How to Fish with Lures

Written by Boatsetter Team
June 28, 2018

Last Updated on December 3, 2021 by Boatsetter Team

Nothing beats getting out on the water and going fishing. You can get out there, relax and eat what you can catch! Most fishermen use fishing lures, but knowing the strategies on how to best use them can be tricky!

We are going to give you the top four ways to use your lures so that every time you head out to the water, you can be certain you will have a very successful catch. There are many variables, but if you take the following things into account, you will be sure to have a very great day on the sea, lake or river!

1) What are you fishing?

Determining which lure you use depends a lot on which type of fish you aim to catch. Many people will take what they can get, but you have to be a little more specific. Here is a good rule: use a size of a lure that is roughly the same size as the prey of your targeted fish. For example, if you are looking to catch mackerel, then go for something herring sized.

2) Get the Right Color

There is an old joke about fishing lures: their colors are more designed to catch anglers, not fish. There is some truth in this. Fish eat things that live in their natural habitat. So if you are lake fishing, then make sure you go for something with more natural, earthy tones.

When you are using soft, plastic baits try to match your lure color to the lake bottom. If it is muddy then go for brown or black and if it is sandy, go for something a little yellower. If you are ever not sure, a greenish hue is always a good way to go!

3) Temperature

Temperature determines so much when fishing! It is possible to catch fish using fast-moving bait in the cold water, but it is much more effective if you slow things down because fish tend to move slower in colder waters. In cold water, keep it slow and the reverse in warm water.

Spinnerbait, crankbait, and topwater baits are well-suited for warmer temperatures. There are of course exceptions depending on what you are trying to fish and where, but this is a very solid rule of thumb.

4) Getting the Action Right

Fishing lures

Whether you are trying to catch a Florida Sailfish or a tiny carp, it is all about the action. This is where all your other factors from color to target to water temperature all come together. Here you need to play around a bit with your different fishing lures and starting figuring out what works best.

Even in higher temperature waters, fish may prefer a slower-moving bait so a soft plastic dragging across the bottom can work. On the other hand, something fast-moving might cause a fish to strike.

It’s All About the Right Strategy

There is no exact formula for perfect using your fishing lures. It is more like a set of rules. Like any sport, once you know how to play, it is all about then figuring out how to outsmart your opponent. Begin with the right lures and then as the day goes on, you be able to figure out what works best. Every day is different, but with a little patience and experimentation, you can go a long way!

If you are trying to figure out the best way to cook up that fish you catch, why not do it right then and there on the boat? Here are some tips for doing a boat barbecue!


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