Artificial Lures Up Close!
The increase in modern fishing techniques has led to an exponential growth in the success of the ever popular artificial lure - spinners, spoons, twisters, wobblers and shads to mention a few, impress both angler and fish alike.
Artificial lures can be divided into several categories. The main categories are listed below:
Wobblers
Wobblers are often lifelike imitations made from wood or plastic. The lip (fitted to the head) aids in getting the wobbler to the correct depth. The various lip forms and inclination influence the wobbler’s diving characteristics. The are various wobbler designs, some are one-piece constructions whilst others are two or three-piece. Modern wobblers are impressively realistic.
Spoons
Spoons are one of the oldest artificial lures. A simple brass or iron blade with an eyelet and hook fitted creates a successful lure. Modern spoons are available in a variety of forms, each creating a distinctive motion in the water. The often used silver colouring encourages lazy predators to bite. Large spoons can be used when stalking pike and salmon.
Spinner
Spinners are particularly effective against zander and perch. A spinner system is relatively simple. A small metal blade rotates around its axis, when drawn through the water, creating sound waves and shockwaves which predators can sense. The variety of colour and decoration ensure that spinners can be used in all waters for all species. Tandem spinners are particularly popular due to their motion in water.
Soft Plastic Lures
Soft plastic lures are standard lures and have been for many decades. Their realistic motion in water allows them to compete with the live bait counterparts, and succeed. The soft body does not raise suspicion amongst wary predators, until they feel the hook. Now, there is a virtually limitless variety of colours and designs. Many manufacturers refine their designs by adding aromas and flavours. Soft plastic lures should be stored in twister resistant boxes. Soft plastic lures can be divided into the following categories:
Twister
Particularly effective when stalking zander and perch. The long tail creates the illusion of a fleeing fish. They can be used with a jig head to bring the twister to depth. Twin tail twister are also very popular amongst many anglers.
Shads
Lifelike imitations, ideally suited to angling for zander and pike. Pike are fond of larger shads. The size and weight of many shads make them ideal for fishing at depths and for trolling.
Crabs, Shrimps, Eels, Frogs
Striking imitations. They can often bring success where other lures fail. Frogs have proven very successful in many countries when used against larger predators.
Large Twisters
What works for zander and pike can also work for catfish. The larger variant was specifically designed for angling for catfish. Lately, they have been used with success in saltwater and have been responsible for the odd cod.
Pirks and Zockers
Pirks are a standard lure for sea angling/boat angling. The weighted body aids in quickly bringing the pirk to depth, its form producing an attractive, lifelike imitation. Some pirks have luminous bodies and will attract larger cod. Zockers are pirks’ little brother and are often used as a perch lure during cold seasons.
Streamer
A genre of lure that is still in its infancy and has yet to prove its worth. Streamers are imitation fish, produced from feathers or artificial fibres. These fibres have an improved underwater motion compared to twisters. Streamers, until now, have only been used with success in fly fishing circles.
Tuning Artificial Lures
It is now common practice that predator specialists ‚adjust their lure to increase its effectiveness. Some attach red thread to the treble, others colour their wobbler, and others add rattles to their twister to attract predators by producing shockwaves. As you can see there is plenty of room to experiment. One tip, used by many experts, is to constantly change lures. This method improves the likelihood of a catch.
We wish you a lot of success whilst experimenting.
Fitting to theme, our product tips are centred around the subject of artificial lures.
Product tips
- Salmo Artifical Lure / Pirk Bag
- Perca Super Deluxe Spinner and Spoon Wallet
- Kogha Crayfish Jig
- Seapoint Norway Set
- Kogha Spanish Fly