Salmon fishing is an exciting and rewarding experience that requires the right equipment to be successful. One of the essential tools for catching salmon is the lure. However, with so many options available in the market, selecting the best lure for your needs can be overwhelming. In this review, we will introduce you to the best salmon lures to help you narrow down your options and increase your chances of a successful fishing trip. Here are some of the most popular types:
5. Spinners
Spinners are a tried and true lure that have been used for salmon fishing for many years. They are popular due to their versatility, as they can be used in a variety of water conditions and can be fished at different depths. Here are five of the most popular spinners used by professional anglers for salmon fishing:
- Mepps Aglia: The Mepps Aglia spinner is a classic lure that has been around for decades. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors and is known for its effectiveness at catching all species of salmon.
- Blue Fox Vibrax:The Blue Fox Vibrax spinner is a popular option for salmon fishing due to its unique blade design, which creates a strong vibration and flash in the water. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be used in a variety of water conditions.
- Panther Martin: The Panther Martin spinner is a highly effective lure that is popular among both novice and experienced anglers. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be fished at different depths to target different species of salmon.
- Rooster Tail: The Rooster Tail spinner is a versatile option that can be used for both casting and trolling. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors and can be effective in both clear and murky water conditions.
- Worden’s Original Lures: The Worden’s Original Lures spinner is another classic lure that has been used for salmon fishing for many years. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and is known for its effectiveness at catching both chinook and coho salmon.
4. Plugs
Plugs are another popular option for salmon fishing, particularly when trolling. They are designed to imitate baitfish and can be fished at different depths to target different species of salmon. Here are five of the most popular plugs used by professional anglers for salmon fishing:
- Rapala Original Floating: The Rapala Original Floating plug is a classic lure that has been around for decades. It is a versatile option that can be fished at different depths and is known for its effectiveness at catching all species of salmon.
- Luhr-Jensen Kwikfish: The Luhr-Jensen Kwikfish is a popular option for trolling for salmon. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be fished at different depths to target different species of salmon.
- Rebel Jointed Minnow: The Rebel Jointed Minnow is a highly effective plug that imitates the swimming action of baitfish. It can be fished at different depths and comes in a range of sizes and colors to target different species of salmon.
- Storm Thunderstick: The Storm Thunderstick is a versatile plug that can be used for both casting and trolling. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and is known for its effectiveness at catching chinook and coho salmon.
- Yakima Bait Mag Lip: The Yakima Bait Mag Lip is a popular option for salmon trolling due to its unique shape, which creates a strong wobbling action in the water. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be fished at different depths to target different species of salmon.
3. Jigs
Jigs are a versatile lure option that can be used to imitate a variety of prey species, such as shrimp, squid, and small fish. They are often tipped with bait to make them even more attractive to fish. Here are five of the most popular jigs used by professional anglers for salmon fishing:
- Hoochie Jig: The Hoochie Jig is a popular option for salmon fishing, particularly for coho salmon. It imitates the swimming action of a squid or octopus and can be tipped with bait to make it even more effective.
- Marabou Jig: The Marabou Jig is a versatile option that can be used to imitate a variety of prey species, such as shrimp and small fish. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be tipped with bait to make it even more attractive to fish.
- Bucktail Jig: The Bucktail Jig is a highly effective option that imitates the swimming action of a baitfish. It can be fished at different depths and comes in a range of sizes and colors to target different species of salmon.
- P-Line Laser Minnow: The P-Line Laser Minnow is a popular option for casting and jigging for salmon. It imitates the swimming action of a small baitfish and comes in a range of sizes and colors.
- Gibbs Delta Hali Hawg: The Gibbs Delta Hali Hawg is a versatile option that can be used for both casting and jigging for salmon. It comes in a range of sizes and colors and can be tipped with bait to make it even more effective. It is known for its effectiveness at catching both chinook and coho salmon.
2. Spoons
Spoons are a simple yet effective lure that can be fished in a variety of water conditions. They are particularly effective at imitating baitfish and can be used for both casting and trolling. Here are five of the most popular spinners used by professional anglers for salmon fishing:
- Luhr-Jensen Krocodile Spoon: The Luhr-Jensen Krocodile is a versatile spoon that can be used for both freshwater and saltwater salmon fishing. Its unique design produces a darting action in the water that is highly effective at attracting salmon.
