14 Fishing Lure Types Explained

Fishing lures are essential tools in every angler’s arsenal, designed to mimic prey and entice fish to bite. Selecting the right lure can significantly increase success rates, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional. In this guide, we’ll explore 14 essential fishing lure types and provide tips on how to choose and use them effectively.

How Fishing Lures Work

Fishing lures are designed to imitate the appearance, movement, and behavior of prey. Here’s what makes a lure effective:

Visual Appeal: The shape and color of the lure should resemble the prey of your target species. Bright colors work well in murky water, while natural tones are better for clear water.
Movement: Different lures wiggle, spin, or glide to simulate the actions of baitfish or insects.
Noise or Vibrations: Some lures create rattling sounds or vibrations to attract fish.

Lure Usage Based on Water Type

Freshwater: Use lures designed for lakes, rivers, and streams, such as crankbaits or jigs.
Saltwater: Opt for corrosion-resistant lures like spoons or swimbaits designed for the ocean.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Lure

Water Clarity and Color

Matching lure color to water clarity is crucial:

Murky Water: Bright colors like chartreuse or orange are more visible.
Clear Water: Natural tones like silver, green, or brown blend well.

Target Species

Different fish have unique behaviors and diets, so choose your lures accordingly:

Bass: Jigs, spinnerbaits.
Trout: Spoons, crankbaits.
Pike: Topwater lures, swimbaits.

Fishing Conditions

Consider factors such as weather, water temperature, and time of day:

Cloudy Weather: Use darker lures to create contrast.
Cold Water: Slower-moving lures like jigs are more effective.
Dawn/Dusk: Topwater lures excel during low-light conditions.

14 Fishing Lure Types

Fishing lures are essential tools in any angler's arsenal, designed to mimic prey and attract fish. Each type of lure has unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific fishing conditions and target species. Here's a detailed guide to 14 popular fishing lure types and how to use them effectively.

1. Crankbaits

Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures designed to resemble small fish. They feature a plastic lip that determines their diving depth. Depending on the size and angle of the lip, crankbaits can dive shallow, medium, or deep.

Best Use: Ideal for freshwater species like bass and walleye.
Tips: Use a steady retrieve to mimic the movement of baitfish. Experiment with different retrieval speeds to trigger strikes.
Pro Tip: Match the color of your crankbait to the local forage for better results.

2. Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits are versatile lures featuring one or more spinning blades. These blades reflect light and create vibrations that attract fish in murky or stained water.

Best Use: Perfect for targeting pike and bass in low-visibility conditions.
Tips: Cast near structures like fallen trees or weed beds to maximize effectiveness.
Pro Tip: Choose a gold blade for sunny days and a silver blade for overcast conditions.

3. Jigs

Jigs consist of a weighted head, a hook, and soft material like rubber or feathers. They are excellent for bottom-feeding fish and can be used in various water conditions.

Best Use: Great for species like crappie, bass, and walleye.
Tips: Use a bouncing motion along the bottom to imitate prey.
Pro Tip: Pair your jig with a soft plastic trailer to add more action.

4. Topwater Lures

Topwater lures float on the water's surface, mimicking insects, frogs, or other creatures. They create splashes and noise that attract fish during low-light periods.

Best Use: Effective for bass and trout during dawn or dusk.
Tips: Pause intermittently during retrieval to mimic the behavior of struggling prey.
Pro Tip: Use in calm waters for maximum visibility and impact.

5. Swimbaits

Swimbaits are lifelike lures that closely resemble baitfish. They are larger than most lures and are designed for targeting big fish.

Best Use: Ideal for catching large predators like pike, muskie, or bass.
Tips: Retrieve at a steady pace to mimic a natural swimming motion.
Pro Tip: Opt for swimbaits with realistic finishes for clear water conditions.

6. Spoons

Spoons are curved, metal lures designed to mimic injured baitfish. Their wobbling action is irresistible to many fish species.

Best Use: Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Tips: Use a stop-and-go retrieve to simulate a wounded fish.
Pro Tip: Select a heavier spoon for deeper waters and a lighter one for shallow areas.

