There are many types of fishing lures. Let’s look at some of the most popular lures and see what makes them different from each other.
Spoon Fishing Lure
Because of their simplicity and effectiveness, spoons are very popular. There are many sizes and shapes, but they all have the same characteristic: They curve outwards, similar to a spoon that you would find in your kitchen utensil cabinet. Its shape mimics fleeing baitfish by allowing for quick flickering movements as it is pulled through the water. Spoons can be used to catch fast-moving predatory fish like mackerel or barracuda.
Jig Fishing Lure
A jig can be used to refer to any lure that has a weighted head. They are well-known for their versatility. They are light enough to cast them far. Anglers can either fish them along the bottom or use a faster, twitching retrieve. You can use jigs to catch anything from bass to tarpon and they are a staple of any tackle box.
Spinnerbait Fishing Lure
The spinner is more popular for freshwater species like pike and bass. It uses a skirted hook that’s built into a bracket with either a flashy blade on one end or both. These lures are easy to catch fish because they require a steady retrieve. Predators are attracted to the flash of the blade.
Crankbait Fishing Lure
Crankbaits have a painted body and a metal or plastic lip at the front. This lip allows the lure ability to dive and wobble when it is retrieved. These lures can be fished in a similar way to jigs. They can be fished in a variety of different ways. Crankbaits can be used for trolling offshore or fishing in neighborhood ponds.
Soft Plastic Fishing Lures
Soft plastics, as the name suggests, are soft, rubbery baits that imitate insects, fish, and crustaceans. Soft plastics can be used for freshwater or almost any saltwater inshore predatory species. There are many options for style, size, and color. The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine which one is best. It is a good idea to match the food source of your target fish in your fishing grounds.
Topwater Lures / Popper Fishing Lure
There are many topwater lures available. The most popular ones would be poppers or “walk the dog” lures. Also known as “spooks”, these lures are very popular. These lures don’t sink and mimic struggling baitfish on the water’s surface. Poppers are named after a recess in the front that allows them “pop” the water’s surface during retrieves.
These “Walk the Dog” style lures float just like the traditional ones, but they don’t have the recessed section to pop. They are made with a weight distribution that allows them to move back and forth when twitched. This is called “walking the dog” and it involves retrieving the lure. These lures are not only good for catching fish but also very rewarding to use. Nothing is more thrilling than seeing a large fish take a topwater lure to their mouths!
There are many types of fishing lures. The lure’s shape determines the type of fish it can catch. Spoons work well for fast-moving predatory species, while soft plastics can catch many species depending on the baitfish they are eating or their preferred food source. Crankbaits can dive once they are retrieved. They have wobbling lips that imitate struggling baitfish and topwater lures mimic an easy meal at the surface, which makes them more enjoyable to use. If you want to learn more about fishing lures or you would like to book a fishing trip call Salty Knots Fishing Charters today!
