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. |
