Lure classification/grouping and variables

[saltystick]

With the advances in lure design, there comes a point were choosing which and for what reasons gets a bit overwhelming, but it needn't be. As most of us know, certain lures have certain functions - generally speaking. As usual there is more than meets the eye figuratively speaking and actually so.

We classify lures into groups such as surface lures, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, etc. Some anglers carry along 30 or more of each type, some never used, and never question the need, if any, for so many being hauled around. Here is a remedy to that useless number of choices.

Science has always put things into categories, starting with a general category and working down to specific groupings others can't fit into by description. But each more concise breakdown is  descriptive of something, whether a bass or a country or a rock, which allows one to know that which never or rarely changes and that which can be considered a variable or variables when it comes to lures.

Lures fall into categories as stated, further broken down by function, action, size, color, maybe weight and ways they can be fished if not limited.

Take the plastic worm category. There are too many individual designs to count, but more important, one design doesn't do all things but may be used differently.  Here's an example of what I consider descriptively unique about one specific lure:

Classification: soft plastic
Type: worm
Desription: curl tail / 6" / at least good in five colors / may be rigged different ways depending on Rigging: hardware:  takes x/0 - z/0 hooks or jigs
Function or scenarios used: situations: x, y, z
Other unique design features (action(s): fluttering tail, ribbed, tapered body down to the tail

As you can see, the lure description includes variables that we can be changed as needed or our mood dictates. Variables are choices and nothing is written in stone.
Take the worm example. The curl tail design option allows choosing another design such a straight tail or one with or without paddle or allowing tail modification. It can make a big difference when it comes to lure action, profile and the fish!


Color is a given. We have favorite confidence colors to choose from, some that can be used with confidence a majority of the time and as they say - a few will do.

Rigging options may be many. Everyone knows of all the rigs possible that can be used with many worm designs. But. Some designs do better with certain rigs and hardware and those are considerations we should hold dear rather than constantly switch.

Function/scenarios: indicates lure versatility and specifically areas I would immediately use a worm. I can take a 6" GY Kut tail worm, rig it on a 1/32 oz ballhead jig and use it to catch bass with confidence from near surface to 10' down. T-rig obviously but not my first choice. Same for dropshot, C-rig or many others. A description of the body and tail reveals why it is such a fantastic and unique worm design, coupled with what the worm is made of!

Here goes:
Streamline taper from head to tail but with a total diameter thinner than most
Seems to be a curl tail that was cut off but most definitely NOT
A tail that come to a point when looking at it from the side
Made from a heavier plastic that allow lighter hardware to be used for most depths fished
Action: darts, whips and wobbles with the least amount of angler manipulation, instantly driving nearby bass berserk!!!!
target species: all (note: panfish have to be large)

This is one example where classification matters along with all the fine details about a lure. Everyone should consider becoming aware of those details once a lure proves itself. A specific lure may only work best in a certain size, rigged a certain way or with certain presentations. The unknown about a good lure can become known with a bit of effort and observation of it in the water. Blindly casting lures of any lure is a waste of time and reduces one's confidence the longer one goes fishless.

Knowing the tools you have down to the smallest details allows you to choose more wisely and not waste time and money when making an offer they can't refuse more times than not.




                     

[Wizard]

There are a few universal lures. Things that will catch a few even on a bad day. Grubs, jig worms, small tubes, etc. are pretty much standard for anglers. A lure which will catch bass but is seldom used today is the pre rigged worm. They were so efficient that they had another name-- guide worm. Guides would tie on a guide worm for clients that seldom fished. Cast it out and slowly work it back to the boat. You seldom had a client who didn't enjoy the day.

Wizard

[saltystick]

I don't know of any lure more versatile.

[Oldfart9999]

There are a few universal lures. Things that will catch a few even on a bad day. Grubs, jig worms, small tubes, etc. are pretty much standard for anglers. A lure which will catch bass but is seldom used today is the pre rigged worm. They were so efficient that they had another name-- guide worm. Guides would tie on a guide worm for clients that seldom fished. Cast it out and slowly work it back to the boat. You seldom had a client who didn't enjoy the day.

Wizard

The unfortunate thing is that we lose sight of the "oldschool" baits and techniques that actually produce just as well as any of the new stuff. Some of them are being rediscovered, given a new name, said to be the latest from Japan and sold for ridicules prices. There can always be improvements or subtle changes for a particular situation but that's not a good reason to dump the original. One I use a lot of is the dropshot, 15 or so years ago it was touted as the latest and greatest from Japan. Actually it was known for 20 plus years, Rich Zelski wrote about it in In-Fisherman around 1990 and it was used for saltwater fishing before that but it was called down shot. The hooks and weights are new but not the technique.
Rodney