Staring at a wall of lures can be overwhelming if you’ve only fished with live bait.  They come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and prices. But it’s not all about looks – different lures are made for specific fish or fishing conditions.  Why would you use a lure rather than live bait? One of the biggest differences is that lures are less messy than bait when it comes to transporting them. Fish aren’t as likely to swallow a lure so that they won’t get hooked as easily, so you have an easier time if you want to catch and release.  You can cast further with a lure than with bait, so fishing from the shore or a pier is easier. If you’re trying to catch a particular kind of fish, a lure is made just for that species. Before you set off to your favorite tackle shop, let’s look at the different types of lures and how they are used.

1. Jigs

A jig is a good starter lure because it can be used to catch just about any fish and is the least expensive of all the lures. The jig head is made of lead and comes in a variety of sizes and colors. You pick out a head, and then you “dress” it in any number of tails made of all kinds of materials, including feathers, hair, and plastic. You can also attach live bait to a jig. You control the action when jig fishing, so you must pay attention to be effective.  Cast your jig – the weighted head will hit the bottom of the water, and your line will go slack. You will retrieve it by “hopping” – lifting and lowering the rod tip to attract your catch. The most difficult thing about jig fishing is with all that hopping; you might not notice when you have a bite.  Jigs are most effective at catching bottom-feeder fish.

2. Spinners

A spinner is also a good starter lure and is simpler to use than a jig. The spinner is made of a metal shaft with a spinning blade and hook that you can either dress or leave bare.  You simply cast your line and retrieve it while it does all the work spinning to attract the fish through sound and vibration. A spinner is a good choice when you are fishing in murky water and is often used for bass and pike.

3. Buzzbaits

Like spinners, buzzbaits have a bent wire attached to a lead head. The lure’s body can be dressed with a rubber skirt with one or two metal blades attached.  A buzzbait is cast out and retrieved at a steady speed. It stays about five feet or less below the water’s surface. This technique is called “Chuck-and-wind.” Bass, perch, and pike are attracted to buzzbait, and they are ideal for fishing in shallow water.

4. Plugs or Crankbaits

Plug baits, also known as crankbaits, are hollow, made from plastic or wood, in the shape of baitfish, frogs, and other fish favorites. A plug has a thin “lip” or sheet of metal on the front, with two or three hooks attached, and may be designed to wobble, rattle, or gurgle. Some float, some dive, and some can do both.  Narrow minnow-shaped plugs float when they’re not moving and then do a shallow dive when they’re being retrieved.  They are used for bass fishing and when fish are less active due to cold water.

5. Spoons

A spoon lure is made of a curved piece of metal and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The spoon shape gives the lure a side-to-side wobble to trick the fish into thinking it’s an injured baitfish. Depending on their design, you can cast, troll, or jig spoon lures.  You know it’s time to slow down when you’re retrieving when the lure starts to spin instead of wobble. Adding a split ring to the lure eye gives it a better wobble.

6. Soft Plastics

Soft plastic baits are made to look like worms, lizards, frogs, and other delicacies that fish enjoy. You can also buy “critters” that are freeform designs. Soft plastic lures are often embellished with colors and metallic flakes to look like scales and can be scented.  You use a separate weight and then attach the plastic bait, burying it in the hook.  Fish tend to hold on to the soft plastic a little longer before spitting them out. They are popular with bass fishers.

7. Flies

A fly lure can be used for fly fishing, or a clear bubble float can be added with spinning gear. They are very lightweight and made of fur, feathers, or foam to look like insects. Dry flies float on the surface of the water. Wet flies go below the water surface. They are, perhaps, the most difficult lure to learn to use. You can learn anything else you’d like to know about lures, tackle, and other fishing gear at J&M Tackle in Orange Beach, AL. The store was started by two brothers in 1988 and has grown from a small store to a large 21,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse and online business that attracts fishing enthusiasts from near and far.  They offer custom rod manufacturing and repair, professional line winding, and lure rigging.