Learn about the different , including jigs, spinners, crankbaits, soft plastic baits, topwater lures, and spoon lures. Find the perfect lure for your next fishing adventure.
Different Types of Fishing Lures
Fishing lures are essential tools for attracting and catching fish. With a wide variety of lures available, it’s important to understand the different types and their specific uses. In this section, we’ll explore the various categories of fishing lures, including jigs, spinners, crankbaits, soft plastic baits, topwater lures, and spoon lures.
Jigs
Jigs are versatile lures that can be used in a variety of fishing situations. They consist of a weighted head and a hook, often dressed with hair, feathers, or soft plastic bodies. Jigs are designed to imitate prey fish, such as minnows or crawfish, and are known for their enticing vertical motion in the water.
- Football Jigs: These jigs have a football-shaped head, which helps them bounce along the bottom and mimic a crawfish or baitfish. They are particularly effective for bass fishing in rocky areas or around submerged structures.
- Swim Jigs: Swim jigs have a streamlined design and are intended to be retrieved through the water with a steady, swimming motion. They are great for covering large areas of water and enticing predatory fish like bass and pike.
- Flipping Jigs: Flipping jigs are specifically designed for flipping and pitching techniques, where the lure is dropped vertically into cover or structure. They have a compact profile and a weed guard to prevent snagging, making them perfect for targeting bass hiding in dense vegetation.
Spinners
Spinners are popular lures that consist of a spinning metal blade attached to a wire shaft and a treble hook. When retrieved through the water, the blade spins and creates vibrations and flashes that attract fish. Spinners are known for their versatility and effectiveness in various fishing conditions.
- Inline Spinners: Inline spinners have the blade directly attached to the fishing line. They are easy to cast and retrieve, making them suitable for beginners. Inline spinners are effective for catching a wide range of fish species, from trout to bass.
- Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits are larger lures that feature one or more spinning blades and a skirted jighead. They are designed to imitate baitfish and provoke aggressive strikes from predatory fish. Spinnerbaits are particularly effective in murky or stained water.
- Buzzbaits: Buzzbaits are unique lures that have a large, propeller-like blade on the front and a wire arm with a skirted jighead. When retrieved, the blade creates a buzzing sound and surface disturbance, imitating a fleeing baitfish. Buzzbaits excel in attracting bass and other predatory fish from the surface.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures that resemble small fish or other prey. They feature a diving lip that causes them to dive and swim at different depths when retrieved. Crankbaits are great for covering large areas of water and enticing fish to strike.
- Lipless Crankbaits: Lipless crankbaits have a flat, lipless design that allows them to sink and vibrate when retrieved. They are effective for fishing in shallow or weedy areas, and can be ripped through vegetation to trigger reaction strikes from bass and other fish.
- Squarebill Crankbaits: Squarebill crankbaits have a square-shaped diving lip that enables them to deflect off cover and create erratic swimming patterns. They are ideal for fishing around submerged structures, such as fallen trees or rocks, and are particularly effective for bass fishing.
- Deep Diving Crankbaits: Deep diving crankbaits have a longer and larger diving lip, allowing them to reach greater depths. These lures are commonly used for targeting fish in deep water or when fishing in reservoirs and lakes with significant depth variations.
Soft Plastic Baits
Soft plastic baits are incredibly popular among anglers due to their lifelike appearance and versatility. They are made of soft, flexible materials and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Soft plastic baits can be rigged in various ways, such as Texas rigs or Carolina rigs, and are effective for catching a wide range of fish species.
- Worms: Worms are one of the most versatile soft plastic baits and are available in countless colors and sizes. They can be rigged on a variety of hooks and used for various fishing techniques, such as Texas rigging or wacky rigging. Worms are particularly effective for targeting bass and other freshwater species.
- Craws: Craws, also known as crayfish imitations, are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of crawfish. They feature multiple legs and pincers, which create an enticing action in the water. Craws are highly effective for catching bass, as they are a primary forage for these fish.
- Creature Baits: Creature baits are unique soft plastic lures that mimic a variety of aquatic creatures, such as frogs, lizards, or insects. They often have multiple appendages and create a lot of action in the water. Creature baits are excellent for targeting bass and other predatory fish in heavy cover or weedy areas.
Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are designed to be retrieved on the water’s surface, creating enticing movements and attracting fish from below. They are known for their explosive strikes and thrilling fishing experiences.
- Popper Lures: Popper lures have a concave face that creates a popping sound and splash when retrieved. They imitate injured or struggling prey and are particularly effective for bass and panfish. Poppers can be worked in various ways, such as a steady retrieve or a twitching motion.
