Boating enthusiasts and fishermen alike know the importance of choosing the right fishing lure or bait for their catch. With hundreds of options available, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this article, we will discuss the common types of fishing lures and bait, their applications, and how to choose the right one for your fishing expedition.
1. Spinnerbait
Spinnerbait is a common type of fishing lure that has a metal wire frame, a lead weight, and one or more spinning blades. It mimics the movement of live baitfish, and the vibration from the blades attracts fish. Spinnerbaits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making it versatile for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
2. Jig
A jig is a fishing lure consisting of a weighted head and a hook. Anglers use a jig by casting it, allowing it to reach the bottom, and then bouncing it off the ground or reeling it in with a slow retrieve. The weight of the jig makes it ideal for fishing in deeper waters or in strong currents. The jig also comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making it a versatile fishing lure.
3. Soft Plastics
Soft plastic lures mimic the look and movement of worms, minnows, grubs, and other baitfish. It is typically manufactured from plastic or rubber, and it is designed to be rigged on a hook or fished on a jig. Soft plastics come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making it easy for anglers to match the hatch, or mimic the natural prey fish in the water that the fish are feeding on.
4. Crankbaits
Crankbaits use a diving action to entice fish into striking. It has a plastic or wooden body with a diving lip and treble hooks. The depth and action of the lure depend on the size of the lip, and anglers use different crankbaits to target fish at varying depths in the water column.
5. Live Bait
Live bait has been used for centuries to catch fish. This type of bait attracts fish with its natural scent and movement. Common types of live bait include worms, shad, minnows, crickets, and shrimp.
Selecting the right fishing lure or bait for your catch is crucial to the success of your fishing expedition. Spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastics, crankbaits, and live bait all have unique attributes that make them suitable for certain fishing situations. Knowing which one to use takes experimentation and practice, so don’t be afraid to try different techniques and see what works best for you. Happy fishing!