It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice fisherman, are getting back into the sport, or are a seasoned vet: Going to the bait shop can be a bit overwhelming. Bass fishing lures come in a vast variety of colors, sizes, scents, and other details, so once you choose a lure, you have many other options! There are a lot of different types, brands, shapes and sizes of bass fishing lures available nowadays, so how do you know what should be in your tackle box to maximize your fishing success?

Further complicating this are the number of online Youtubers and influencers saying this or that is the best lure. It can get confusing quickly.

It is important to know and understand what works, so let’s cut through all of the clutter. In the following guide, we give a basic explanation of the different types of bass lures, when to use them, and additional resources you may find useful when picking out your baits.

Deep Diving Crankbait

The deep diving crankbait is a hard or soft, plastic or metal lure that is usually designed to imitate a baitfish or a frog. It is pitched freely into the water and retrieved with a fast, twisting retrieve.

Their action is designed to mimic a dying baitfish, so they are used most often during the day. The crankbait has a lip that helps it dive below the surface, so some anglers prefer them to be fished on the bottom of the water column. This lip also helps the crankbait resist hang-ups on trees and roots.

A crankbait can also be used as a popper. It is a fun way to fish a shallow lake, pond or stream. The lip of a crankbait can be sharpened or filed down to help it dive deeper. This is especially useful if you are catching bass on the bottom of a lake or fishing a deep river.

Jerkbait

A jerkbait is a subcategory of crankbait. It has the properties of a crankbait with the added addition of the ability to be jerked and twitched during retrieval. It is retrieved by jerking the rod tip to one side, which causes the lure to dart away on a different course than what the angler was expecting. It does this because it has an extra joint in the design that allows this extra movement.

The jerkbait is most often used on the top of the water column. This added movement of the lure is intended to replicate injured bait fish. The jerking action of the crankbait during retrieval makes the lure move erratically, which also adds to the lure’s effectiveness.

Topwater Walking Bait

A topwater walking bait floats on the surface of the water. They are usually not used to catch fish that are deep down, but instead are used to catch fish that are shallower.

The topwater walking bait is usually constructed of wood, balsa, plastic, or hollowed out metal. The object is to create action on the surface of the water. The “bait” is usually not meant to be swallowed by fish. It floats slightly above the surface, where fish can see it and attempt to strike it.

Soft Plastic Stick Bait

A soft plastic stick bait is a long, narrow, tubular piece of plastic that is weighted at the end. It is fished vertically “up and down” in a swimming motion. It is meant to mimic the action of a wounded bait fish.

Its action is to dart away in different directions when twitched. Its profile makes it capable of giving the angler the ability to fish very shallow water.

The soft plastic stick bait has hooks on both ends for added weedless appeal.

Spinnerbait

A spinnerbait is a type of lure that is designed to spin in the water. This is usually done in order to attract fish to strike at the lure. Spinnerbaits are usually fished under the water in an attempt to attract fish to strike.

The spinnerbait is different from most other lures because it does not have a hook. It is only capable of holding enough weight to balance the depth of the lure in the water column. When it is twitched, it has a unique wobble that attracts the attention of fish.

Spinnerbaits are designed in various sizes, shapes, and colors. They are usually used most often to catch bass in lakes; their effectiveness is due to the unique wobble of the bait.

Square Bill Crankbait

A square bill crankbait is an elongated piece of hard plastic with a lip on the front that is designed to dive into the water on a straight line. They are usually fished in the surface or just below the surface of the water.

Square bill crankbaits are usually meant to be retrieved very quickly. The angler jerks the lure to the side in order to make it dart away in different directions. The lip of the lure is designed to help it dive into the water with a straight line, in order to entice the fish.

The square bill crankbait is most often used during the day, in order to attract fish when the sun is out.

Bass Jig

A bass jig is a weighted metal or ceramic jighead (the part with the hook) with a plastic trailer with an appendage at the end. Jigs are usually made of plastic or metal. They are used to catch bass with the primary tool of fishing.

The appendage of the jig can be a plastic lure, plastic skirt, metal lip, soft plastic, or an artificial swim bait. A jig usually comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles of skirts, which usually have the same colors. Jigs are an effective tool to catch bass at any time of day.

Lipless Crankbait

A lipless crankbait is an elongated piece of hard plastic with two parallel or slightly offset pointed “ears.” It is designed to dive into the water on a straight line. They are usually fished in the surface or just below the surface of the water.

