lures that splash and create noise when pulled slowly across the surface. Their concave face makes water pop and bubble, grabbing fish attention from a distance. They’re exciting to use because you often see fish strike right on the surface.

Spoons

Spoons are curved metal lures that wobble side to side when reeled in. Their shiny finish reflects light, making them visible to fish. They imitate injured baitfish, which many predators find irresistible. Spoons work well in both fresh and saltwater.

Buzzbait

Buzzbaits have a propeller blade that churns water and makes noise as you retrieve them. This vibration attracts fish in murky or dark water. They’re great for fishing shallow areas where fish hide in weeds or cover.

Soft Bait

Soft baits are flexible, rubbery lures shaped like worms, minnows, frogs, or crawfish. They move naturally in water and can be rigged in many ways. These baits imitate live prey closely and are effective for many species, especially when fish are picky.
Each lure type has its strengths. Choosing one depends on the fish you want, water conditions, and how you plan to fish. Experimenting helps you find what works best.
Tip: Keep a variety of these lure types in your tackle box to adapt quickly to changing fishing conditions and target species.

Factors to Consider When Picking a Lure

Choosing the right lure involves more than just picking a pretty color or a popular style. Several key factors influence whether a lure will work well for your fishing trip. Let’s explore the main considerations.

Target Fish Species

Different fish species have unique feeding habits and preferences. Knowing your target fish helps narrow down lure choices.

For example, largemouth bass often strike soft plastic worms or jigs, while trout might prefer small spinners or flies. Research your fish’s habits for better success.

Water Conditions

Water clarity, temperature, and depth all affect lure performance.

• Clarity: In clear water, natural colors and subtle actions work best because fish can see well and get suspicious of flashy lures. In murky water, brighter colors or lures that create vibrations help fish find your bait.

• Temperature: Fish metabolism changes with temperature. In cold water, slow-moving lures imitate sluggish prey. In warm water, faster action lures trigger aggressive strikes.

• Depth: Match lure buoyancy and diving ability to the depth where fish feed. Use sinking jigs for bottom dwellers or floating poppers for surface feeders.

Fishing Environment

The environment around you also guides lure selection.

• Cover: In weedy or rocky areas, use weedless lures or those that won’t snag easily, like spinnerbaits or soft plastics rigged Texas-style.

• Current: Strong currents require heavier lures that stay in the strike zone longer, such as weighted jigs.

• Light Conditions: Bright sunlight versus overcast skies can change fish behavior. On cloudy days, darker lures may stand out better.

Considering these factors together helps you pick a lure that fits the situation perfectly. You’ll catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water.

The Role of Lure Color in Fishing Success

Choosing the right lure color plays a big role in catching fish. Color affects how fish see your lure and can make the difference between a strike or a miss. Lure colors generally fall into three main categories: light colors, bright colors, and dark colors. Each works best in different conditions.

Light Colors

Light-colored lures include white, pale yellow, soft pink, and light gray. These colors mimic the natural look of many baitfish, especially their white or pale bellies. Light colors work well in clear water because they look natural and don’t spook fish. They also reflect light, which helps fish see them in deeper or stained water. If you want a safe bet, white is often the most productive color across many species and water types.

Bright Colors

Bright lures include neon shades like chartreuse, hot pink, or bright orange. These colors stand out and grab fish attention quickly. Bright colors work best in murky or stained water where visibility is low. They also help when fishing deep water because their glow can be seen from farther away. However, in clear water, bright colors might be too flashy and scare wary fish. Use bright colors when you want to provoke aggressive strikes or when fish rely on sight in low-visibility conditions.

Dark Colors

Dark colors include black, purple, dark blue, and deep reds. These colors create strong silhouettes and contrast, which fish key on in low light or murky water. Dark lures work great at dawn, dusk, or on cloudy days. They also mimic natural dark prey like crawfish or leeches. Fish often react to the shape and movement more than the exact color, so a dark lure can stand out by its outline alone. Using dark colors helps fish see your lure’s shape clearly against dim backgrounds.

Tip: Match your lure color to the water clarity and light conditions: light colors for clear water, bright colors for stained water, and dark colors for low light or murky water to boost your catch rate.

Design Features of Fishing Lures

When picking a lure, understanding its design features helps you choose one that will fool fish effectively. Each feature plays a role in how the lure behaves underwater and how fish react to it. Let’s break down the key design features: action, size, color and pattern, and buoyancy.

Action

Action means how the lure moves in water. Some lures have built-in movement, like crankbaits that wobble or spinners that flash and spin. Others rely on you to create action by jerking, twitching, or jigging the rod. The goal is to mimic the natural movement of prey or trigger a reaction strike.
For example, a crankbait’s lip makes it dive and wiggle when reeled in steadily, resembling a fleeing minnow. Jigs move up and down when you lift and drop your rod tip, imitating injured or crawling prey. Soft baits often have subtle, lifelike movements that look real to fish.

Size

Size matters because bigger fish usually go for bigger prey. Using a larger lure can target bigger fish, but it can also reduce the number of bites since fewer fish will want to chase it. Smaller lures attract more fish but often smaller ones.
Matching lure size to your target species’ typical prey size is smart. For instance, largemouth bass often strike medium to large soft plastics or jigs, while trout may prefer smaller spinners or crankbaits.

