Best Types of Fishing Lures: The Angler's Guide

Fishing lures are among the most popular tools in an angler's tackle box. While live bait remains a go-to for many, artificial lures offer unique advantages. They're highly versatile, reusable, and designed to mimic natural prey across various fishing conditions.

But how do you know which lure to choose? The answer depends on several factors. The type of fish you are fishing for will also determine the lure you select. Water conditions are also an important factor. In this guide, we will explore the most popular types of fishing lures. You will also get the most crucial information about them.

Why the Right Lure Matters

Choosing the right bait makes the difference between success and failure in fishing. Baits play a key role in attracting fish. Each type of bait targets specific types of fish. Understanding how they work in different water conditions is key to fishing success.

Key Advantages of Lures

Lures are not just tools but an exciting part of the angler's experience. Their versatility, durability, and the thrill of using them make them popular among anglers.

• Durability: Lures are designed to withstand challenging fishing conditions. They are reusable, allowing anglers to use them multiple times in harsh conditions.
• Versatility: Many lures are effective in freshwater and saltwater fishing, making them a reliable choice for targeting a wide range of species across different environments.
• Longer Casting Distance: Lures allow more prolonged and accurate casts, helping you cover more water and reach distant fish.
• Exciting Strikes: The realistic action of lures often triggers aggressive strikes from fish, creating a more thrilling fishing experience.

Lures come in many shapes and sizes. Also, they are different in color. This variety means you can always find the right one to suit your fishing conditions.

Match the Lure to the Target Fish

Your knowledge about different fish species and their preferences is your power in fishing. Understanding the fish you intend to catch will help you choose the right lure, giving you the confidence to succeed.

• Predatory Fish: Fast-moving lures like crankbaits, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits mimic injured baitfish and trigger aggressive strikes.
• Bottom-Feeders: Soft plastics, jigs, and live bait imitations are effective for fish that search for food near the bottom.
• Surface Feeders: Topwater lures like poppers and floating insects attract fish that feed at the surface.

Following these guidelines will help maximize your chances of success. Remember, fishing is a game of patience and persistence. If you don't get bites immediately, stay determined and keep trying.

Consider the Fishing Environment

Where you fish greatly impacts the type of lure you should use. Different environments require different kinds of lures to match the conditions:

• Moving Water (Rivers & Streams): Inline spinners, crankbaits, and soft plastics work well in currents, effectively targeting Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye.
• Still Water (Lakes and reservoirs): Jigs, swimbaits, and deep-diving crankbaits are great for reaching fish at varying depths, including Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Crappie.
• Shallow and Vegetated Areas (Ponds & Marshes): Topwater lures, frogs, and weedless soft plastics excel in these environments, especially for Largemouth Bass, Snakehead, and Bowfin.
• Inshore Saltwater (Flats, Mangroves, Estuaries): Shrimp imitations, soft plastic jerkbait, and spoons effectively target species like Redfish, Snook, and Speckled Trout in shallow, brackish waters.
• Nearshore and Jetty Areas (Coastal Structures & Breakwaters): Bucktail jigs, live bait, and diving plugs attract fish that seek cover around rocks and pilings, such as Striped Bass and Bluefish.
• Offshore and Deep Sea (Open Water): Trolling with large diving plugs, rigged ballyhoos, and vertical jigs is ideal for catching pelagic species like Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo in deep waters.

Choosing a lure that suits the fishing environment will ensure you're targeting the most active fish, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

Selecting the Best Lure Color and Size

The color and size of a lure are important for attracting fish. Water clarity and the size of your target fish will influence your choice.

• Clear Water: Natural colors like brown, green, and silver create a realistic presentation that blends well with the environment.
• Murky Water: Bright colors such as chartreuse, orange, or neon pink improve visibility.
• Small Fish Species: Smaller lures with subtle movement are perfect for attracting Panfish and smaller predators.
• Large Predators: Larger lures with more aggressive action work best for bigger fish. 

Selecting the correct color and size will make your lure more appealing, significantly increasing your chances of a successful catch.

Pick a Lure with the Right Movement and Attraction

Fish use their senses to detect prey. They can detect movement, vibration, and sound. The right lure creates a realistic motion that triggers strikes.

• Mimic Wounded Prey: Fighting fish trigger aggressive instincts in predatory fish, and this type of bait is precisely reminiscent of such fish.
• Vibration and Sound: Other lures create subtle vibrations. Also, they can make rattling noises. That attracts fish that rely on their lateral lines, like Catfish and Trout.
• Flashing and Reflection: Spinnerbaits and spoons use light reflections to grab fish's attention. This is especially true in murky water or low-light conditions.

Selecting a lure with the proper motion, sound, or flash can be the difference between getting noticed and getting ignored. Match the action to your target species and water conditions to increase your chances of success.

Top and Most Common Fishing Lures

We have explained to you how to choose and adjust lures. After you have that information, it's time to introduce you to the top lures. Don't miss the following parts!

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are very popular fishing lures. Anglers use crankbaits in various conditions, and are an excellent choice for attracting predatory fish. This type of lure has a great feature: It can be used at different depths, allowing anglers to target fish at greater depths.

• Saltwater: Crankbaits are among the most popular lures for saltwater fishing because they're effective at catching a variety of species, including Snapper, Bluefish, and Grouper. Deep-diving crankbaits are especially useful when targeting fish near the bottom, allowing anglers to reach those deeper strike zones precisely.
• Freshwater: Crankbaits are especially effective in rivers and lakes for freshwater fishing. They are ideal for catching species like Walleye, Bass, and Pike. In colder water, shallow-diving crankbaits are a good option. Deeper-diving versions work well in warmer months when fish move deeper. 