The lip of the crankbait is meant to help it dive into the water on a straight line, in order to entice the fish. The angler jerks the lure to the side in order to make it dart away in different directions.

Topwater Frog

A topwater frog is a soft plastic lure that is designed to float on the surface of the water. They are usually not used to catch fish that are deep down, but instead are used to catch fish that are shallower.

Frogs are a lot of fun to fish. They are a lure that most people can cast and catch a fish with after a short amount of time, as opposed to other complex lures with complex retrieves.

A frog is usually a hard, hollow plastic with a big, wide, gaping mouth with a bulging eye on the back of the head. The most important thing with a frog is to keep it bouncing with a lifelike action.

Finesse Worm

Finesse worms are a type of soft plastic worm that have a pointed nose and a tapered, slender body. They are designed to glide across the surface of the water. They are usually not meant to be swallowed by fish, but instead cast into a school of bait fish or a cluster of lily pads.

How To Know Which Lure To Use At What Time?

To make sure you are using the right bait on the right day, first follow the style of water you are fishing. Then, look at the time of day and make sure you know how big of a fish you are trying to catch. A large body of water on a hot day means bass will be on the bottom, waiting for a big meal. A small tail trailer on a cool day means a smaller fish.

Wrapping Up

In the end, it’s always good to make sure you have a wide variety of lures in your tackle box that can cover a variety of circumstances. The more different lures you have, the more options you have to catch fish!

A fishing tackle backpack is something that you absolutely must invest in if you are looking to get into fishing. As someone who is setting out on a fishing trip, you should be looking to purchase and bring along a quality fishing tackle backpack to maximize the convenience it offers.

In this article, we will be going over specifically what you should be basing your buying decision on.

What To Look For When Buying A Fishing Tackle Backpack?

1. Picking The Right Materials

One of the most important things that you should be doing is finding a backpack that is made up of the right materials. Identifying the backpack that is made up of the right materials can save you from having a backpack that leaks or fails to do what it’s supposed to do. Don’t overlook this aspect of the backpack and simply assume the backpack is made up of quality materials.

Having a backpack that features waterproof quality materials can make a big difference in getting the most out of the backpack you do end up purchasing.

Some are only water-resistant, so it is important to know what you are getting in this department.

2. Know Your Budget

When buying any kind of fishing gear, you want to have a good idea of your budget beforehand. It’s important to have a good grasp of your budget before making your purchase. After all, you won’t want to overextend the backpack you do end up buying.

You want to have a clear-cut budget that you should be sticking to which will give you a much better idea of what backpacks to consider and which to avoid.

3. Picking The Right Size

The size of the backpack should be one of the factors that contribute to your buying decision. After all, the size of the backpack is pertinent to your use-case.

If you end up buying a backpack that is too small for your intended use-case, it won’t be worth much to you. You want to ensure that you are buying a backpack that is a suitable size. This is primarily going to depend on the fish that you will be going after and all of the equipment that you are bringing along with you. To find the right size you need, check out the top 9 tackle box fishing backpacks to find the perfect fit for you!

Because of this, you want to look at everything you will be using on your fishing trips to ensure that you won’t be left with a bag that is insufficiently sized.

You want to specifically look at and factor in the amount of cold storage it offers when choosing.

4. Consider How Comfortable It Is

Because you will be buying the backpack to wear, you want to factor in the comfort level when choosing one. You should be looking at how comfortable the backpack will be to wear because it can directly impact the usability of the bag in question.

You should be choosing a bag that is not only sized appropriately for your use-case but also your back. You want to find a bag that has the requisite design to be comfortable to wear.

Ergonomics play a crucial element in the comfort of a backpack.

Try to find one that has breathable fabric and ample padding on the straps to ensure that they won’t be digging into your shoulders.

5. The Backpack’s Versatility

Some backpacks that are targeted towards enthusiasts may offer much more versatility than others. Some will have a lot of other features that you can find that may fit your use-case.

Figure out what you may need and whether or not the added versatility the backpack offers is worth the price premium. Versatility can influence your buying decision if you think that the versatility is going to add significant value to the usability of the backpack. The Plano E-Series is an example of a very versatile fishing backpack.

6. Built-In Organization

Along with the actual size of the bag, you want to factor in the kind of organization it offers. Some bags may prioritize good organization with various compartments and some may only offer a few compartments for minimal organization.

A lot of this will be dictated by preference and whether or not you value having a built-in organization within your bag’s storage space.

Having a bag with ample compartments can make it easy to properly divide your equipment and keep everything readily accessible at all times.

