Have you ever been tempted by those attractive lure fishing starter kits? Don't fall for it!
As a lure fishing enthusiast, I (REeffun) know that feeling of standing in front of shelves packed with gear and not knowing where to start. Especially when you're targeting waters in North America, Europe, Australia, or Southeast Asia, hoping to conquer local species like Largemouth Bass in North American lakes, European Seabass along European coasts, Barramundi in Australia, or Giant Snakehead in Southeast Asian waters, choosing the right fishing lures is crucial.
The biggest pitfall for beginners is chasing low prices. Most of those beautiful lure kits are often low-quality junk that will only end up collecting dust. Remember, a good lure is your "eye" and "temptation"—it's worth the investment!
Three Core Principles for Beginner Lure Selection
Different fish have different habits and prefer different baits. But for beginners, we must highlight the key points and follow these three aspects when selecting:
1. Versatility
Highly versatile lures attract a wider variety of fish, significantly increasing your chances of getting a bite. Whether you're targeting the main quarry of bass fishing lures, the Largemouth Bass, or encountering an unexpected Trout or White Bass, a versatile lure will pique their interest.
2.Ease of Use
Beginners often lack complex technical skills. Easy-to-use lures can exhibit excellent "action" even with just a steady retrieve. Action is the lure's movement underwater mimicking a real baitfish; the more lifelike the action, the more willing the target fish is to strike.
3.Cost-Effectiveness
Beginner casts are often inaccurate, leading to a high chance of snags on the bottom or in trees. Lure consumption is fast, so the lures we need must be both effective and affordable. Once you master the basics, you can consider upgrading to more expensive best bass fishing lures or other advanced lures.
Top 3 Must-Have "Universal" Lures for Beginners
1-Spoon Lure / Spinner
Advantages
- Low Cost: Highly affordable.
- Durability: Metal construction is very durable and rarely breaks unless lost to a severe snag.
Applicable Species
Universal Appeal: Catches almost everything! From small North American Panfish (Sunfish, Crappie), to medium-sized Trout and Salmon, and larger Pike, European Seabass, and even many saltwater species.
How to Choose
- Shape: Opt for teardrop or classic spoon shapes.
- Color and Weight: Use Gold on sunny days in clear water, and Silver on cloudy days in murky water. Carry 7g and 10g sizes to adapt to different species and depths.
2-VIB (Vibration Lure)
VIB is short for Vibration. As the name suggests, it creates a strong vibration when retrieved quickly, making it easier for fish to detect.
Advantages
Strong Vibration: Excellent fish attraction, high search efficiency, and great versatility.
Applicable Species
Wide Application: Effective on many species, especially vibration-sensitive predators like Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and Barramundi.
How to Choose
- Selection Focus: Choose the metal bean-shaped VIB with at least two line-tie holes on the back.
- Tying Trick: Use the first hole for a more horizontal body, less water resistance, and higher search efficiency (less vibration). Use the second hole for a forward-tilted body, greater water resistance, and stronger vibration (better fish attraction, but lower search efficiency).
- Weight: Keep 7g and 15g sizes ready.
- Color: Choose Natural Colors (like grasshopper/frog green) for sunny, clear water, and Baitfish Colors (White/Silver) as baitfish are the common forage for many freshwater predators.
3-Jighead + Soft Plastic Lure
REeffun suggest beginners start with this lure series because they are truly great value for money.
Beginner Mistake: Do NOT buy the super-cheap accessories!
- Jighead: Extremely cheap jigheads easily lose their lead heads, have dull hooks, and lack strength (This is key!). Low-quality hooks can straighten out under the pressure of a big fish, resulting in a lost catch. Choose decent quality jigheads, avoiding the cheapest options, and you don't need to break the bank on high-end imported brands at first.
- Snap Swivel: Do not buy those hundreds-for-a-dollar-type snaps! Their strength is often terrible. Imagine hooking into a powerful fish like a North American Striped Bass—your hook holds, but the snap opens up. You lose the fish and the lure.
Soft Plastic Selection
- Shape: Beginners should start with T-tail and Curly-tail varieties. T-tails are generally used more often.
- Color and Length: Light colors like White or Fluorescent Green are highly versatile. For dark colors, choose what you prefer. Use 4.5cm and 6cm lengths.
Pro Tip: When choosing soft plastics, those with circumferential ribs or threads on the body typically have a more lifelike and fluid swimming action!
Recommended External Resource
Example Resource: State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Bass Regulations
Conclusion
Building confidence is the most crucial step in starting lure fishing, and choosing the right lure is the first step toward that confidence. With these three cost-effective, versatile, and easy-to-use fishing lures, you can effectively avoid the common "beginner's trap" of bad lure selection and focus on practicing your casting and retrieve techniques.
That's it for this guide on selecting beginner fishing lures. Be sure to share these tips with your fellow anglers! I wish you tight lines and great fun on your next lure fishing adventure!