- Walking Baits: Walking baits, also known as stickbaits or jerkbaits, have a slender profile and are designed to “walk” or zig-zag on the water’s surface when retrieved. This action mimics a wounded baitfish and triggers predatory instincts in fish. Walking baits are popular for bass fishing and can be worked with a series of short twitches.
- Prop Baits: Prop baits have one or more propellers attached to the lure’s body, creating a buzzing or churning sound when retrieved. They imitate injured baitfish or frogs and are effective for bass and other predatory fish. Prop baits can be retrieved with a steady retrieve or with intermittent pauses to mimic a struggling prey.
Spoon Lures
Spoon lures are metal lures that have a concave shape resembling a spoon. They are known for their wobbling action and flash, which attract fish from a distance. Spoon lures are effective for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Casting Spoons: Casting spoons are designed to be cast and retrieved, imitating a wounded baitfish. They are available in various sizes and weights, allowing anglers to target different fish species. Casting spoons are versatile lures and can be effective for bass, pike, trout, and other freshwater fish.
- Jigging Spoons: Jigging spoons are heavier spoons that are intended to be vertically jigged in deep water. They are effective for attracting fish that are holding near the bottom, such as walleye or lake trout. Jigging spoons can be worked with short, upward motions to mimic the movement of a dying fish.
- Trolling Spoons: Trolling spoons are larger spoons that are designed to be trolled behind a boat. They have a wide wobbling action and attract fish from a distance. Trolling spoons are commonly used for saltwater fishing, targeting species like salmon, tuna, or striped bass.
By understanding the different and their specific uses, anglers can choose the right lure for their target species and fishing conditions. Whether it’s jigs, spinners, crankbaits, soft plastic baits, topwater lures, or spoon lures, each category offers unique advantages and can help increase the chances of a successful fishing trip.
Jigs
Jigs are a popular type of fishing lure that can be used in a variety of fishing situations. They are versatile and can be effective for catching a wide range of fish species. Jigs are designed to imitate the movement of prey, such as minnows or crawfish, and are typically made up of a weighted head and a hook.
Football Jigs
Football jigs are a specific type of jig that gets its name from its football-shaped head. The unique shape of the head allows the lure to bounce off the bottom as it is retrieved, mimicking the movement of a crawfish or a baitfish. Football jigs are especially effective for fishing in rocky or gravelly areas, where crawfish are commonly found. They are also great for targeting bass in deeper water.
Swim Jigs
Swim jigs are designed to imitate the movement of swimming baitfish. They have a streamlined head and a lighter weed guard compared to other jigs, allowing them to be retrieved through vegetation without getting snagged. Swim jigs are versatile and can be used in various fishing scenarios, such as fishing near submerged vegetation or targeting bass in shallow water. They are particularly effective when retrieved in a steady, swimming motion.
Flipping Jigs
Flipping jigs are specifically designed for a technique called flipping or pitching, which involves accurately placing the lure into tight cover, such as dense vegetation or brush piles. These jigs have a compact and streamlined profile, allowing them to penetrate cover easily. Flipping jigs often have a weed guard to prevent snagging, and they are typically used with heavy line and a shorter rod for increased accuracy and control. This technique is highly effective for targeting bass in heavy cover, where they tend to hide and ambush their prey.
In summary, jigs are versatile lures that can be used in various fishing scenarios. Football jigs are great for fishing in rocky areas, swim jigs are effective for imitating swimming baitfish, and flipping jigs are specifically designed for accurate placement in tight cover. Each type of jig has its own unique characteristics and can be used to target different fish species. Experimenting with different types of jigs and techniques can help increase your chances of success on your next fishing trip.
Spinners
Spinners are a versatile type of fishing lure that can be effective in a variety of fishing scenarios. They are designed to mimic the movement of small fish or other prey, attracting predatory species such as bass, trout, and pike. Spinners consist of a metal blade that spins as it is pulled through the water, creating vibrations and flashes that catch the attention of fish.
Inline Spinners
Inline spinners are a popular choice among anglers due to their simplicity and effectiveness. They feature a single metal blade that rotates around a wire shaft, creating a spinning motion that attracts fish. The blade is typically painted or patterned to imitate the appearance of a small fish or insect. Inline spinners can be cast or trolled and are especially effective in clear water or when targeting fish that are actively feeding near the surface.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are another type of spinner lure that offers a unique design and enticing action. They consist of one or more metal blades attached to a wire arm, which is adorned with a skirt made of rubber or silicone strands. The blades and skirt create a lifelike swimming motion when retrieved, imitating the movement of a wounded baitfish. Spinnerbaits are particularly effective for targeting larger predatory fish such as bass and pike, as they can be retrieved at various speeds and depths.
