Trout fishing is one of the most popular types of freshwater fishing, attracting millions of anglers around the world each year. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, having the right gear is essential for a successful day on the water. One of the most important pieces of equipment for trout fishing is the lure. There are many types of lures that can be used for trout fishing, each with their own unique characteristics and advantages. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common types of lures for trout fishing and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re looking to catch your first trout or hoping to land a trophy-sized fish, understanding the different types of lures available can help you make the most of your time on the water.
6. Spinners
Spinners are a popular type of lure for trout fishing, as they create flash and vibration in the water to attract fish. Some of the most popular spinner lures for trout include:
- Mepps Aglia: Mepps Aglia is a classic spinner lure that has been popular with trout fishermen for decades. It has a brass blade that creates a lot of flash and vibration, and is available in a range of sizes and colors.
- Panther Martin: Panther Martin is another popular spinner lure that is known for its effectiveness on trout. It has a unique blade design that creates a lot of vibration and flash, and is available in a wide range of colors and sizes.
- Blue Fox Vibrax: Blue Fox Vibrax is a spinner lure that has a unique blade design that creates a lot of flash and vibration. It also has a free-turning brass gear that adds to its effectiveness, and is available in a range of colors and sizes.
- Rooster Tail: Rooster Tail is a spinner lure that has been around for over 60 years and is still popular today. It has a unique blade design that creates a lot of flash and vibration, and is available in a range of sizes and colors.
5. Jigs
Jigs are a versatile type of lure that can be used for trout fishing in a variety of situations. They consist of a weighted head and a hook with a soft plastic or hair body, and can be bounced or jigged along the bottom to imitate a baitfish or insect. Some of the most popular jig lures for trout include:
- Marabou Jigs: Marabou jigs are a popular type of jig lure for trout fishing, as they have a soft, fluffy body that mimics the movement of a baitfish. They are often used in slower-moving water, and can be effective in both stillwater and rivers.
- Tube Jigs: Tube jigs are another popular type of jig lure for trout, as they can imitate a variety of prey including insects, minnows, and crayfish. They are often used in deeper water or fast-moving currents, and can be effective in both stillwater and rivers.
- Bucktail Jig: Bucktail Jig is a popular type of fishing lure that has been used for catching trout and other fish species for many years. It is a versatile and effective lure that can be used in a variety of fishing environments, including streams, rivers, and lakes.The Bucktail Jig is effective in catching trout because it mimics the movement of natural prey, such as small fish or insects, in the water.
- Lead Head Jigs: Lead head jigs are a simple and effective type of jig lure for trout fishing. They consist of a weighted head and a hook, and can be dressed with a variety of soft plastic or hair bodies. They are often used in stillwater or slow-moving rivers, and can be effective in a wide range of conditions.
- Swimbait Jig Head: Swimbait Jig Head is a popular type of fishing lure that is designed to imitate the look and movement of live baitfish in the water. This lure is commonly used for trout fishing, but it can also be effective for other fish species that feed on small baitfish. The swimbait is usually made to resemble a small fish or minnow, with a tapered body and a tail that moves naturally in the water.
4. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are a type of lure that imitates the movement and appearance of baitfish or other prey, and are often used for trout fishing in deeper water or fast-moving currents. They consist of a hard plastic or wooden body with a diving lip, which allows them to dive to different depths depending on the design. Some of the most popular crankbait lures for trout include:
- Rapala Original Floating: Rapala Original Floating crankbait is a classic lure that has been popular with trout fishermen for decades. It has a slender body and a wobbling action that imitates the movement of a baitfish, and is available in a range of sizes and colors.
- Rebel Tracdown Minnow: Rebel Tracdown Minnow is a popular crankbait lure for trout fishing in deeper water. It has a diving lip that allows it to reach depths of up to 10 feet, and has a realistic appearance that mimics the movement of a baitfish.
- Bomber Model A: Bomber Model A is a versatile crankbait lure that can be used for a variety of fishing techniques, including trolling and casting. It has a realistic appearance and a tight wobbling action, and is available in a range of sizes and colors.
- Strike King Bitsy Minnow: Strike King Bitsy Minnow is a small crankbait lure that is often used for finesse fishing or when targeting smaller trout. It has a realistic appearance and a tight wobbling action, and is available in a range of sizes and colors.
- Rebel Wee Crawfish: Rebel Wee Crawfish is a crankbait lure that imitates the movement and appearance of a crawfish, which is a common prey item for trout. It has a realistic appearance and a tight wobbling action, and is available in a range of sizes and colors.
