The allure of the lure hunt

FISHING lures come in many shapes and sizes and it’s true that many lure makers manufacture their lures to capture not only fish, but anglers as well.

I do remember the excitement at winning a competition some years ago and was presented with a cheque to spend on any fishing gear I wanted and I was like a kid in a lolly shop. Faced with a wall full of lures in a major tackle chain store, I just didn’t have a clue, meaning that I was enticed by the bright, jangly lures and not what I really needed.

Since then, I have learnt that all that glitters is not gold, meaning that the most obscure looking lures are often the ones that get the job done.

Like many anglers, I have containers full of lures and a lot from reputable lure makers, but I also have a working lure box, one that is full of twothree colours that get the job done for me.

Adding to that, I also have saltwater kit versus a freshwater one, so I just grab that, depending on what I’m chasing at the time.

Lots of anglers have a working box and you will find lures that are all of similar shape and sizes, of course the first lure tied on is probably the last one that caught a fish.

Most will go through their tackle box and at the end of the day, that favourite lure is usually the one still on.

So what works best? I hear you ask — dull coloured lures on dull days or bright coloured lures on sunny days? I don’t really abide by that principle, as I have caught a lot of fish that don’t play by the rules.

I will say that black lures are my most successful colour and that applies on foggy, still mornings.

White coloured lures such as the Coachdog are awesome on dull days and foggy mornings.

So what do you buy when it comes to a lures’ shape and colour? Lures with wide bibs give you a lure that will work at slow speeds if trolled, that is they have a wide body roll and sway. These, however, are not really good for casting as the bib catches the wind and you won’t get far.

Lures with narrow long bibs, will cast well and will handle speed and will give you that tight body roll such as an escaping baitfish would use and are perfect for trout or game fish.

Bibs on lures are designed to give the lure its action and also carry the lure to the depth required. For instance, if you were fishing a shallow trout stream you would use a lure that has a rounded narrow bib.

However, if you were trolling a deep lake, you would use a lure with a longer, narrow bib.

When buying a lure, check the depth it dives to because it might not be suitable for what you want.

Rattles in lures are good, as they are an extra attractant and those that sink or suspend are also good.

See what I mean by the confusion on what to buy?

If that’s not your cup of tea, there’s always fly fishing.