At the end of the day, there are plenty of factors that you should be considering when you are shopping around for a fishing tackle backpack. There are countless options available in the marketplace.

Choosing the right one comes down to figuring out what you need. By using the criteria above, you should be able to identify the right backpack to purchase.

Always consider your budget when sorting through your options. From there, you should be able to identify a string of backpacks that fit your price range.

Choosing the right fishing pole can be a challenge. Whether you’re going freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing, you will find that the right fishing pole can make the difference between catching fish and going home empty-handed.

You will want to use a fishing pole that is the right action for the type of fish you’re attracted to, and you’ll want to keep in mind your physical strength.

What Type Of Fishing Do You Want To Do?

The first step to choosing the right fishing pole is deciding what type of fishing you plan to do.

If you are going to be fishing from a boat, a spinning or casting pole is more appropriate. For fishing from shore, you will want to use a spinning, baitcaster, or spincasting pole.

While a spinning pole can be used to fish from either a boat or shore, the other types of poles will function better from the shore.

What Type Of Fish Do You Want To Catch?

The next step in choosing the right fishing pole is to decide what type of fish you will be fishing for. The popular varieties of fish you will encounter are Bass, Catfish, Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Salmon.

A spinning pole is best suited for Bass, Catfish, and Trout fishing.

A baitcasting pole is best suited for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Salmon.

Both types of poles can be used to catch Bass, but the spinning pole is better for catching multiple types of fish.

A spinning pole is also better suited for Catfish and Trout fishing because the line can be reeled in much quicker than the other types of poles.

Fish are surprisingly strong, so one of the considerations you’ll want to keep in mind is the rated fish weight of the pole. This will give you a good idea of how strong the pole is and the weight limit of the type of fish you’ll be able to pull in.

Select The Correct Action

Once you’ve decided what kind of fish you’re going to be fishing for, you’ll want to choose a fishing pole that is the correct action.

A fishing pole’s action is the way the fishing line is retrieved. The action of a fishing pole is determined by the distance the fishing line is pulled back when the line is cast.

A fast-action pole will pull the line back a shorter distance, while a slow action pole will pull the line back a longer distance.

Choosing The Fishing Pole Strength

The last step in choosing the right fishing pole is to select the right pole for your strength. The action of your fishing pole will have an impact on the strength you will need to use.

A fast-action pole will need less strength than a slow action pole. If you have a strong arm, but little endurance, you will want to use a fast action pole. If you have a weak arm, but lots of endurance, you will want to use a slow action pole.

As you can see, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right fishing pole for you. If you want to catch lots of fish, you will need to use the right fishing pole for the type of fish you plan on catching.

If you have a weak arm, you will need to use a slower action pole. If you plan on going freshwater fishing, you will need a spinning or casting pole. If you plan on going saltwater fishing, you will need a baitcaster or spincaster fishing pole. If you want to catch a variety of fish, you will need a spinning fishing pole. If you want to catch a single type of fish, you will need a baitcaster or spincaster fishing pole.

The decision is up to you, but you can choose the right fishing pole if you think it through and choose the right type of fishing pole for your needs.

The Abu Garcia Veritas is one of those fishing poles that is going to make you look twice. It’s aesthetically pleasing, uniquely designed, and offers a respectable set of features on paper.

However, is it valuable while out in the water looking to make a big catch?

This in-depth review is going to assess the features of this fishing pole, its pros, and its cons before offering a final verdict.

Features

1) Powerlux Nano Resin Design

Let’s start with the Powerlux nano resin design because this is what creates the outlet layer of the fishing pole. This resin is essential in making sure the fishing pole does well when interacting with the various elements and continues to age gracefully.

If you want something strong, easy to use, and built to last then it is this design that is the reason for the fishing pole doing well.

2) Sublayer Armor

Durability is one of those details this brand has thought about repeatedly throughout the design process. It’s evident from top to bottom indicating the value of a high-grade armor that is built to last.

Due to the sublayer armor, this fishing pole can sustain a tremendous amount of duress and pressure without breaking down or even making a peep.

3) Robotically Optimized Casting System

The casting system is essential when out in the water looking to catch fish. With the ROCS or robotically optimized casting system, the emphasis is on automating certain elements of the fishing experience to make sure it leads to successful results. This is invigorating, unique, and perfect for new-age sessions.

4) Up Locking Ratcheting Reel Seat

The reel seat has been designed in a way to optimize your fishing experience. It’s sensitive, responsive, and works well in all types of situations due to how it has been integrated with the rest of the fishing pole. It’s this seamless design that adds value to what the Abu Garcia Veritas is all about as a fishing pole.

