Different types of fishing lures
Different types of fishing lures for different types of fish, of course that's a no brainer. They say a days fishing is a day added to your allotted life span
I love fishing and I have to say fishing lures from the bass pro shop always work! What we all seek is a lure that catches the target species, however if only life were that simple. Looking for the ideal one is a long process of understanding habitat, environment, behaviour, feeding patterns, and a lot of pleasant experimentation.
They are however expensive and while the do-it-yourself types will make up their own, many of us choose to buy off the shelf at the Bass Pro or your favorite fishing gear store. That's where the fun begins as the choice is huge. You can buy a copy of the Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible here.
Different types of fishing lures
Saltwater lure design hinges on hydrodynamics, material resilience, and species-specific behavior. Engineers optimize shape and weight for realistic swimming action in turbulent currents, often using corrosion-resistant metals or UV-stable plastics. Color selection mimics prey visibility under varying light and depth conditions. Internal rattles or vibration chambers enhance acoustic attraction, while hook placement ensures strike efficiency. Magnetic or weighted systems aid casting distance and sink rate control. Designers also factor in salinity’s impact on buoyancy and lure degradation. Ultimately, successful saltwater lures balance durability, realism, and sensory stimulation to trigger predatory responses in diverse marine environments.
Different types of fishing lures
There are many lures to choose form and a big selection of fishing lures for different types of fishing. Their range includes the following and I have collected a range of different lures to be ready for a range of conditions.
Hard Bait Lures – Crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater lures, and swimbaits.
Soft Bait Lures – Worms, creature baits, and swimbaits designed for realistic movement.
Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits – Great for attracting bass and other predatory fish.
Jigs – Versatile lures for different water conditions and depths. The range is considerable and you will need to trial and error them.
Soft Plastics – Minnow-shaped soft baits that mimic real fish movement. I now use these a lot and have had great success with them.
Different types of fishing lures
Several factors determine the effectiveness of saltwater fishing lures:
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.
Water Conditions – Clear water calls for natural-looking options, while murky water might need something flashier.
Local Forage – Matching the lure to what fish naturally feed on in the area can be highly effective.
Depth – Some lures work best at certain depths, whether near the surface or closer to the bottom.
Different types of fishing lures
Here are some of the most popular saltwater fishing lures that many anglers swear by:
Paddletail Soft Plastic Lures – Versatile and effective for a variety of saltwater species. Their wobbling tail motion mimics baitfish.
Gold Spoon Lures – A staple for inshore fishing, known for their flash and vibration that attract predatory fish.
Shrimp Lures – Designed to imitate real shrimp, making them irresistible to species like redfish and snook. I really use these types regularly.
White Bucktail Jigs – A classic lure that works well in different water conditions and depths.
Walk-the-Dog Topwater Lures – Great for surface action, enticing aggressive strikes from fish like tarpon and striped bass.
Jerkbait/Fluke Lures – Mimic injured baitfish, triggering predatory instincts in saltwater game fish.
Suspending Twitchbaits – Stay in the strike zone longer, making them effective for species that prefer slower-moving prey.
Each of these lures has its own strengths depending on the species you're targeting and the water conditions. Want recommendations for a specific type of fish?
Different types of fishing lures
Are you a lure beginner? Do you know what a Rebel, Heddon, Cotton Cordell, Bomber, Magnum Rapala, Riverside, Excalibur, Arbogast, Sliver, Creek Chub or a Lazy Ike is? What about fish attractants, spinnerbaits, buzz baits, spinners, spoons and jigs? Fishing lures from the Bass Pro Shop always work! You get great advice from people who know fishing and help you narrow down the choices.
What are crankbaits, minnow baits, surfcasting plugs, trolling lures, topwater lures, wire baits, jerk baits, soft plastic baits and tungsten weights. And you thought lures are simple? The things to consider are many and I have slowly built up a lure collection that works.
Visit your nearest bass pro shop and find out. How far will it cast? How far will it dive? How about it's buoyancy? Does it need tuning? What about the wobble action? So many things to know about lures isn't there, but you all knew that. If you watch enough fishing television shows you eventually learn something.
What about its hydro-acoustic noise and bubble or wake profile? The fish are smart and the angler has to be even smarter. The leading lure manufacturers research and design these fish attracting features.
Fishing supply stores often tank test new lures to verify performance for shallow or deep runners, along with movement and actions at different speeds. The very best are hand crafted and hand painted. Will it catch your bass, walleye, salmon or target species? Different types of fishing lures for your chosen target species. The best fishing tips are here.