The type and size of lure is generally determined by the fish species that you’re targeting. Although there is no defined role for the various lures, the idea is to match a lure as well as possible with a fish’s natural prey. [2] X Research source For example, a bass usually feeds on tiny crayfish, making it less likely to bite a large fish-shaped lure. However, bass tend to be attracted to more active lures like chatterbait.
Because spoons resemble shads, they work best in waters where shad are plentiful.
Oil-based scents are an effective option because they won’t clump or ruin the feathers.
Look for a V-shaped spinning lure. These make more vibrations, which may be more effective in attracting fish.
If you’re fishing at night, look for a lighted version of this lure.
Cast your lure and point the rod tip toward the water at a 45 degree angle. Move the rod tip downward to a 90 degree angle in a jerking motion. Reel up the slack in the line, then jerk the line again. Move the rod slowly at first, and then gradually increase the speed to copy the movement of a bait fish swimming away.
Tie one lure behind the other on a monofilament leader and cast your lure out deep. Move the tip of the rod in a twitching motion, varying the speed in multi-directions, attempting to mimic the behavior of live fish. Use your wrist to keep the line relatively taut, jerking the lure around and varying your movements.
After you cast, leave the lure still in the water until the ripples go away, pausing and counting to 10 before you make a movement. Move the rod tip, causing the lure to move in place very gently, then remain still for another brief period. Repeat brief movement of the rod tip, moving the lure in place. The movements should look erratic and sinking, but easy to catch.
Cast your lure and let it remain still while the line starts to sink. Do nothing for several seconds, then slowly start to work the lure beneath the surface by making short retrieval reels, then letting it sink back down. Floating lures, like crank bait or diving plugs, require constant reeling so that they’ll stay under the water. Otherwise, they may just float on the surface of the water.
After casting, keep your line still until the ripples in the water go away, then sweep your rod down to the surface of the water. Use the sweeping motion either slowly or quickly depending on the assertiveness of the fish.
All you’ve got to do to troll a lure is cast behind a moving boat and wind the line in slowly as you move. Generally, you’ll want to use the trolling motor and go extremely slowly. Another way to do is to let the lure sink down to the desired depth. Don’t reel in the line as the boat drives forward. This will keep it at the right depth.
If you get a bite immediately stop reeling in and very slowly move the lure left and right until the bobber goes under the water. The second it does yank very hard and forcefully. You do this because when the fish bites it and you yank, the fish will get the hook caught in its lip and you can then reel it in.
The right color to use can also depend on where you’re fishing. A bright, patterned lure might be best to attract saltwater fish, but that same lure could scare freshwater fish away. [5] X Expert Source Kathy Sparrow, MAFishing Instructor Expert Interview. 1 April 2020.
Work the whole body of water and the different depths until you find the fish. Also work the lure at different speeds and change up the action.