What is a fishing lure called?
What is a Fishing Lure Called?
Introduction
When it comes to angling, using the right equipment is crucial to increasing your chances of a successful catch. One essential tool in any angler’s arsenal is the fishing lure. A fishing lure is a device designed to mimic the appearance and movement of natural prey, enticing fish to strike and bite. These artificial baits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, each with its own unique purpose and name. In this article, we will explore the different types of fishing lures and what they are called.
1. Jigs
One of the most versatile and widely used fishing lures is the jig. Jigs consist of a weighted head with a hook attached, usually adorned with a skirt made of silicone or animal hair. The head of a jig may be round, football-shaped, or have other specialized designs. They are commonly used for bottom fishing and can imitate a variety of prey, such as crawfish or minnows. Jigs are often named after the specific prey they mimic, such as crawfish jig or minnow jig.
2. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are another popular type of fishing lure. These lures feature a hard plastic body with a diving lip that causes them to dive and swim at various depths when retrieved. Crankbaits are effective for covering large areas of water and are commonly used for targeting predatory fish like bass and pike. They come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, and their names often reflect their design characteristics, such as lipless crankbait or squarebill crankbait.
3. Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are a type of fishing lure that consists of a metal wire bent into the shape of a safety pin, with one or more spinning metal blades and a rubber skirt. The spinning blades create flash and vibration in the water, attracting fish’s attention. Spinnerbaits are versatile lures that can be used in various fishing conditions, including both shallow and deep water. Some common names for spinnerbaits include willowleaf spinnerbait and Colorado blade spinnerbait, which refer to the blade shape and size.
4. Soft Plastic Baits
Soft plastic baits are extremely popular among anglers due to their versatility and lifelike appearance. These lures are made of soft, flexible plastic materials and come in a wide array of shapes, such as worms, creatures, lizards, and swimbaits. Soft plastic baits are typically rigged with a hook and are often used with techniques like Texas rigging or Carolina rigging. Their names can vary based on their shape, size, and intended use, such as worm bait, creature bait, or swimbait.
5. Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are designed to float on the water’s surface and create enticing movements that imitate injured prey or other surface-dwelling creatures. These lures can generate explosive strikes from fish, making them particularly exciting to use. Topwater lures come in various forms, including poppers, buzzbaits, and prop baits. The names of these lures often reflect their unique action or sound, such as popping frog or buzz popper.
6. Spoon Lures
Spoon lures are named for their spoon-like shape, which creates a wobbling and flashing action when retrieved through the water. These lures are typically made of metal and can be used to target a wide range of species, from trout to salmon to pike. Spoon lures may have different names based on their size, shape, and intended use. Some common names include casting spoon, flutter spoon, and trolling spoon.
7. Jerkbaits
Jerkbaits are designed to mimic injured or fleeing baitfish, making them highly effective for attracting predatory fish. These lures have a slim, minnow-like profile and often feature multiple treble hooks. Jerkbaits are typically used with a jerking or twitching retrieve, creating an erratic and darting motion in the water. The names of jerkbaits may reflect their diving depth, such as shallow jerkbait or deep-diving jerkbait.
8. Swimbaits
Swimbaits are large, lifelike lures that imitate the appearance and movement of fish. They are usually made of soft plastic or hard plastic and come in various sizes, from a few inches to several inches long. Swimbaits are commonly used for targeting larger game fish like bass and muskie. The names of swimbaits may indicate the specific fish species they imitate, such as bass swimbait or trout swimbait.
9. Flies
In fly fishing, anglers use artificial flies to mimic insects, baitfish, or other small prey. Flies are typically made of feathers, fur, and other materials tied to a hook. These lures are designed to be lightweight and are often used in freshwater or saltwater environments. Fly names often reflect the type of insect or prey they imitate, such as mayfly fly, streamer fly, or dry fly.
10. Blade Baits
Blade baits are metal lures with a thin, flat profile and a vibrating blade attached. When retrieved, the blade creates a vibrating action that attracts fish. Blade baits are commonly used in colder water conditions and are effective for targeting species like walleye and bass. Their names may indicate their blade shape or size, such as Willow Blade bait or Colorado Blade bait. https://fishingtackleandsupplies.com/lure-shop/
Conclusion
Fishing lures come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, each with its own unique name. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, targeting bass or trout, there’s a fishing lure specifically designed to attract your desired catch. Understanding the different types of fishing lures and their names can help you make informed choices when selecting the right bait for your angling adventures. So, next time you’re heading out for a fishing trip, remember to pack a selection of jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastic baits, topwater lures, spoon lures, jerkbaits, swimbaits, flies, and blade baits. With the right fishing lure in your tackle box, you’ll be well-equipped to reel in that trophy fish. Happy fishing!
