The Art of Lures

Fishing is both science and art these days. Advances in materials science has improved rods, reels, lures and all the other gear used. Experience in fish behavior and environments makes the difference between just a relaxing day on the water or pleasure combined with a big haul.

Even with all that knowledge, there is still an art to fishing. One key area of the art is in the creation and use of lures.

That lures look like art is obvious to anyone who visits a sporting goods store. Arrayed beneath the glass counter are dozens of colorful designs. But this art has a purpose informed by long experience and ample science.

Here are just a few examples of that beautiful combination.

Jigs

Jigs come in a variety of styles, but all have weighted metal heads and a feathered tail. That tail can be made of real bird feathers or animal hair. Synthetic materials used range from soft plastic to rubber. Jigs have wide application, since they're useful for catching just about any kind of freshwater species.

Plugs

Plugs are made of buoyant material so they can float on the surface or at a selected depth just below the waterline. The former are called 'topwater' or 'floating' plugs, the latter are 'diving' plugs. Wood, plastic or even synthetic rubber are used.

Poppers

Poppers and flies are useful for going after panfish, trout, bass... anything that feeds off insects on the surface of the water. They're designed to be cast so they splash into the water, attracting those surface feeders.

Spinners

Among the cleverest type of lure are spinners. Fish have varying visual acuity - some see well, others perceive only vague shapes. But they all respond to motion, especially motion that mimics prey. Spinners take advantage of that by using blades that rotate around a central shaft.

To add to the lure's attractive ability some have skirts made of animal hair or some synthetic material such as vinyl or rubber. Others may have just a simple tail made of soft plastic or hair.

Kona Heads

Kona heads, or sliced lures, are long cylinders that look somewhat like miniature squids. They produce surface breaks and a bubble trail that attracts the fish. They come in all colors and varying sizes, but they all make great trollers. Dragging along behind a boat at a few knots you're sure to be followed.

Jet Heads

Made of metal, Jet heads are heavier than average. Their long, colorful, string-like tails also produce bubble trails. That makes them very effective at attracting a variety of fish. They're designed to be trolled at higher speeds, up to 15 knots, than Kona heads.

Cup-Faced

Cup-faced lures look like little fish heads. Designed to troll between seven to ten knots, the head scoops up surface water, making them really handy for windy conditions.

There are hundreds of artistic variations within even these categories. Miniature sculpture, but with a practical purpose, these small works of art supplement the greater art: the angler's skill.