Crankbaits remain a favorite among anglers due to their adaptability in saltwater and freshwater environments. Their ability to replicate the natural movement of baitfish makes them an indispensable tool for any angler.

Soft Plastics

Soft plastics are a staple in the angler's arsenal because of their lifelike action and versatility. These lures mimic a variety of prey, such as worms, crawfish, and minnows. Soft plastics are particularly effective in targeting fish reluctant to strike harder lures.

• Saltwater: Soft plastics are effective in saltwater fishing for species like Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. Anglers often use soft plastic lures in combination with jigs or weighted hooks to control their depth and speed. The soft plastic can imitate the natural movements of crustaceans or smaller fish. Soft plastics work well in shallow and deep waters.
• Freshwater: Soft plastics are equally effective in freshwater fishing. They are commonly used for Bass, Walleye, and Pike. Popular techniques such as Texas and Carolina rigs or drop shots work well with soft plastics in freshwater. These lures excel in freshwater lakes and rivers. There, they can be worked through different types of cover, including weeds and submerged structures. Soft plastics are especially useful when targeting fish in deeper waters.

Soft plastics are incredibly versatile, allowing anglers to target a wide range of species. Their lifelike action makes them a valuable tool for catching fish in any environment. 

Spinnerbaits

Spinner baits are unique lures. It combines the flash and vibration of spinning blades with the profile of a baitfish or other prey. These lures are often used in areas with heavy cover. Spinner baits are especially effective in murky waters or low-light conditions. That is because of the flash created by their blades.

• Saltwater: In saltwater environments, spinnerbaits are effective for specific species. Striped Bass, Snook, and Redfish are some of them. These lures can be cast around jetties, bridges, and mangroves. The spinning blades create vibrations that attract fish from a distance. Spinnerbait's ability to work through cover makes it an excellent choice for areas with weeds and rocks. Spinner baits are helpful in areas with turbulent water. 
• Freshwater: Spinner baits are used to target Bass in freshwater. They are effective during the spring and fall, when fish are more active. Spinnerbaits can be retrieved slowly through weeds and submerged structures. 

Spinner baits are great for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Spinnerbaits will be effective whether you're fishing around cover in murky waters or targeting aggressive Bass. 

Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits are often used in colder water conditions, where fish are more likely to strike slower-moving prey. They can be fished with a stop-and-go retrieval technique, which creates a twitching, darting motion that mimics a struggling fish. This motion is irresistible to predatory fish.

• Saltwater: Jerk baits are highly effective in saltwater for targeting species such as Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Tuna. They can be cast near the shore or out over deeper waters, and their versatility makes them effective in a wide range of saltwater conditions.
• Freshwater: Jerkbaits are incredibly effective in freshwater environments. They are instrumental when targeting Bass, Walleye, and Pike. They are instrumental in colder waters, where fish are more lethargic and less willing to chase fast-moving prey. By employing a stop-and-go retrieve, anglers can mimic the natural movements of injured prey, triggering strikes from nearby fish. 

These lures are ideal for anglers looking to target predatory fish. Their erratic action makes them effective at attracting even the most cautious fish. They are a good choice for all anglers.

Jigs

Jigs are one of the most versatile and effective lures. They consist of a weighted head and a hook. Often paired with a soft plastic or natural bait. The unique movement of a jig, combined with its ability to reach different depths, makes it a great choice for many anglers.

• Saltwater: Jigs target many species in saltwater fishing, including Snapper, Grouper, and Tarpon. Anglers often use bucktail jigs or metal jigs to mimic baitfish. Slow-pitch and vertical jigging techniques are popular for deep-sea fishing. Jigs work well in various water conditions, effective from shallow flats to deep offshore waters.
• Freshwater: Jigs are an equally effective type of lure in freshwater. They are often used to fish for Bass, Walleye, and Crappie. Standard techniques include flipping and pitching. Jig fishing is incredibly productive in colder months. During this period, fish stay near the bottom and require a slow presentation.

Thanks to their design, jigs offer exceptional versatility. They allow anglers to fish in different depths and conditions, and their effectiveness in imitating prey makes them a staple in any tackle box.

Spoons

Spoons are metal lures. Their curved shape creates an erratic, wobbling motion that attracts predatory fish. Spoons are effective for casting and trolling. They are reliable options for various fishing conditions.

• Saltwater: In saltwater, spoons are widely used to target Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, and Striped Bass. Anglers often use silver or gold spoons to reflect light, which draws the fish's attention. 
• Freshwater: Freshwater anglers use spoons to catch a variety of fish. Trout, Pike, and Muskie are some of them. Heavier spoons allow for long-distance casting. Ice-fishing anglers also use small spoons to attract fish in vertical jigging presentations. 

Spoons are a simple yet excellent lure choice. Their ability to mimic wounded prey makes them a favorite among anglers targeting fast-moving predatory fish.

Final Thoughts

Fishing lures offer anglers flexibility and precision. Understanding how each type works and when to use it will boost your chances of landing a trophy catch. Whether casting from a pier or heading offshore, the right lure makes all the difference.

What's your go-to lure or the one that landed your personal best? Share your experience in the comments! Let's build a community where every angler can learn from each other and land more fish.