Fishing Lure Review: My Top Picks for Different Fishing Situations
Hey there, fellow anglers! Tom here, and today I want to share my thoughts on different types of fishing lures. After years of testing various lures in different conditions, I’ve found some that consistently produce results.
Understanding Fishing Lures
Types of Lures
The main categories of fishing lures:
- Hard baits
- Soft plastics
- Topwater lures
- Spinnerbaits
- Jigs
Each type has its own strengths and best uses, and knowing when to use each can make a huge difference in your fishing success.
Hard Baits
Crankbaits
My go-to for covering water:
- Great for searching
- Different diving depths
- Various colors and sizes
- Good for active fish
- Versatile
Jerkbaits
Perfect for clear water:
- Suspending action
- Great for cold water
- Realistic movement
- Good for finicky fish
- Versatile retrieve options
Lipless Crankbaits
Excellent for reaction strikes:
- Great vibration
- Good for murky water
- Versatile retrieve
- Can be fished at any depth
- Good for aggressive fish
Soft Plastics
Worms
The most versatile soft plastic:
- Various sizes and colors
- Can be rigged many ways
- Good for all conditions
- Great for finicky fish
- Affordable
Creature Baits
Perfect for heavy cover:
- Bulky profile
- Good for big fish
- Great in weeds
- Versatile rigging options
- Good for aggressive fish
Swimbaits
Great for imitating baitfish:
- Realistic action
- Various sizes
- Good for active fish
- Can be fished at any depth
- Versatile retrieve
Topwater Lures
Poppers
My favorite for early morning:
- Great surface action
- Good for clear water
- Exciting strikes
- Versatile retrieve
- Good for all species
Walking Baits
Perfect for covering water:
- Great side-to-side action
- Good for active fish
- Can be fished fast or slow
- Versatile
- Exciting strikes
Frogs
Best for heavy cover:
- Weedless design
- Great for big fish
- Perfect for lily pads
- Exciting strikes
- Good for aggressive fish
My Personal Recommendations
1. Best All-Around Lure: Zoom Trick Worm
Why I love it:
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Great action
- Works in all conditions
- Good for all species
2. Best Clear Water Lure: Rapala Original Floating
Why it’s my go-to:
- Realistic action
- Great for finicky fish
- Versatile retrieve
- Good for all species
- Classic design
3. Best Murky Water Lure: Strike King Red Eye Shad
Why it’s my choice:
- Great vibration
- Good for reaction strikes
- Versatile retrieve
- Can be fished at any depth
- Reliable performer
Lure Selection Tips
Here’s how I choose the right lure:
- Consider the Water: Clear water needs different lures than murky water
- Think About the Fish: Different species prefer different lures
- Match Your Technique: Some lures work better with certain techniques
- Consider the Season: Different seasons call for different lures
- Think About the Cover: Different cover types need different lures
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve learned these lessons the hard way:
- Using the wrong size lure
- Not matching the hatch
- Fishing too fast or slow
- Not considering water conditions
- Using the wrong retrieve
Maintenance Tips
How I keep my lures in top shape:
- Clean after use
- Check hooks regularly
- Store properly
- Replace damaged lures
- Keep organized
Final Thoughts
The right lure can make a huge difference in your fishing success. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types and brands until you find what works best for you.
Happy fishing, and tight lines!