Color and Pattern

Color helps your lure blend in or stand out depending on water clarity and light. Patterns imitate the natural look of baitfish, insects, or crustaceans. In clear water, natural colors and subtle patterns work best because fish see details clearly. In murky water, brighter colors or high-contrast patterns help fish spot your lure.
Consider the environment and prey species when picking colors. A lure that looks like a local baitfish or crawfish usually works well. Also, matching colors between your lures can help if you plan to fish complementary baits.

Buoyancy

Buoyancy determines where your lure swims in the water column. Some lures float on the surface, like poppers, while others sink, like jigs or spoons. Some are suspending, meaning they stay at a certain depth without rising or sinking.
Choose buoyancy based on where your target fish feed. Surface lures work for fish feeding on top. Sinking lures target bottom feeders or fish holding deep. Suspending lures are great for fish hovering mid-depth.

The Concept of Complementary Baits

Fishing with complementary baits means using two or more lures that work well together to increase your chances of catching fish. Instead of relying on a single lure, you combine baits that cover different depths, speeds, or styles. This approach helps you adapt quickly and catch more fish by triggering different fish reactions.

Using Baits in Tandem

One common way to use complementary baits is to fish them in tandem. For example, on a warm spring day, you might throw a buzzbait on the surface to provoke aggressive strikes. If fish aren’t fully committed to the topwater bite, switching to a spinnerbait just below the surface can catch those that follow but don’t hit the buzzbait. Using these two baits together helps you catch more fish than either would alone.
The key is to select baits that complement each other’s action and depth. The buzzbait creates noise and vibration on top, while the spinnerbait offers flash and a different swimming pattern below. This combination covers more of the water column and appeals to different fish moods.

Fishing One Bait Behind Another

Fishing one bait behind another can be effective when you’re fishing alongside others or working a heavily pressured spot. If a partner uses a big, flashy spinnerbait, you might throw a smaller, less aggressive bait like a squarebill crankbait or a swim jig. The larger bait draws attention and excites fish, while the smaller bait triggers strikes from fish that are hesitant or can’t catch the first lure.
This technique works well because fish often follow the initial bait but hesitate to bite. The follow-up bait, which is less flashy and slower, gives them a second chance to strike. Using complementary baits like this increases your odds, especially in team or tournament settings.

Covering Water with Complementary Baits

Sometimes, you need to cover a lot of water to find active fish. Using complementary baits helps here too. For example, if you’re fishing a swim jig slowly over a productive area, but you have to pass through unproductive stretches, switch to a faster lure like a spinnerbait or buzzbait. These lures cover water quickly and attract fish from a distance.
Once you find a good spot, slow down and fish the swim jig carefully. This strategy lets you search efficiently and then focus on the most promising areas. It’s a smart way to balance speed and finesse.

Tips for Beginners on Selecting Fishing Lures

Choosing the right fishing lure can feel overwhelming when you're just starting out. But focusing on a few key strategies can make it easier and more enjoyable. Here’s how beginners can approach selecting lures confidently.

Researching Target Fish

Start by learning about the fish species you want to catch. Each species has different feeding habits, preferred prey, and typical sizes. Find out what they eat naturally in your fishing area. For example, bass often go for worms and minnows, while trout might prefer small insects or minnows.
Knowing this helps you pick lures that mimic the fish’s favorite food. Look up local fishing reports, talk to bait shops, or check online forums to gather info. The more you understand your target fish, the better your lure choices will be.

Experimenting with Different Lures

Don’t hesitate to try various lure types, colors, and sizes. Fishing is part science, part art. Sometimes a lure that works great one day might fail the next. Testing different options helps you learn what triggers bites in different conditions.
Start with a basic selection: a spinner, a crankbait, a jig, and a soft plastic bait. Change colors and sizes as you go. Pay attention to how fish respond. If one lure doesn’t work, switch it up rather than sticking with it out of habit.

Learning from Experienced Anglers

One of the fastest ways to improve is by watching and asking experienced anglers. They have practical knowledge about what lures work best in specific waters and seasons.
Join local fishing clubs, attend workshops, or go fishing with friends who know the ropes. Ask questions about their favorite lures and why they use them. Many anglers are happy to share tips and even lend you lures to try.
You can also watch online videos or read fishing blogs for expert advice. Learning from others’ successes and mistakes saves you time and frustration.

Conclusion

Understanding different types of fishing lures, including spinners, crankbaits, jigs, poppers, and spoons, helps anglers select the right lure for specific fish and conditions. Consider factors like target species, water clarity, and environment when choosing lures. Experimenting with colors, sizes, and complementary baits enhances fishing success. Beginners should research target fish and learn from experienced anglers. Huayue Sports offers a range of lures designed to meet diverse fishing needs, ensuring anglers have the right tools for a successful catch.

FAQ

Q: What is a fishing lure?

A: A fishing lure is an artificial bait designed to attract fish by mimicking their natural prey through movement, color, and vibration.

Q: How do I choose the right fishing lure for my trip?

A: Consider your target fish species, water conditions, and fishing environment. Match the lure type, color, and size to these factors for better success.

Q: Why are different types of fishing lures important?

A: Different fishing lures are designed to target specific fish behaviors and environments, increasing your chances of catching fish effectively.

Q: How much do fishing lures typically cost?

A: Fishing lure prices vary widely, ranging from a few dollars for basic models to over $20 for high-end, specialized lures.

Q: What are the benefits of using fishing lures over live bait?

A: Fishing lures offer convenience, variety, and the ability to mimic specific prey, making them versatile for different fishing conditions and species.