Fishing lures are essential for any angler’s arsenal. Whether you’re battling large fish or small fry, there’s a range of lures that can help you out.
What’s more is there are a number of different materials and methods of making lures, which can help you find the right one for the job. So, in this article we’ll explore the various types of lures available, how much they cost, and what you should look out for.
Table of Contents
Fishing Lures 101
To begin with, let’s cover some of the basics regarding fishing lures. A fishing lure is simply any object that’s been designed to look like something fish may be interested in biting at. These can be both natural and artificial substances, and can be anywhere from simple to incredibly complex structures.
The most important thing to consider is how the fish react to the lure. You can put yourself in the fish’s position and see how they react when presented with a potential bite at a lively moving object. This makes it much easier to choose the right lure for the job. You also need to bear in mind that not all fish are created equal, and some may be more susceptible to certain lures than others. All these factors need to be taken into consideration when selecting your next fishing lure.
Types Of Fishing Lures
The term “fishing lure” applies to a wide variety of different items, from simple plastics to elaborate swarovski crystals and even live fish! It’s important to know the differences between these so you can find the right one for the fish you’re targeting. For example, metal lures are usually used for big game fish because they imitate the sound of actual fish; plastic lures are often cheaper but don’t have the same staying power; and organic lures are great for catching the smallest fish but can be easily spotted by larger fish.
The Rise Of The Artificial Lure
Over the past few decades, artificial lures have risen in prominence due to their incredible variety and affordability. This type of lure is usually made of synthetic materials like monofilament or wire and various plastics. These can look incredibly realistic, which is something that attracts fish’s attention quickly and accurately. It’s also important to note that not all artificial lures are created equal. Some are better than others at attracting particular types of fish, so you need to find out which ones are most effective for your situation.
Real Vs Artificial Lures
The most important thing to consider when purchasing a fishing lure is whether it’s real or artificial. Real lures are made of natural materials such as feathers, hair, and bones, and are usually considered to be the gold standard among fishermen. They also cost more but can be crafted into virtually any shape or size and can be customized to fit any angling situation. On the other hand, artificial lures are generally cheaper and can be designed to fit almost any situation. This is mostly due to their variety of options, which makes them extremely customizable. However, they are less effective at catching fish than natural lures, and they wear out faster, too.
How Much Do Fishing Lures Cost?
The cost of fishing lures can vary greatly, but it usually falls into one of these categories: budget friendly, moderate, or expensive. These can be broken down into three groups, as follows:
1. Budget Friendly
These are the lures that are ideal for people on a budget. They are typically either very simple or very complex structures and are made of materials that are either biodegradable or recycled. These are the kind of lures you’ll find at the drugstore or at a reputable online shop. Simple examples include wooden lures and feather leis. More sophisticated ones might include plastic worms, marshmallows, or twigs with eyes made out of plastic.
2. Moderate
These are the lures that fall into the middle ground. These are still fairly inexpensive but are considered to be good value for the money. Examples include a range of plastic worms and blasters, as well as steelhead lures. Some of these lures are sold in large volumes, which makes them popular with anglers who fish in organized tournaments or groups.
3. Expensive
The expensive lures are the most realistic and the most accurate in their portrayal of actual fish. These can also be the most expensive kind of lure, and there’s a good reason for it: They’re incredibly lifelike and can be customized for optimum performance. It’s important to bear in mind that not all expensive lures are created equal. Many are designed to catch specific types of fish and can be very effective at doing so. Others are simply overpriced for what they are.
What Is A Bait?”
“Bait” is simply any type of item that might be found alongside a fishing hole. The purpose of bait is to attract a fish’s attention and make them bite at your offering. Bait can be natural or artificial, and can be presented in all sorts of ways, from simple to incredibly elaborate schemes. Some of the more common and effective types of bait include:
- Minnow: These are long, slender worms that are often used near freshwater fishing holes. They are great for catching panfish and catfish and are sometimes referred to as “river rats’ tails.” Their long bodies and slender shapes make them ideal for hiding in grass, leaves, or weeds, which the fish often eat. The most common variety of minnow is the white tail variety, which has a slightly tangy flavor that many consider to be quite delicious.
- Tube Worms: These are thick, sausage-shaped worms that are usually made of plastic. They’re ideal for use near the ocean, where the water is a bit warmer, thus making their bodies a bit more pliable. This can make them easier to swallow by the fish. The most common type of tube worm sold by large companies like Marthanda Lagoon is the Japanese giant tongue variety, which can grow up to 10 inches long and has a slightly sweet taste.
- Cricket: Those who fish for bass usually use these small, hopping insects. They are great for attracting smallmouth bass and other surface fish in ditches and areas with lots of vegetation. The legs make it easy for the fisherman to flick them into the air, which the fish often catch sight of and bite at eagerly.
- Ghost Fishing Lures: These are small, artificial lures that are similar to a shrimp but have a completely transparent exoskeleton. Their thin bodies and lack of pigment give them an ethereal quality that makes them ideal for attracting fish that can’t be easily spotted by the naked eye.
- Nymph: These are the larger and more elegant members of the insect family. They inhabit ponds, lakes, and slow streams, generally near fast-flowing water. They’re great at hiding in vegetation and catching sight of the water as it flows past. You might find large numbers of nymphs in areas where the water has been slightly dammed or where there’s a lot of vegetation growing along the bank.
There are many different types of fishing lures, and knowing which one to purchase can be difficult. However, once you’ve found the right one for the job, the time spent fishing will be worth it.