Fishing Lures 101

There are hundreds of types of types of fishingsurface and dive when reeled in, while others are
lures, with thousands of disparity within each group.weighted for fishing at deeper levels. Plugs (often
But lures are more than just shiny and wobblycalled crankbaits) are very popular with walleye
spoons and jigs. There is a real science that goes intofisherman, pike fisherman and bass fisherman.
the making of each one.Spinners are designed for slow trolling and casting and
The concept is the same no matter the design; todo what their name suggests - they spin. The flash
imitate as close to reality a wounded baitfish or prey.of the lure and the vibrations they emanate can bring
The diversity of the ways used to imitate prey overtrout, walleye and a variety of other predator fish
the centuries is astounding when you think about it.from afar. These fishing lures come in a wide variety
Flies alone have been around since the end of theof sizes and colors because they have mass appeal
17th century (however there may be evidence thatwith a variety of different species. Spinners typically
similar devices were used as early as 200 AD).have a centralized body with loops at both ends for
Here is a high level description of the more commonattaching line and hook. When dragged through the
fishing lures and the characteristics that help makewater, a shiny blade spins around the body attracting
them successful.predator fish.
Spoons are shaped (as the name suggests) as aJigs are particularly effective at catching walleye,
spoon Looking at them in your tackle box you notperch and a variety of fish. Often made of a lead
expect them to be overly effective at catching fish.blob the shape of a small fish head, they have an
But when they're in motion in the water, they do aneye at one end and a hook at the other. Often
amazing job imitating a wounded baitfish. A hooksuited with a rubber tail or bait (minnows, leeches and
(normally a three-pronged treble) is secured at thenight crawlers are the most common) the jig is a
bottom and the weight of the lure makes it ideal forfavorite fishing lure for many anglers.
casting and trolling. Spoons are especially effective onWhether made of metal, plastic or the most exotic
northern pike, a variety of trout and bass.material around (any you can imagine has been tried),
Plugs and Crankbaits are often shaped like minnowslures are the business to catch fish, period. Match the
and can sport hooks at the front, middle and end ofright lure to the body of water you are fishing, and
the body (depending on the length). They may beyou will have a day full of lasting memories.
anywhere from an inch to eight inches long and do aThanks for reading.
masterful job of imitating a distressed fish. There areGood fishing.
a wide variety of plugs; some of them float on the