- Blue Fox Pixee Spoon: The Blue Fox Pixee Spoon is a popular spoon among salmon anglers, particularly in rivers and streams. Its unique design creates a wobbling action in the water that is highly attractive to salmon.
- Gibbs-Delta G-Force Spoon: The Gibbs-Delta G-Force Spoon is a popular choice for salmon fishing, particularly in saltwater environments. Its heavy weight and unique design produce a swimming action in the water that is highly effective at attracting salmon.
- Acme Little Cleo Spoon: The Acme Little Cleo Spoon is a popular choice among salmon anglers, particularly in freshwater environments. Its compact size and weight make it easy to cast, while its unique curved design produces a wobbling action in the water that is highly attractive to salmon.
- Silver Horde Coho Killer Spoon: The Silver Horde Coho Killer Spoon is a highly effective spoon for salmon fishing, particularly for coho salmon. Its unique design produces a tight wobbling action in the water that mimics the movement of baitfish, making it highly attractive to salmon.
1. Flies
Flies are a popular option for salmon fishing in rivers and streams, particularly for fly fishing enthusiasts. They come in a wide variety of patterns and colors and can be fished on the surface or at different depths to target different species of salmon. Here are five of the most popular flies used by professional anglers for salmon fishing:
- Egg Fly: The Egg Fly is a popular pattern for salmon fishing, particularly for steelhead and coho salmon. It imitates the appearance of a salmon egg, which is a common food source for these fish.
- Woolly Bugger: The Woolly Bugger is a versatile pattern that can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It imitates a wide range of prey species, such as leeches and baitfish, and can be fished on the surface or at different depths.
- Green Butt Skunk: The Green Butt Skunk is a classic fly that has been used for salmon fishing for many years. Its combination of green and black colors and a white tail make it highly attractive to salmon. It’s particularly effective in clear water and bright conditions.
- Purple Peril: The Purple Peril is a highly effective fly for salmon fishing, particularly in rivers and streams. Its combination of purple and black colors and a silver body create a highly visible fly that is highly attractive to salmon. It’s particularly effective in cloudy or overcast conditions.
- Allys Shrimp: Allys Shrimp is a highly popular fly for salmon fishing, particularly in rivers and streams. Its combination of orange and black colors, combined with a silver body, create a highly visible fly that is highly attractive to salmon. It’s particularly effective in low light conditions and during the fall run.
What a beginner needs to know about salmon lures:
As a beginner, it can be challenging to understand the various types of salmon lures available in the market. Here are some key things you should know before purchasing your first salmon lure:
Types of salmon lures:
There are three main types of salmon lures: spinners, plugs, and spoons. Spinners are effective for catching salmon in shallow water, while plugs are ideal for fishing in deeper water. Spoons work well in all water depths and are a versatile option for salmon fishing.
Size and color:
When selecting a salmon lure, the size and color are crucial factors to consider. Larger lures are suitable for bigger salmon, while smaller lures work well for smaller fish. Additionally, the color of the lure should match the water conditions and the natural prey of the salmon.
Fishing techniques:
Different fishing techniques can be used to catch salmon, such as trolling, casting, and jigging. The type of lure you choose should be suitable for the fishing technique you plan to use.
What a professional fisherman should take into account:
For a professional fisherman, the right lure can make all the difference in catching the biggest and most impressive salmon. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a salmon lure:
Quality of materials:
The quality of materials used in the construction of the lure can affect its durability and effectiveness. High-quality lures made from durable materials like stainless steel and brass are more likely to last longer and catch more fish.
Action and movement:
The action and movement of the lure can attract or deter salmon from biting. Lures with a realistic swimming action and erratic movement are more likely to attract the attention of salmon.
Depth control:
The ability to control the depth of the lure is crucial for successful salmon fishing. Lures with adjustable weights and diving depths can help you reach the desired depth for catching salmon.
Verdict:
Ultimately, the suitability of a lure depends on a variety of factors, such as the fishing location, water conditions, target species, and angler’s skill level and preferences. It is always a good idea to do research, seek advice from local experts, and experiment with different lures to find what works best for your specific situation. With the right salmon lure, you can increase your chances of catching the biggest and most impressive salmon. Whether you are a beginner or a professional fisherman, selecting the right lure is crucial for a successful fishing trip.