Buzzbaits
Buzzbaits are a specialized type of spinnerbait that is designed to create a commotion on the water’s surface. They feature a large, often cupped blade that creates a loud buzzing or splashing sound as it spins. This unique action can attract fish from a distance and trigger aggressive strikes. Buzzbaits are most effective in shallow water or around cover such as weeds or fallen trees. Anglers often use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses or twitches to imitate a struggling prey.
In summary, spinners are versatile fishing lures that can be used to target a variety of fish species. Inline spinners are simple and effective, while spinnerbaits offer a lifelike swimming motion. Buzzbaits create surface commotion and can trigger aggressive strikes. Experimenting with different types of spinners and techniques can help you determine which works best in different fishing situations.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are a popular type of fishing lure that can be highly effective in attracting and catching fish. They are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of baitfish, making them enticing to predatory fish species. Crankbaits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, each designed to target specific fishing conditions and species. In this section, we will explore three sub-categories of crankbaits: lipless crankbaits, squarebill crankbaits, and deep diving crankbaits.
Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits, as the name suggests, do not have a diving lip like other crankbaits. Instead, they have a streamlined body shape that allows them to sink rapidly and create a vibrating action when retrieved. This vibrating action imitates the movement of injured or fleeing baitfish, which can trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish. Lipless crankbaits are versatile lures that can be used in various fishing situations, including shallow waters, deep waters, and even through vegetation.
Squarebill Crankbaits
Squarebill crankbaits are characterized by their square-shaped diving lips. These lips are designed to deflect off cover such as rocks, logs, and vegetation, allowing the lure to navigate through tight spaces without getting snagged. The deflection creates erratic movements and vibrations, making squarebill crankbaits highly effective in triggering reaction strikes from fish. They are particularly useful in shallow and medium-depth waters, where they can be bounced off structure and mimic the movement of injured prey.
Deep Diving Crankbaits
Deep diving crankbaits are designed to reach depths that other crankbaits cannot. They have longer diving lips and are typically heavier, allowing them to dive down to depths of 10 feet or more. These lures are ideal for targeting fish that reside in deeper waters, such as bass and walleye. Deep diving crankbaits can cover a larger area of water, making them effective for exploring drop-offs, submerged structures, and channels. They often feature a wide wobbling action that mimics the swimming motion of baitfish, attracting the attention of nearby fish.
Soft Plastic Baits
Soft plastic baits are a popular choice among anglers due to their versatility and effectiveness in attracting various types of fish. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing anglers to mimic natural prey and entice fish to strike. In this section, we will explore three types of soft plastic baits: worms, craws, and creature baits.
Worms
Worms are perhaps the most well-known and widely used soft plastic bait. These flexible and lifelike baits imitate the appearance and movement of real worms, making them irresistible to many species of fish. They can be rigged in various ways, such as Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, or wacky-rigged, depending on the fishing conditions and the desired presentation.
When fishing with worms, it’s important to consider the size and color that best matches the natural prey in the area. For example, a smaller worm may be more effective for targeting panfish, while a larger worm may attract larger predatory fish like bass or pike. Additionally, experimenting with different retrieval techniques, such as slow dragging or twitching, can help trigger strikes from finicky fish.
Craws
Craws, also known as crayfish or crawfish, are another popular soft plastic bait option. These baits are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of freshwater crustaceans, which are a common food source for many fish species. Craws typically feature realistic appendages and a segmented body, allowing them to create a lifelike swimming motion when retrieved.
When fishing with craws, anglers often use them in situations where fish are feeding on or near the bottom, such as around rocks, vegetation, or submerged structures. They can be rigged on a jighead, Texas-rigged, or used as a trailer on a skirted jig or spinnerbait. The natural color patterns of craws, such as brown or green with hints of orange or red, are often effective in attracting predatory fish.
Creature Baits
Creature baits are soft plastic lures that mimic a variety of underwater creatures, such as frogs, lizards, or insects. These baits feature unique shapes, textures, and appendages, which create an enticing movement in the water. Creature baits are known for their ability to attract larger fish, particularly bass.
When fishing with creature baits, anglers often use them in situations where fish may be hiding in cover or ambush points. The lifelike appearance and action of these baits can trigger predatory instincts in fish, causing them to strike. Creature baits can be rigged in different ways, such as Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, or used as a trailer on a jig or spinnerbait.
In summary, soft plastic baits are a versatile and effective choice for anglers. Worms, craws, and creature baits each have their own unique characteristics and can be used in different fishing scenarios. By selecting the appropriate size, color, and rigging technique, anglers can maximize their chances of success and land that trophy fish. So, why not give these soft plastic baits a try on your next fishing adventure?