7. Soft Plastics

Soft plastics are flexible lures that come in various shapes, including worms, minnows, and crawfish. Their versatility makes them a favorite among anglers.

Best Use: Effective for a wide range of species in any water condition.
Tips: Use with a weighted hook for deeper presentations or unweighted for surface fishing.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different colors to match the water clarity and light conditions.

8. Buzzbaits

Buzzbaits are topwater lures equipped with a spinning blade that creates a buzzing sound as it moves across the surface.

Best Use: Great for aggressive species like bass.
Tips: Retrieve quickly to keep the lure on the surface and generate noise.
Pro Tip: Use in shallow, weedy areas to provoke reaction strikes.

9. Popper Lures

Popper lures are topwater lures designed to create a popping sound when retrieved. They attract fish by imitating surface disturbances.

Best Use: Ideal for shallow water fishing.
Tips: Use short, jerking motions to create the popping effect.
Pro Tip: Fish around docks, lily pads, or submerged logs for best results.

10. Worm Lures

Worm lures are classic soft plastics known for their effectiveness in freshwater fishing. Their realistic movement makes them a go-to choice for bass anglers.

Best Use: Perfect for slow retrieval techniques.
Tips: Use with a Texas or Carolina rig for weedless fishing.
Pro Tip: Choose darker colors for murky water and lighter colors for clear water.

11. Chatterbaits

Chatterbaits are vibrating lures with a unique blade design that produces noise and movement. They excel in attracting fish in low-visibility waters.

Best Use: Effective for catching bass in murky conditions.
Tips: Retrieve steadily to maintain vibration and noise.
Pro Tip: Add a soft plastic trailer to increase the lure's profile.

12. Blade Baits

Blade baits are thin, metal lures that vibrate when jigged. They are highly effective for deep-water fishing and during colder months.

Best Use: Great for targeting walleye, bass, and trout.
Tips: Use vertical jigging techniques in deeper waters.
Pro Tip: Opt for lighter blade baits when fishing in shallow areas.

13. Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits are sinking lures known for their rattling sound and versatility. They are excellent for covering large areas quickly.

Best Use: Ideal for bass fishing in open waters.
Tips: Vary your retrieval speed to find what triggers strikes.
Pro Tip: Use in windy conditions when fish are more active.

14. Ice Fishing Jigs

Ice fishing jigs are specially designed for vertical fishing through holes in ice. They are small, weighted, and highly effective for cold-weather fishing.

Best Use: Perfect for species like walleye, perch, and trout.
Tips: Use with live bait or soft plastic trailers for added attraction.
Pro Tip: Keep your movements subtle to entice sluggish fish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Lures

Using the Wrong Lure for the Conditions

Selecting a bright lure in clear water can scare fish. Match your lure to the environment.

Improper Retrieval Techniques

Over-retrieving or inconsistent movements can deter fish. Learn the proper techniques for each lure type.

Neglecting Seasonal Changes

Fish behavior changes with the seasons. Adapt your lure choices accordingly.

Tips for Maintaining and Storing Fishing Lures

Cleaning After Every Use

Rinse lures with freshwater after saltwater use to prevent corrosion.

Organized Storage

Use tackle boxes with compartments to keep lures untangled and dry.

Inspect for Damage

Check hooks, paint, and attachments regularly to ensure they’re in good condition.

Bonus: Beginner’s Guide to Building a Starter Lure Kit

Every angler should start with a well-rounded selection of lures. Here’s a guide:

Lure Type	Ideal For	Best Color Choices	Key Tips
Crankbaits	Bass, Walleye	Shad, Chartreuse	Moderate retrieval speed
Spinnerbaits	Pike, Bass	White, Yellow	Use in murky water
Jigs	Crappie, Bass	Brown, Black	Jig near the bottom
Topwater Lures	Trout, Bass	Frog Patterns, Silver	Use during dawn or dusk

Conclusion

Fishing lures play a critical role in angling success. With the variety of lure types available, experimenting and adapting based on conditions will help you reel in more catches. Use this guide as a starting point, and remember to refine your techniques as you gain experience. Happy fishing!