Q&A for How to Fish With Lures

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Question

What are some tips for making your own lures?

Kathy Sparrow, MA
Fishing Instructor
Kathy Sparrow is a fly-fishing instructor and adventurer at heart. Kathy is the co-founder and previous manager of the Kingfisher Inn, a fly-fishing lodge on the Lower Laguna Madre in Texas. She is the author of "On the Mother Lagoon: Flyfishing and the Spiritual Journey" and "The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout” a novel conveying the feminine perspective of fly fishing. Kathy is also a Certified Canfield Trainer in Canfield Methodologies. She guides individuals through the process of embracing change by expressing confidence, awareness, and courage through the tools of writing, fly fishing, and intentional conversation. She has a MA in English with an emphasis in Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American.

Kathy Sparrow, MA

Fishing Instructor

Expert Answer

Get creative. For salt water, especially, you can be really creative and think about what might attract a fish to come to the surface to grab a fly. Maybe you have a piece of straw and you come up with a creative way to incorporate that into your design. Most fly ties are really creative, so definitely unleash your creativity and really think about what's working in the area where you'll be fishing and then put your own little mark on it.

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Question

There is a lake that is murky and brown. Is a brown-green or orange lure the right lure for this lake?

Kody Lee
Guide, Fishing Trips
Kody Lee is a Guide for Fishing Trips in Washington. He has worked as a guide since 2015 and has fished his entire life.

Kody Lee

Guide, Fishing Trips

Expert Answer

There is no "right lure" but something that gets down would probably be more effective due to the water clarity unless you see fish eating things on top of the water. The color you're using would be appropriate. Black and blue would be my best recommendation, as it is proven through studies to be the most easily visible color to fish.

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Question

What if the lure has no weight on it, like the soft lure. Do you need to add weight. If so, how much should it weigh?

Kody Lee
Guide, Fishing Trips
Kody Lee is a Guide for Fishing Trips in Washington. He has worked as a guide since 2015 and has fished his entire life.

Kody Lee

Guide, Fishing Trips

Expert Answer

If the lure has no weight, add the amount it takes to get down to the desired depth or achieve the desired distance. More weight will take it deeper and make it easier to cast farther.

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Question

What does the bill on a lure do?

Kody Lee
Guide, Fishing Trips
Kody Lee is a Guide for Fishing Trips in Washington. He has worked as a guide since 2015 and has fished his entire life.

Kody Lee

Guide, Fishing Trips

Expert Answer

The bill on a lure is what causes it to dive in the water.

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Question

Do I need to use a weight?

Community Answer

If you are casting bait, yes. However, lures use crank baits, so you do not have to use a weight because of the lip on the mouth which causes the bait to dive when you are reeling back in.

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Question

I don't know how to fish. What do I do?

Community Answer

Cast your lure and point the rod tip toward the water at a 45 degree angle. Move the rod tip downward to a 90 degree angle in a jerking motion. Turn the reel handle 1 turn for every jerk. Move the rod slowly at first, and then gradually increase the speed to copy the movement of a bait fish swimming away.

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Question

Is it possible fish with lures without a reel?

Community Answer

Nope. You need a reel. A good beginner's model isn't very expensive.

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Question

Should I use a swivel to lure fish or just tie it on the line?

Community Answer

It depends - if you are using a spoon, or a bait that spins when you are reeling it back, yes, a simple snap swivel attached to the lure then tied to the line will do, although try to avoid big and bulky swivels as they can ruin the presentation of the lure.

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Question

How do I know when a fish has bitten my lure? Does it feel like when using bait?

Community Answer

Yes. You'll feel a little jerking motion on your line. Your lrod's tip will slightly bend and the line will get tight.

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