Why Fishing Lures Completely Changed the Way I Fish

When I first started fishing seriously, I never realised how powerful fishing lures really were. Like many beginners, I relied mostly on natural bait and hoped for the best. But once I started using lures properly, my fishing experience changed forever. Today, I can confidently say that the right lure can make the difference between a boring day on the water and an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Fishing is not just about throwing a line into the water and waiting. It’s about understanding fish behaviour, water conditions, and presentation. And nothing helps with that more than a well-designed lure. A lure doesn’t just attract fish it triggers their instinct to strike.
In this article, I’ll share my personal journey, what I’ve learned over the years, and why I always recommend using quality lures to every angler I meet.
My Early Fishing Days When I Only Used Live Bait
In my early fishing days, I believed live bait was the only way to catch fish. I would carry worms, prawns, or small baitfish and wait patiently.
Sometimes I caught fish.
Sometimes I didn’t.
But the biggest problem was inconsistency.
Some days the fish simply ignored my bait. Other days, small fish kept stealing it. And many times, I had no idea what was happening underwater.
That’s when a friend introduced me to artificial lures.
At first, I was sceptical.
How could a piece of plastic or metal attract a real fish?
But after my first successful lure catch, I was hooked literally and mentally.
The First Time I Used a Proper Fishing Lure
I still remember the first lure I ever used. It was a small minnow-style lure with a shiny body and lifelike swimming action.
On my third cast, I felt a solid strike.
The fish hit the lure aggressively.
The rod bent.
The reel screamed.
That moment changed my mindset completely.
I realised that lures don’t just catch fish they provoke fish.
Why Fishing Lures Are So Effective
Fishing lures work because they imitate natural prey such as:
Small fish


Insects


Frogs


Shrimp


Crabs


They use:
Flash


Vibration


Sound


Movement


Colour


All of these elements trigger a fish’s hunting instinct.
A good lure doesn’t look like food.
It looks like a meal trying to escape.
And predators can’t resist that.
How Lures Improve Your Catch Rate
Once I started using lures regularly, my success rate improved dramatically.
Here’s why:
I could cover more water


I could target specific zones


I could control lure depth


I could trigger reaction strikes


I could fish faster and smarter


Instead of waiting for the fish to come to me, I started going to the fish.
Fishing became more active, more exciting, and far more rewarding.
Different Types of Fishing Lures and Their Uses
There are many types of lures, and each one has its own purpose.
1. Hard Body Lures
These imitate baitfish and come with realistic swimming action.
Best for:
Casting


Trolling


Predator fish


2. Soft Plastic Lures
These imitate worms, shrimp, and small fish.
Best for:
Finesse fishing


Slow presentation


Light tackle


3. Metal Lures
These are shiny and heavy.
Best for:
Long casting


Deep water


Fast retrieval


4. Spinnerbaits and Buzzbaits
These create flash and vibration.
Best for:
Murky water


Active fish


Reaction strikes


Reading the Water Choosing the Right Lure
Over the years, I’ve learned that lure selection depends on:
Water clarity


Depth


Weather


Fish species


Feeding behaviour


Clear water? Use natural colours.
Dirty water? Use bright colours.
Deep water? Use sinking lures.
Shallow water? Use floating lures.
Once you understand this, fishing becomes a strategy game and lures are your winning cards.
Why Lure Fishing Is More Fun
One of the biggest reasons I love lure fishing is because it’s interactive.
You are constantly:
Casting


Retrieving


Changing speed


Changing direction


Experimenting


You feel every movement.
You see every strike.
You experience every fight.
It’s pure adrenaline.
The Magic of Surface Fishing
There is nothing more exciting than watching a fish explode on your lure at the surface.
When the water is calm and the sun is rising, surface fishing becomes magical. You see the ripples. You hear the splash. Your heart starts racing.
This is where Top Water Lures shine.
These lures float on the surface and imitate frogs, insects, or injured baitfish. When a predator attacks them, the strike is violent and unforgettable.
Once you experience a topwater strike, you’ll never forget it.
Durability Matters Why Quality Lures Are Worth It
Cheap lures may look attractive, but they often:
Lose paint quickly


Break easily


Have weak hooks


Poor swimming action


A quality lure:
Swims naturally


Has strong hooks


Lasts for years


Handles big fish


I still use some of my lures from five years ago, and they still catch fish.
That’s what quality gets you.
Building Your Personal Lure Collection
Every angler eventually builds their own lure collection.
Some for shallow water.
Some for deep water.
Some for fast retrieves.
Some for slow presentation.
Over time, your tackle box becomes your personal fishing library each lure with its own story and success.
The Confidence Factor Fish Without Doubt
When you trust your lure, you fish better.
You cast with confidence.
You retrieve with purpose.
You target tough spots.
Confidence catches fish.
My Advice to Every Angler
If you’re still relying only on live bait, I strongly recommend giving lures a try.
Start with:
A few hard body lures


A few soft plastics


One or two metal lures


A surface lure


Learn how they swim.
Learn how fish react.
Learn how to retrieve them.
You’ll soon realise how powerful lures really are.
Fishing Is More Than Just Catching Fish
Fishing gives us peace, excitement, patience, and joy.
And lures make it even more thrilling.
They turn every cast into an opportunity.
They turn every strike into a memory.
They turn every trip into a story.
Final Thoughts My Personal Recommendation
After years of fishing in rivers, lakes, dams, and coastal waters, one thing is clear lures are an essential part of modern fishing.
Choose wisely.
Fish smart.
Enjoy every strike.
If you love exciting surface strikes and visual fishing action, then you must try quality hand made lures they offer unique action, premium craftsmanship, and unmatched attraction that can take your fishing experience to the next level.