Topwater Lures
When it comes to fishing, one of the most thrilling techniques is using topwater lures. These lures are designed to imitate prey that is on the water’s surface, attracting fish and enticing them to strike. In this section, we will explore three types of topwater lures: popper lures, walking baits, and prop baits.
Popper Lures
Poppers are a popular choice among anglers who want to create a commotion on the water’s surface. These lures have a concave face that creates a splashing or popping sound when jerked or twitched. The popping action mimics a wounded or struggling baitfish, which can trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish.
Some key features of popper lures include:
- Durable Construction: Popper lures are typically made of hard plastic or wood, ensuring they can withstand repeated strikes and rugged fishing conditions.
- Rattling Chambers: Many popper lures are equipped with rattling chambers that produce additional noise and vibrations, further attracting fish’s attention.
- Variety of Sizes and Colors: Popper lures come in various sizes and colors, allowing anglers to choose the right option based on the target species and fishing conditions.
Walking Baits
Walking baits, also known as “walk-the-dog” lures, are designed to create a side-to-side, zigzagging motion on the water’s surface. This action closely resembles a wounded baitfish trying to escape, making it highly enticing for predatory fish.
Here are some notable characteristics of walking baits:
- Slender Body: Walking baits typically have a slim, elongated body shape, which enables them to create the desired side-to-side walking action when twitched or jerked.
- Internal Weighting System: To achieve the walking motion, these lures are often equipped with an internal weight system that shifts from side to side as the angler imparts action to the lure.
- Versatile Retrieval Speeds: Anglers can experiment with different retrieval speeds to find the most effective presentation for enticing fish. Slower retrieves tend to create a wider walking motion, while faster retrieves produce a tighter, more erratic action.
Prop Baits
Prop baits are unique topwater lures that feature one or more rotating propellers. These propellers create a splashing or buzzing sound as they spin, mimicking the movement of prey on the water’s surface. The combination of visual and auditory stimulation makes prop baits irresistible to many fish species.
Here are some key characteristics of prop baits:
- Dual Propellers: Most prop baits have two propellers positioned at the front and back of the lure. This configuration generates maximum surface disturbance and sound, attracting fish from a distance.
- Floating Design: Prop baits are typically designed to float on the water’s surface, allowing anglers to pause and create enticing pauses during the retrieve.
- Effective in Various Conditions: Prop baits excel in calm or slightly choppy water conditions, but they can also be effective in windy conditions as the propellers help create additional commotion.
Spoon Lures
Spoon lures are a popular choice among anglers due to their versatility and effectiveness in attracting fish. These lures are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of a small fish or baitfish, making them an irresistible target for predatory species. There are different types of spoon lures available, each with its own unique features and applications.
Casting Spoons
Casting spoons are specifically designed for long-distance casting. These spoons have a streamlined shape and are typically made of metal, allowing them to cut through the air and achieve greater distance when casted. The flashy, reflective surface of casting spoons helps to attract fish by imitating the flickering movement of baitfish. Anglers often use casting spoons when targeting species such as trout, bass, and pike.
Jigging Spoons
Jigging spoons are primarily used for vertical jigging, a fishing technique that involves lifting and dropping the lure vertically to imitate the movement of injured or dying prey. These spoons are usually heavier and have a more compact design compared to casting spoons. The weight and shape of jigging spoons allow them to sink quickly and reach deeper water where fish may be feeding. Jigging spoons are particularly effective for catching species like walleye, lake trout, and striped bass.
Trolling Spoons
Trolling spoons are designed for use with trolling, a fishing method that involves dragging the lure behind a moving boat. These spoons are characterized by their elongated shape and often feature a wobbling or fluttering action that mimics the movement of a wounded baitfish. Trolling spoons come in a variety of colors and finishes to attract different fish species. They are commonly used for targeting salmon, muskellunge, and northern pike.
When selecting a spoon lure, it is important to consider factors such as the size, color, and action of the lure. The size of the spoon should match the size of the baitfish in the area you are fishing, while the color should be chosen based on the water conditions and the preferences of the target species. Additionally, the action of the spoon, whether it is a steady retrieve, a jigging motion, or a trolling technique, will also affect its effectiveness in enticing fish.
In conclusion, spoon lures, including casting spoons, jigging spoons, and trolling spoons, are versatile and effective tools for attracting a wide range of fish species. Their ability to mimic the movement and appearance of baitfish makes them a go-to choice for many anglers. Whether you are casting from the shore, jigging in deep water, or trolling behind a boat, there is a spoon lure that can help you land the fish of your dreams.
