Ever feel lost staring at a wall of fishing lures? It’s like trying to pick the perfect snack in a giant candy store—so many bright colors and shapes! Anglers know this feeling well. Choosing the right lure can make the difference between a great day on the water and an empty cooler.
Lure webfishing is popular, but the sheer volume of choices online can be overwhelming. Should you use a crankbait, a spinner, or maybe a soft plastic worm? Each type claims to catch more fish, leaving you confused about where to spend your hard-earned money. Many anglers waste time and cash buying lures that just don’t work for their local spots.
This post cuts through the noise. We will break down the essentials of lure webfishing. You will learn how different lures behave underwater and which ones target specific fish species. By the end, you will feel confident selecting lures that match the water conditions and your target catch.
Ready to stop guessing and start catching? Let’s dive into the secrets of effective lure selection.
Top Lure Webfishing Recommendations
- Ultra-realistic soft swimbait available in sizes from 2" to 9"
- Balanced, hydrodynamic design delivers smooth, natural swimming action
- Effective for bass, crappie, panfish, walleye, and multi-species fishing
- Versatile for hover rigs, drop shots, slow rolling, and sonar techniques
- Detailed scaling and lifelike color patterns replicate real baitfish
- 🐟 Handcrafted in the USA Proudly made in the USA, each DeLong weedless worm is hand-poured and rigged by American workers who love fishing. That means unmatched consistency, premium quality, and a lure you can trust to perform trip after trip.
- 🎣 Pre-Rigged & Ready to Fish 🔗 Each worm comes pre-rigged with a 40 lb braided Kevlar line and a hand-tied weedless hook—no extra setup, no time wasted. Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike who want maximum action with minimal prep.
- Durable, Long-Lasting Design 💪 Built to outlast the competition, these soft plastic worm baits are known for surviving the hits other lures can't. Whether you're dragging through cover or battling big bass, DeLong worms stay in the game longer
- Versatile 5-Color Variety Pack 🎨 Cover more conditions with a lineup of five proven color patterns that work in both clear and murky waters. Whether you're finesse fishing or triggering reaction strikes, there's a worm here that gets bit.
- 🧓 Legacy of American Fishing Innovation 🛠️ DeLong has been making premium bass lures since 1946—earning the trust of generations of anglers. This isn't just another lure; it’s a piece of American fishing heritage designed to put more fish in your boat.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Lure Webfishing Gear
Lure webfishing is a fun and exciting way to catch fish! It uses special lures that look and act like real food. This guide helps you pick the best gear for your next fishing adventure.
Key Features to Look For
Good lure webfishing gear has several important features. These make catching fish easier and more fun.
1. Lure Action and Movement
- Realistic Swimming Pattern: Look for lures that move naturally in the water. Good lures wiggle or dart like small fish or insects.
- Vibration or Sound: Some lures have rattles inside. These sounds attract fish from far away.
2. Hook Quality
- Sharpness: Hooks must be very sharp. Sharp hooks grab the fish better when it bites.
- Strength: The hooks should be strong enough not to bend when you reel in a big fish. Stainless steel is often used for strength.
3. Color and Finish
- Variety: Have a few different colors. Some days fish like bright colors; other days they prefer natural ones.
- UV Reflectivity: Some modern lures reflect ultraviolet (UV) light. This makes them visible even in deeper or murkier water.
Important Materials in Your Lures
The material a lure is made from really matters. It affects how the lure sinks, floats, and feels to the fish.
Hard Baits (Plastics and Wood)
- Durable Plastics (ABS): These are common. They last a long time and hold paint well.
- Balsa Wood: Wood lures often float naturally and have a very subtle action. They feel great in the water.
Soft Plastics
- Soft, Flexible Plastic: These mimic worms or grubs perfectly. They need to be soft so fish hold onto them longer.
- Scent Infusion: Many soft plastics come soaked in fish attractant scents. This keeps the fish interested after they bite.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all lures are made equal. A few small details can make a big difference in your catch rate.
Quality Boosters
- Better Hardware: Strong split rings and swivels prevent the lure from breaking or twisting during a fight.
- Hand Painting: Lures that are painted by hand often have more detailed, realistic finishes.
Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)
- Cheap Eyelets: If the small metal loops holding the hooks are thin, they might break.
- Fading Paint: If the color chips off easily after just one trip, the lure won’t look good for long.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to fish. This guides your lure choice.
Fishing Environment
- Shallow Water: Use shallow-diving crankbaits or topwater lures that stay near the surface.
- Deep Water or Heavy Cover: Jigs or soft plastics that sink quickly work best here.
Ease of Use
- Beginners: Start with simple spinnerbaits or basic plastic worms. They are easy to cast and retrieve effectively.
- Advanced Anglers: You might enjoy complex jerkbaits or lipless crankbaits that require specific retrieval techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lure Webfishing
Q: How many different lure colors should I buy?
A: Start with three basic colors: a natural shade (like silver or brown), a bright color (like chartreuse or orange), and a dark color (like black or dark green).
Q: Do I need scented lures?
A: Scented lures are helpful, especially when fish are being picky. They add an extra sense that convinces the fish to bite.
Q: How do I store my lures?
A: Store them in a dry tackle box, away from direct sunlight. Keep hard lures separate from soft plastics so the chemicals do not melt them.
Q: What is a “crankbait”?
A: A crankbait is a hard plastic or wooden lure with a plastic lip (or bill) on the front. This lip makes the lure dive when you reel it in.
Q: Are expensive lures always better?
A: Not always. A well-made, inexpensive lure can outperform a poorly made, expensive one. Focus on good hook quality and action first.
Q: How often should I replace my hooks?
A: Check your hooks before every fishing trip. If they look dull or rusty, replace them right away. Sharp hooks catch more fish.
Q: What is the best lure for catching bass?
A: Bass are attracted to many things! Good starting points are plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and medium-sized crankbaits, depending on the water depth.
Q: Can I use the same lures in saltwater and freshwater?
A: It is best not to. Saltwater quickly rusts standard freshwater hooks and hardware. Use corrosion-resistant gear for saltwater fishing.
Q: What does “action” mean when talking about lures?
A: Action describes how the lure moves in the water as you pull it. Smooth, natural action is usually best.
Q: Should I tie my lure directly to the line?
A: For most lures, yes. However, using a small snap swivel can help some lures move better and makes changing lures faster.