During Spring, gamefish are closer to the surface, so surface lures should be used. During Summer, use deep lures. During Fall, sub-surface lures will be most effective.
For Crappies, Perch, Bluegills, River Trout, and White Bass, use one to three inch lures. For Smallmouth Bass, use two to five inch lures, and for Largemouth Bass, use two to six inch lures. For Walleyes, use three to six inch lures, and for Salmon and Lake Trout, use three to seven inch lures. For Muskies and Northern Pikes, use four to twelve inch lures.
Also take into consideration the types of fish, insects, and other creatures that live where you’re fishing. Matching your lures to the types of animals that fish normally eat in that area will make them more attractive. [4] X Expert Source Michael ReynoldsProfessional Fishing Instructor Expert Interview. 26 February 2021.
Topwater, or floating plug lures have a lot of movement across the water’s surface forcing the fisherman to stay alert. These are surface lures. Diving plug lures, or crankbait lures have a weighted lip in front of the head helping the lure to dive into the water. These can be either sub-surface or deep lures. Vibrating lures contain a microprocessor and a tiny motor that mimics the random movements of live bait. Spoons mimic the movement of swimming baitfish and are very versatile. Soft plastic lures are made to resemble live bait more than any other type of lure. They can be used with or without weights. Jigs are a common classic lure consisting of a head, skirt and hook. Their heads are weighted, and they are primarily used as deep lures. Wirebait lures consist of spinners and buzzers. Spinner have one or more blades that spin around a safety-pin like body. Buzzers have a propeller on one piece of wire and a hook, skirt, and weighed body on the other side.
Tie a knot directly connecting the lure to the fishing line. Three of the strongest knots used to tie lures include the San Diego jam, the six-turn Yucatan knot, and the Rapala knot. San Diego jam: Pull the line through the lure and double it back about ten inches. Wrap the end of the line around both lengths of the line six times, moving toward the lure. Put the end of the line through the loop closest to the lure, and pull tight. Six-turn Yucatan knot: This is used for attaching a heavier line to a lighter one. Overlap the lighter line by about 8 inches and line it up with the heavier line. Wrap the doubled-up lighter line around the heavier one six times. Thread the heavier line through the loop at the end of the lighter line and pull tight. Rapala knot: Use this knot when the lure needs freer movement. Tie an overhand knot six inches down the end of the line. Thread the line through the lure and then through the loop in the knot. Make three wraps around the line and then pass the end through the loop again. Run the end through the new loop and pull tight.
Make sure your snap is not too big for your lure, large snaps can dampen the action of smaller lures.
Make sure your snap-swivel is not too big for your lure, large snap-swivels can dampen the action of smaller lures.
For muskies and northern pikes, make sure there’s an ample pause before you start your retrieve. For walleyes, twitch the lure and pause it as you retrieve, or use small jig lures that you troll along the bottom.
