If you’ve walked down the fishing aisle at a store, you’ve probably seen a rainbow of lures in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It can be overwhelming at first—but once you learn the basics, picking the right lure becomes part of the fun.
Each type of lure is made to attract certain kinds of fish based on how it moves, looks, and sounds underwater. Whether you’re after bass, trout, or something in between, choosing the right lure gives you a better chance at landing the catch of the day.
Here’s your simple guide to matching the right lure to the right fish.
🐟 1. Soft Plastic Baits
Best for: Bass, walleye, and panfish
These flexible lures look like worms, lizards, or small baitfish. You can jig them up and down or drag them slowly along the bottom.
✅ Great for:
- Largemouth bass (try a soft worm)
- Smallmouth bass (use a crawfish imitation)
- Walleye (smaller paddle-tail styles work well)
👉 Tip: Use a hook with a small weight to help keep it low in the water.
🐟 2. Spinnerbaits
Best for: Bass, pike, and trout
These lures spin and flash as you reel them in, mimicking the shine of baitfish. They’re great in murky water or on cloudy days.
✅ Great for:
- Bass hiding in weedy areas
- Pike or pickerel in shallow water
- Trout near fast-moving streams
👉 Tip: A silver blade shines better in clear water, while gold works better in stained water.
🐟 3. Crankbaits (or Plugs)
Best for: Bass, perch, and walleye
These hard-bodied lures are shaped like small fish and dive when reeled in. Some float, others sink—depending on what depth you want to reach.
✅ Great for:
- Bass along rocky banks
- Perch in deeper areas
- Walleye near drop-offs
👉 Tip: Use a slow and steady retrieve to mimic a swimming baitfish.
🐟 4. Topwater Lures
Best for: Bass and pike (especially in warm weather)
These float and splash on the surface, imitating bugs or struggling baitfish. The bite is often dramatic and exciting!
✅ Great for:
- Early morning or sunset fishing
- Calm lakes and ponds
- Bass near lily pads or weeds
👉 Tip: Use short twitches to create movement on the surface.
🐟 5. Jigs
Best for: Crappie, bass, trout, and saltwater fish
Jigs have a weighted head and a hook with feathers, plastic, or rubber. They sink quickly and work well in both fresh and saltwater.
✅ Great for:
- Crappie (use tiny, colorful jigs)
- Trout (try a white or yellow jig)
- Deep-water bass
👉 Tip: Bounce it gently off the bottom to mimic small creatures.
🐟 6. Spoons
Best for: Trout, salmon, pike, and striped bass
These curved, shiny metal lures wobble side to side like an injured baitfish.
✅ Great for:
- Trout in lakes
- Pike near vegetation
- Salmon in rivers
👉 Tip: Choose bright colors on overcast days and more natural tones in bright sun.
🎒 Bonus: When In Doubt, Go Natural
Match the “hatch” as they say—try to use lures that look like whatever fish are already eating in the water. For example:
- Use smaller lures for ponds
- Try larger or flashier lures in deeper lakes
- Go with green, brown, or silver shades for clearer waters
🌊 Final Thought
Using the right lure can make your fishing trip smoother, more exciting, and way more successful. It’s not about having every lure out there—it’s about knowing what you’re fishing for and using the right tool for the job.
The more time you spend on the water, the more you’ll learn what works best in different places and seasons. And soon, picking the right lure will feel as natural as casting the line.