Bait or lures? When each catches more fish and how to choose
TUREFF• •0
One of the first decisions on any fishing trip is whether to put something natural on the hook or to cast something artificial and make it move. Neither is better overall. Each suits certain fish, waters and moods, and knowing when to switch is a skill that catches fish.
How bait works
Bait relies on smell, taste and a natural look. You put it where fish are feeding and wait for them to find it. It tends to work when:
- fish are feeding slowly or searching the bottom
- the water is coloured or murky, so scent matters more than sight
- you are after species that feed mainly by smell
- you want a relaxed day with the rod in a rest
Common freshwater baits include maggots, worms, sweetcorn, bread and pellets, and many coarse anglers add a little loose feed to draw fish in. At sea, common baits include lugworm, ragworm, mackerel strips, squid and crab. Local tackle shops know which baits are working in their area, and fresh bait often makes a real difference.
The trade-off is that bait fish tend to swallow the hook more deeply, which matters if you plan to release your catch. Watching closely and striking promptly helps.
How lures work
Lures imitate prey through movement, flash, vibration and colour. Rather than waiting, you search the water, casting and retrieving to provoke a strike. They tend to work when:
- you are targeting predators that chase prey
- the water is clear enough for fish to see the lure
- fish are active, often at dawn and dusk
- you want to cover a lot of water and find where fish are
Common lure types
- Spinners: a spinning blade flashes and vibrates. Easy to use; just cast and wind.
- Spoons: curved metal that wobbles and flashes. They cast a long way, which is useful from the shore.
- Soft plastics: rubbery fish, worms and shads, usually on a weighted jig head. Very versatile and cheap to replace.
- Hard-bodied lures (plugs): shaped like small fish, some floating, some diving to a set depth as you retrieve.
- Surface lures: worked across the top for exciting, visible takes, best in calm conditions.
Matching lures to conditions
These are rules of thumb, not laws:
- Clear water and bright light: natural colours and a subtle action.
- Murky water or low light: brighter colours, darker silhouettes, and lures with more vibration or rattle.
- Cold water: fish are sluggish, so slow down the retrieve and fish deeper.
- Warm water: faster retrieves and surface lures can work well.
- Wind and waves: heavier lures cast better and stay in the strike zone.
Try to match the size and shape of what the fish are eating. If small fry are scattering on the surface, a small slim lure is a better bet than a big chunky one.
When to switch
If a method has not produced a bite for a while, change one thing at a time: depth, speed, colour, or bait versus lure. Sometimes the best approach is both, such as a bait rod in a rest while you cast a lure nearby, where the rules of the water allow more than one rod.
Some waters restrict methods, for example banning certain baits, live bait or lures in specific seasons. Check the fishery rules or local byelaws before you go.
What is your go-to bait or lure, and where does it work for you? Share it or ask for suggestions in the comments below.