Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
Get A Fishing License
Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.
Register A Boat
Register your boat today. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more.
Home > Take Me Fishing Blog > April 2019 > Lure Fishing for Beginners: Lures Every Angler Should Have
Fishing with lures is a highly-rewarding style that is popular among many anglers. Lure fishing for beginners can seem overwhelming based on the variety of brands, styles, colors, and materials, available in the tackle market. Research “lure fishing for beginners” for the style of fishing you plan to do and you’re sure to find a few options to start off with. Artificial lures are meant to imitate baitfish so it’s critical to learn when and how to use them. Here are some common lures every angler should have.
The most straightforward option for beginner lure fishing. Plugs are hard plastic lures designed with patterns that mimic the appearance of baitfish. “Topwater” plugs float on the surface and typically create noise and movement that attract aggressive fish. Some plugs suspend in the water and have a plastic lip that allows them to dive deep or along the bottom. Sharp twitch-and-stop retrieves work well with plugs.
Spinnerbait lures attract game fish with their colorful appearance and vibrations. Visually, these lures have a bright skirt over the hook with a metal blade that spins, reflects and vibrates. Use a steady and consistent retrieve to move these lures through the water horizontally.
Jig lures are made up of weighted “jigheads” on the tip of a j-hook. Soft plastic baits can be slid over the hook to give the appearance of a baitfish. Soft baits come in a variety of colors and styles that will vary the lure’s movement in the water. To attract fish near the bottom, cast and let the lure sink, then slowly jig by lifting your rod tip. Try a variety of techniques until you find what appeals to the fish.<
Spoons are curved, concave metal lures that wobble as they are retrieved, resembling an injured baitfish. Cast spoons then retrieve them steadily through your target water column. Spoons reflect light and create vibrations that are appealing to fish.
Make sure to renew your fishing license before setting out to test your lures. Happy lure fishing!
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing adventure.
Alycia Downs is a freelance content creator and avid sportsman who contributes to numerous publications promoting tourism, fishing, and outdoors. Alycia is a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association and is actively involved with conservation and fishing non-profit organizations. Visit her personal blog at tideandtale.com or on Instagram @tideandtale.
The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use.
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing and boating adventure.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more.
Please complete the following fields to subscribe to our newsletter.
SUBSCRIBERS PREFERENCES
What information would you like?