Pros

1) Lightweight

Going with a lightweight fishing pole is a must.

You are never going to want to be stuck in a situation where the fishing pole dictates how your experience unfolds. This happens when the fishing pole is lopsided in terms of weight and tends to lean towards the water as soon as you hook onto something.

This is not only unsafe, but it is also an unappealing feeling for those who want to do well while fishing. In this regard, the Abu Garcia Veritas is a winner from top to bottom. It’s about as lightweight and responsive as a fishing pole can be.

2) Easy to Use

Simplicity is what makes this fishing pole shine because it does well as soon as you start learning how to fish.

Remember, a lot of people are beginners, which is why this is a great fishing pole. It’s not only ideal for advanced users but also those who are just getting their feet wet for the first time. You are going to enjoy having this as a tool while fishing.

3) Excellent Durability

Durability is never in question due to the resin and armor. It is built with some of the finest materials in the fishing industry and you are never going to have to worry about it breaking down on you.

It can handle rigorous use and continue to do well at the same time.

4) Ideal for Different Conditions

Let’s assume you are fishing in different conditions throughout the year and don’t want a fishing pole that only does well in the summer months.

In this regard, the Abu Garcia Veritas is a masterpiece because they have thought about these details in advance. You can easily maintain the same performance in different conditions and feel good about how the pole is going to age at the same time.

It is robust, responsive, and perfectly balanced in all conditions making it a joy to use.

Cons

1) Stiff in the Beginning

The main concern has to do with stiffness but this only lasts for a few sessions. After a while, it is going to ease up as the components loosen and begin to respond to your needs.

This is something you may experience here and there, but it’s not going to get in the way of your fishing experience at all.

Final Thoughts

Due to its lightweight, durable design, this is a world-class fishing pole you need to have by your side. The heightened sensitivity is impressive while out in the water trying to make a big catch.

With the up locking ratcheting reel seat, you get enough control to handle choppy situations and it remains a breath of fresh air when under duress.

If you want a competent fishing pole that’s in line with new-age standards then this is the way to go.

Good spinning fishing reels aren’t easy to come by and most people settle for less. However, the Pflueger President markets itself as a world-class, cost-efficient model that is perfect for fishing with confidence outdoors.

Is this true? Is this a legitimate fit for those who are serious about buying a high-quality fishing pole?

Let’s take a deeper look at what the Pflueger President is all about in this comprehensive review of the fishing reel.

Features

1) Stainless Steel Shaft

The stainless steel design is a prominent feature of this fishing reel. It’s sleek, easy on the eyes, and offers a durable build that is perfect while facing resistance out in the water. The brand has taken the time to engineer something resolute from head to toe making it a high-powered fishing reel with a long list of positives.

2) Solid Aluminum Sure-Click Bail System

The Pflueger President has a built-in system that is designed to assist with handling the line. In essence, this means there is an audible noise that is made as soon as the system has closed correctly. This is beneficial for those who are going to be making regular changes to the fishing reel and want to optimize their setup.

3) Front-Positioned Drag System

The drag system is set at the front allowing for a smoother setup that is easier to manage when there’s a bit of resistance in the water. It’s specifically engineered to form a multi-disc layout that is noted for aiding the fishing process from start to finish. This is ideal for those who want to make sure the drag doesn’t limit their efficiency while fishing.

Pros

1) Great Value

Let’s begin with the value as that is the first detail you are going to appreciate with the fishing reel. This is one of the more cost-effective models being sold on the market right now but it offers a slew of high-grade features at the same time.

Whether it’s the balanced fishing reel, high-quality outer layer, or the built-in drag system, everything about this is higher in value compared to the retail price.

This is a major plus for those who want to make a good investment that isn’t going to die out on them in the water.

2) Lightweight Design

It is light in the hands and that is perfect when you are facing resistance. It is not easy to deal with a situation where there’s a bit of pulling going on as that can start to weigh on you after a while. It’s better to go with something easy to handle and that is what you are going to get here with the Pflueger President fishing reel.

3) Wonderful Drag System

The drag system is a plus because it doesn’t slow you down when it is time to handle the fish and make sure you are retaining control at all times. A lot of people worry about this particular detail with new fishing reels because they don’t handle drag as well as they should.

In this case, the drag system is seamless and is never going to be a troublemaker. It will work like a charm as soon as you put it to the test.

