Know Your Lures: 6 Things to Know When Choosing Fishing Lures
Fishing lures are an essential part of fishing equipment. Most people, especially those inexperienced or doing this activity for the first time, won’t be fully aware of the potential and proper use of the fishing lures.
In this article, we’re talking about the different types of lures, which ones you need in particular situations, and how to know what you need. We share six essential tips that every angler must know. Follow up to learn more about fishing lures and how to use them properly to maximize the catch.
1. Mind the water type - salt and freshwater lures are different
You probably know that ocean and sea water is salty, while lake and river water is fresh. Different fish live in them, and in most cases, they don’t go from one type to another as they won’t survive. That means you need to differentiate lures for freshwater and saltwater types first.
When going to the store, ask the sellers to show you the types that are made for the occasion. If you’re going to the ocean, you don’t need freshwater lures, and if you’re planning to fish by the lake, you don’t need saltwater lures.
2. There are many different types of lures
There are many different lures that are made for catching various fish and fishing on different occasions. You should know the most common ones and use them when aiming for one particular type.
Suppose you’re planning to catch flatheads. You can’t use plugs, but you’ll want to use soft plastic and jigs. If you’re shopping online, you can just search for flathead lures and buy those that match the search. In 99% of the time, these two will come up as a result.
Other fishing lures used for anglers’ needs are spinnerbait, spoons, flies, and others. All of these differ from each other in various features, and they all have pros and cons. They can be entirely different depending on what you’re aiming to catch.
3. Always match lure color to water color
A pro tip every angler needs to know when using lures is to match their color with the color of the water. This has proven an unusual rule for anglers. If the color of the water is greenish, you should go with a color variant that is the closest to the natural habitat fish live in.
The most probable cause is that some colors that are not common to their surroundings scare the fish, and they see the bait as something unnatural. Manufacturers often create illuminating lures, and these may be excellent for some occasions, but most of the time, you should go with the same water colors.
4. Know when to use vibrating lures
If you’re fishing in clean see-through waters, you should avoid vibrating lures as they won’t give you the wanted result. Instead, use vibrating lures for fishing in muddy and non-transparent waters. This is when fish can spot the moving object even though the visibility is poor.
Some fish prefer hunting in muddy waters because they see well in the dark, but their prey is usually not as effective. They’ll notice the moving object, but it will be too late until they realize it’s not the prey they are after but the opposite.
5. Go for heavy lures if there’s wind
When it is windy, it’s normal to attach heavier lures because the wind will simply blow the lure and the line off. Choosing a heavier lure will get you exactly where you want to be. The direction of the swing is kept, and you’re aiming for the right place.
Once in the water, the lure won’t be as affected by the stream because it is heavier, but you’ll feel the strikes easily, although the wind may distract you from what’s happening below the surface.
6. Opt for bigger lures when fishing in cold waters
This is another pro tip that you might want to know. When you’re fishing in cold water, you’re facing fish who become active only for bigger prey but will save their strength and won’t attack a small bait.
If the water is hotter, fish are more active and will go for anything. Sometimes even just for fun. In the cold waters, it’s a matter of survival, so you’ll need to offer something they are really interested in, or you’ll be going home empty-handed.
Conclusion
Lures are part of the fishing equipment, just like everything else, and you need to know which ones are perfect for your trip. With the points above, you know what is essential for getting the right lures and having a fantastic fishing trip. Use the right ones to catch the right fish, and ensure you’re making the right choices when buying lures.