3. Flies
Flies are a type of lure that imitates the appearance and movement of insects or other small prey, and are often used for trout fishing in both stillwater and rivers. They consist of a hook with a body made of fur, feathers, or synthetic materials, and can be manipulated to imitate the movement of a fly or other insect. Some of the most popular fly lures for trout include:
- Elk Hair Caddis: Elk Hair Caddis is a popular dry fly lure for trout fishing, as it imitates the appearance and movement of a caddisfly. It has a buoyant body made of elk hair, which allows it to float on the surface of the water.
- Adams: Adams is a classic dry fly lure that imitates a variety of mayfly species, which are a common prey item for trout. It has a distinctive appearance with a gray body and white wings, and is often used in both stillwater and rivers.
- Woolly Bugger: Woolly Bugger is a versatile fly lure that imitates a variety of prey items, including leeches and minnows. It has a body made of chenille and marabou, and can be fished at different depths by adding weight to the leader.
- Hare’s Ear: Hare’s Ear is a nymph fly lure that imitates the appearance of a variety of aquatic insects, including mayfly and stonefly nymphs. It has a body made of hare’s ear dubbing, and can be fished near the bottom of the water column.
- Pheasant Tail: Pheasant Tail is another nymph fly lure that imitates the appearance of aquatic insects, including mayfly and stonefly nymphs. It has a body made of pheasant tail fibers, and can be fished near the bottom of the water column.
2. Topwater lures
Topwater lures are a type of fishing lure designed to float on the surface of the water, and are often used for targeting fish that are feeding near the surface. They typically have a unique shape and action that imitates the movement of prey such as frogs, insects, and small baitfish. Some of the most popular topwater lures for fishing include:
- Popper: Poppers are one of the most popular topwater lures and are designed to create a popping or splashing sound when they are retrieved through the water. They imitate a variety of prey items such as frogs, insects, and small baitfish.
- Buzzbait: Buzzbaits are another popular topwater lure that imitates the movement of a fleeing baitfish. They have a propeller blade that creates a disturbance on the surface of the water, which can attract the attention of predatory fish.
- Walk-the-Dog lure: Walk-the-Dog lures are a type of topwater lure that are designed to create a zig-zag motion when they are retrieved through the water. They imitate the movement of a wounded baitfish or frog and can be very effective for triggering strikes from fish.
- Propbait: Propbaits are topwater lures that have one or more propellers attached to the body of the lure. These propellers create a disturbance on the surface of the water and imitate the movement of a fleeing baitfish.
- Frog lure: Frog lures are topwater lures that are designed to imitate the movement of a frog on the surface of the water. They have a unique shape and design that allows them to float and move like a real frog, which can be very effective for triggering strikes from predatory fish.
1. Spoons
Spoons are a type of fishing lure that imitates the movement and flash of a baitfish or other prey item. They typically have a concave shape and a shiny, metallic finish that reflects light and attracts the attention of predatory fish. Some of the most popular spoon lures for fishing include:
- Daredevil Spoon: Daredevil Spoon is a classic spoon lure that has been popular for many years. It has a distinctive red and white design and a unique wobbling action that imitates the movement of a fleeing baitfish.
- Krocodile Spoon: Krocodile Spoon is a versatile spoon lure that can be used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It has a reflective finish that imitates the flash of a baitfish, and can be retrieved at different speeds to imitate the movement of different prey items.
- Johnson Silver Minnow: Johnson Silver Minnow is a spoon lure that is designed to imitate the movement of a baitfish or other prey item. It has a weedless design that makes it effective for fishing in areas with lots of vegetation, and can be retrieved at a slow speed to imitate the movement of a wounded baitfish.
- Acme Kastmaster: Acme Kastmaster is a popular spoon lure that is known for its versatility and effectiveness. It has a slim, aerodynamic design that allows it to be cast long distances, and can be retrieved at different speeds to imitate the movement of different prey items.
- Thomas Buoyant Spoon: Thomas Buoyant Spoon is a popular spoon lure that is known for its versatility and effectiveness. It has a unique design that allows it to be fished at different depths, and can be retrieved at different speeds to imitate the movement of different prey items.
Trout fishing lures: which ones to use for different skill levels?
In the world of trout fishing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what the best lures are for beginners or professionals. The effectiveness of a trout lure will depend on a multitude of factors, such as fishing conditions, level of experience, and personal preferences.
As seasoned anglers, we typically recommend spinners and small jigs for novice anglers. These lures are easy to use and can be effective in a variety of fishing situations. However, for those with more experience, we suggest experimenting with different types of lures to determine what works best for each fishing scenario.
Nymphs are a popular choice for fishing in streams and rivers, while crankbaits and topwater lures can be effective in lakes and ponds. But it’s important to remember that trout can be unpredictable and require patience and persistence to catch.
Ultimately, the key to becoming a successful trout angler is to remain adaptable and willing to try new techniques and lures. The more knowledge and experience you gain, the better your chances of catching that prized trout. So keep refining your approach and never give up on the pursuit of the perfect catch.