4) Smooth Performance

The casting and rotor operation will always be on your mind when it comes to an investment such as this. No one likes being out in the water and then realizing it is not easy to cast a line. This is frustrating for the average person, but you are not going to have to worry about that here.

The Pflueger President is world-class with its rotor operation and will be as seamless as you require it to be.

It is this efficiency that is going to win you over when you take a peek at what the fishing reel is all about.

5) No Tangling

Tangling is not a concern at all.

Regardless of what you are doing with the line, this fishing reel will make sure tangles don’t pop up. This is comforting and it has to do with the built-in mechanisms to prevent this from happening.

Cons

1) Average Maximum Drag Pressure

If there is a concern it has to do with the maximum drag pressure. You are not going to get a high number here and that can take away from your overall power output.

Final Verdict

The Plueger President is about as good as it gets for affordable fishing reels with efficient performance metrics.

With this in hand, you can trust in the performance and know it’s going to do well in a wide array of situations. Having this type of quality in your hands without compromising on efficiency is a major step in the right direction for most people.

This fishing reel is easy to use, safe, and remains perfect for those fishing in unique conditions.

Today’s anglers have no shortage of options. There are countless brands that make fishing line. Fishing line can be found in a variety of sizes and at many different price points. This can make it difficult to find an option that’s suitable for your needs.

That’s why you’ll want to educate yourself about the different types of fishing lines on the market today. If you have a clearer picture of what’s available to you, you’ll be able to make the right decision about what to buy.

Monofilament Line

This is the most popular type of fishing line on the market. Anglers are drawn to monofilament line because it’s affordable and easy to use. It can be used with many different types of tackle, and tying knots with this type of line shouldn’t be a problem. It also handles very well.

One of the biggest advantages of this type of line is that it’s so forgiving. The line has a lot of give, which means you’re less likely to have issues with abrasions.

However, some people find that this type of line has too much stretch. When you’re fishing with monofilament line, you may have a hard time detecting lighter strikes.

While this is an issue for some fishermen, it also has a lot of advantages that help to make up for these minor issues. It’s incredibly versatile and has a wide range of applications. While it’s best suited to catching fish under 10 pounds, it’s still very easy to work with in most cases.

There are different types of monofilament line available, and some have more abrasion than others.

It’s smart to compare soft mono line with a hi-vis line when you’re trying to find the best option for your rig. Because this line is so affordable, you should also be able to experiment with different types of line until you find something suitable for you.

Braided Line

This line has a high abrasion resistance, which makes it another very popular option. Braided line has seen significant improvements in recent years, which has caused it to see a surge of interest. Unlike monofilament line, it has almost no stretch.

Because braided line doesn’t have any stretch, it’s very easy to feel bites from fish, even if they’re fairly faint. It’s particularly well-suited to deep water fishing.

This is also a very sturdy line. In fact, it’s so sturdy that it needs to be cut with scissors rather than nail clippers.

Braided line costs more than monofilament line, which means you’ll want to be careful when choosing the type of line you want to purchase. When selecting a line, you’ll want to think about the type of fish you want to catch and the type of bait you are using. If you’re working with spinner bait, for example, you may want to use 20-pound braid.

If you’ve used braided line in the past, but haven’t used it recently, you may want to look at some of the newer products on the market. As mentioned above, the braided line currently being sold is superior to the line used in the past. If you’re looking for a high-quality type of line that doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it, this is what you’ll want to be looking at.

Fluorocarbon Line

This line isn’t as popular as monofilament and braided line, and it doesn’t have the same long history as the other two types of lines. However, this line does offer a lot of impressive advantages that make it worth considering.

One of the biggest benefits it has is that it’s practically invisible when placed in the water. This makes it ideal for a heavier pound test that is typically thicker.

This type of line isn’t as stretchy as monofilament line, but it has more give than braided line. If you’re looking for a compromise that’s somewhere between these two options, you may find that this line is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

However, it should be noted that this type of line is fairly stiff, which can make it difficult to tie knots. In addition, this type of line sinks fairly quickly, which means it isn’t going to be your best option if you’re fishing with surface lures.

Many anglers find this to be an excellent all-purpose fishing line. While fluorocarbon line used to be prohibitively expensive, it’s far more affordable now than it was in the past. If you’re looking for a line that’s virtually transparent, this is the kind of product that you’ve been searching for.

Although these are the three main types of fishing line, there are still hundreds of varieties to choose from. Find out more about the options available to you. Once you know what type of fishing line you’re looking for, you can focus on finding some of the best options within that category.