Using a lure to catch a fish is one of the greatest challenges of fishing, and also one of the most rewarding experiences an angler can have. A fishing lure is an artificial fishing bait that is used to attract and catch fish. They come in a huge variety of different types, shapes, sizes, and colors, and designed to catch a large variety of fish species. So which fishing lure should you be using? And what types of lures are out there? Let’s talk about the different types of fishing lures and a few you should be using!
Plugs
Plugs, also known as crankbaits, are hard plastic lures that are shaped to resemble a fish or prey animal to the species of fish you are pursuing. They are usually made with a thin sheet of plastic or metal at the front that gives it lifelike movement, and this part is called the lip. Plugs generally have two or three treble hooks on them, and they are a very versatile type of lure that can be made to sink, hover, dive, or float! Plugs are usually used to catch larger trophy fish, but smaller ones can be used to catch other species as well. Here are a few of our favorite plugs.
1. Strike King Pro-Model 6XD Crankbait
- 8XD SERIES. Measures 3 inches in length, weighs 1 ounce, and dives 19 feet deep
- Extra Deep Dive Rattle Crank bait, 4
- LARGER PROFILE CRANKS. Great for times when fish are keyed in on or used to larger forage
- LIFELIKE. 3D eyes and free floating rattles
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Strike King is a well-known brand for some of the best lures that produce fish, and one of their best products is the Pro-Model 6XD. It is great for a large variety of fish but sees the most use for bass. It ca
n dive up to 19 feet or even deeper and is perfect for long-distance casting so it can dive deep down into the water.
2. Rapala Rigging Rap 6 Lipless Plug
- The Rapala Rippin Rap 06 Lipless Crankbait is a classic lipless crankbait with hard vibrating actions.
- This 2 1/2-inch, 1/2 ounce bait has a lipless design with a textured body and 3D holographic eyes.
- Body shape provides tremendous vibration which also causes a rattling sound.
- It is equipped with #6 and #8 Premium VMC Black Nickel Hooks.
- Available in 17 colored finish
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Rapala lures are some of the best lures on the market today, and the Rigging Rap 6 is a plug that has some great lifelike motions while using it. It has a very textured body and holographic eyes to give it an extremely lifelike appearance, resulting in more bites from fish. It comes with two attached hooks and is available in over 17 different colors.
Jigs
Jigs are a type of lure that have a weighted head on one end and a hook on the other. They will typically have a feather skirt or a plastic grub around it and are one of the most popular types of lures. Because of their heavyweight, jigs sink very quickly and they are a great choice for fishing on the bottoms of waterways. Jigs are designed to attract any type of fish that preys upon smaller aquatic creatures.
1. Booyah Boo Jig
- WEED GUARD DESGIN: Penetrates brushpiles and drop through grassbeds with equal efficiency
- JIG FEATURES: Flat-bottom 18-degree rise, black nickel light wire hook
- ATTENTION SEEKER: Baby Boo Jig has a proven record of catching the big ones
- EFFECTIVE SIZE AND COLORS: 60-strand ultra fine silicone skirt patterns; 5/16 oz lure weight
- TOUGH AND DURABLE: Strong hard coat paint with Plasti-Keeper Sp
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Booyah Jigs are easily the most popular jigs in the fishing world, and this one is considered one of the most versatile. It is specifically designed to be able to be fished through rocks, weeds, and other structures without getting caught or snagged. It even has two rattles that will produce sound in order to attract more fish.
2. Strike King Hack Attack Jig
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Designed to be flipped and jigged through heavy weeds. The Hack Attack Jig can be used in both shallow or deep water thanks to its weed guard and tough hook. There are a ton of different colors to choose from, depending on what the fish are biting on in your area.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbait lures are lures that are designed to be retrieved and glide horizontally through the water. They come in many different colors, shapes, and designs, and can be used to target different water depths and fish species. These are called spinnerbaits because of one or more metal blades that spin when moving through the water. These blades create vibrations and colors in the water that attract predatory fish.
1. Strike King Mini-King Spinnerbait
- Crafted from the highest quality material ensuring quality and durability
- Freshwater, 1/2 oz, White Head, White Skirt, Package of 1
- Made in the U. S. A.
- Sport type: Boat
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With a single blade, this spinnerbait is smaller and lighter than other spinners but it is great for casting long distances. Also, can be easily used by beginners or kids. Because it is made by Strike King, it is very high quality and available in over 12 different colors.
2. Booyah Pond Magic Spinnerbait
- Sport Type: Boating Fishing Outdoor Lifestyle
- Country of Origin:United States
- Size Name:One S
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Made by Booyah Baits, this spinnerbait is another smaller option that is designed for shallower waters. It has a very strong hook that has a silicone skirt that will attract fish from a longer distance. It has over 12 colors to choose from and is a great choice for many fish species.
Spoons
Spoons are specific types of fishing lures that are made of metal and curved, hence their name. They were even originally made with spoons that had the handles cut off. Because of their curve, they wobble through the water to attract fish. A wobbling lure moving through the water resembles an injured baitfish. Spoons are a great choice for catching more finicky species of fish, as well as fish that might be living in heavily pressured areas. They work great for trout, bass, panfish, and plenty of other species as well.
1. South Bend Kastaway Lure
- Product Type: Fishing Hook
- Made in China
- Package Dimensions : 9.0 L x 2.0 H x 8.0 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 1.0 pou
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A smaller spoon lure, the South Bend Kastaway is the perfect choice for smaller fish or when the big game fish are being picky. They give a great wobble as they move through the water, and work very well in murky waters.
2. Nichols Parker Lure
- Premium 3/0 owner st-36 treble
- Tied with Pearl flashabou
- American made worth split rings, and finished with a size 4 spro power swivel at the
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At over eight inches in length, the Nichols Parker is designed to attract and catch larger trophy fish. With its bright colors and excellent movement in the water, it will grab their attention from a long distance. It is very heavy duty and durable.
Flies
Flies are a lure that is used in fly fishing, although they can be sometimes used with other types of rods and reels as well. Traditionally, Flies are simply a hook with a skirt around it, making it resemble a fly or other insect. These skirts are made from fur, feathers, or thread. Flies are most popular for catching trout, but can be used for almost any species of fish that you are pursuing.
1. Flies Direct BH Prince Nymph
- Hand-Tied By Professionals Who Take Great Pride In Their Craftsmanship
- Flies Are Tied Using High Quality Mustad Hooks
- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
- Country Of Origin: South Afr
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These flies are hand-tied by experts, so you know you are getting a quality, handcrafted product every time. Made in South Africa, the prince nymph pattern is one of the most popular patterns used by fly anglers, because they resemble the most amount of common insects found near water.
2. Flies Direct Elk Hare Caddis Brown Fly
- Hand-tied by professionals who take great pride in their craftsmanship
- Flies are tied using high quality Mustard hooks
- 100% Satisfaction Guarant
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Another offering from Flies Direct, the Elk Hare Caddis is another popular pattern of fly that can be used just about anywhere and for any species. These types of fishing lures are made very carefully so that the hooks are properly concealed, giving an angler much more success in tricking fish.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of different types of fishing lures to use. Each one will play a different role in an angler’s arsenal. Having a few of each one will give you the best bet at finding what the fish in your area are biting on!
