Tips for Lure Fishing | Catch More on Lures
Our aim is to be helpful to all lure fishermen/women who are just starting out. Whether you are fishing for Perch, Pike, Zander, Bass, etc we intend to help and guide you in the right direction. Below you will see a list of tips and techniques for lure fishing that we think will help you on your way to catching more predator fish. Effectively, smoothly, and with no harm to the fish.
1. Look After the Fish
This has to be one of the most important tips and techniques for lure fishing there is, Fish care. Don’t keep the fish out of the water any longer than is necessary. The poor buggers don’t really like being out of the water so be sure to return them asap. Whilst returning your fish be sure to hold it upright in the water until it is ready to swim off on its own. They tend to tire themselves out whilst battling you and your tackle, so be nice and give them a chance to get their breath back. You want to see the fish swim off and not float off.
Let the Fish Rest
If the fish you just caught puts up a big fight or its the heat of the summer and oxygen levels are low, it may be worth thinking about letting it re-cooperate a bit of its energy back before getting it out on the bank and unhooking it, if this is the case just keep it upright in the landing net at the waters edge for a few minutes. We have to remember if we don’t look after the fish properly we won’t be catching it again.
Take an Unhooking Mat
Probably one of the most controversial topics on social media when it comes to fishing. The unhooking mat! Regardless of what some might say it is a good idea when fishing to always carry an unhooking mat. Most fish are a bit delicate out of the water so keep them on a damp soft surface whilst unhooking them, do not lay them on hard or dry surfaces. There are some good unhooking mats out there nowadays that are light and versatile to carry. If you do find yourself without one and can’t unhook it in the water be sure to keep the fish in the net and lay it on the soft grass.
2. Take Someone Experienced
If you are fishing for pike or other fish that have sharp teeth or are awkward to unhook and you are not experienced in unhooking them, take an experienced angler with you.
Find someone who knows what they’re doing, they can teach you how to do it. Lots of local clubs will have fishermen/women who will be more than happy to help out. Some clubs even have coaches with free lessons on all manner of fishing skills.
Another good organisation is the Pike Anglers Club (PAC) it’s full of helpful knowledgeable people willing to help.
3. Always Carry Side Cutters
If the fish you just caught puts up a big fight or the heat of the summer and oxygen levels are low, it may be worth thinking about letting it re-cooperate a bit of its energy back before getting it out on the bank and unhooking it, if this is the case just keep it upright in the landing net at the waters edge for a few minutes. We have to remember if we don’t look after the fish properly we won’t be catching it again.
4. Keep on the Move
When lure fishing it is wise not to stay in one spot. If the fish are not in your swim, you will not catch them. Walk around a bit and cover some ground, find the features like weed beds, overhanging trees, lily pads, streamer weed, etc, be persistent until you find them. Once you find them be sure to have a good few casts before you move on.
5. Learn to Read the Water
Reading the water really isn’t that hard to do. Look for signs of baitfish. If there are predators in the area there’s a good chance the baitfish will get spooked by them.
Usually, where there is baitfish there will be preds. Waterbirds such as Grebe, Cormorant, and Gulls will be on the hunt for baitfish as well. Keep an eye on them they may find the baitfish for you. Alternatively, you could get yourself a Deeper Pro and cheat a bit.
These are a great bit of kit for the money and well worth a look.
6. Take Fewer Lures
You don’t need to take hundreds of lures with you fishing. I would recommend only take a handful with you and learn how they work and how they move in different conditions Try them at different depths, different retrievals and different speed, get to know your lures. The colour of your lure and your retrieval play a very big part in whether you will catch or not. Keep experimenting and trying different things.
7. Learn Different Techniques for Lure Fishing
Spinning and plugs aren’t the only way of lure fishing like it used to be. Try some of the different techniques available to you, there are some really good ones to try out. Personally, my favourite is drop-shotting. It really is a good way of fishing on ultra-light gear. This allows you to really cover some water where other techniques may fail.
Cheb fishing, Ned fishing, and Jigging are all over ways that are well worth a try and can produce fish when other techniques aren’t doing too well.
8. The Retrieve
When retrieving your lures I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to get it right. There is no right or wrong with this as such but you need to get it right on the day. In the winter the fish will be very lethargic and not wanting to use to much of their energy up chasing prey. For this reason, slow your retrieve right down, and I mean almost to a stop. The fish will quite often even strike at your lure when it is stationary.
In the warmer months, the fish are far more energetic and don’t mind darting about after their prey. So in the summer, you can speed things up a bit. You will still need to vary your technique when using lures though to find out how they want it.
To Conclude My Tips and Techniques for Lure Fishing
Following these tips and techniques for lure fishing isn’t going to guarantee you catch fish, but it will certainly help. Just keep experimenting and trying different techniques and eventually, it will all fall into place. Good things come to those who wait. Good luck and tight lines.
