About Artificial Fish Bait

Geography

Some artificial fish bait is used only in salt water. Others are used only in fresh water. Many artificial baits are used in both. Those used in both usually come in different sizes, shapes, or colors for the two different types of water. Jigheads are popular in both fresh and salt water, but jigs used in fresh water are smaller and a different color than those used in salt water. Salt water baits have brighter colors, and the hooks on them are stainless steel covered with a finish that won't corrode.

Most game fish bite artificial bait at one time or another. You have to experiment with different colors and styles of bait to find out what works. Many artificial baits have been tested by a lot of people who fish. Those that are effective for a number of people develop a reputation for being the type of artificial bait everyone needs in their tackle boxes.

There are many different types of artificial bait, and several variations and styles of the same bait types. Diving plugs were made of wood and cork, but now they're mostly made of plastic. They look like crayfish, frogs or snakes, and can be used for surface, floating and underwater fishing. Jigs are a lead head in different colors with a hook, and some have feathers. They're easy to cast and sink fast.
Spoons are unbalanced metal blades with a hook in the back. Spinner baits have blades that turn around a shaft with a lure attached. Plastic lures imitate the natural food of a certain geographical area such as worms, minnows and crayfish. New artificial baits are being developed every day. Since no two areas are exactly alike, the possibilities for developing new artificial baits are endless.

You also have to decide what artificial bait to use when you're fishing on the surface of the water, under the surface, or on the bottom. You should have special bait for each water zone. Topwater artificial baits include floaters, divers, zigzaggers and noisy propeller baits. Use topwater baits in low light. When the sun casts shadows, use under-the-surface baits. These include spoons, jigs and suspended crankbait. For bottom fishing, jigs work best because the weighted head with one hook hardly ever snags. Shad, slug, and tube jig tails are popular, and come in all kinds of shapes and colors.

Deciding what color of artificial bait to use is always a problem. Asking people who are catching fish what color of bait they're using is one solution. If this doesn't work, use the rule of thumb. In dark, murky or shaded water, use darker colors. In clearer water, use lighter colors. Use bright colors on bright days. Experiment with various combinations of colors until you find one that works.