Best fishing lures, baits & attractants according to redditors

I don't know where you are from, but the US is really behind in the telescopic fishing rod game compared to many other countries such as europe and asia. I suppose its due to poor public perception of shitty telescopic rods that people have been exposed to. If your budget is ~100 that begins to open the door to some entry level JDM telescopic rods that completely destroy anything you would find in the states. Take a look at a few of these.

probably best for backpacking, cheaper


top tier, check out the other configurations


middle of the road

as always check out the images for a list of other rod powers and lengths that are available, its in japanese but easy enough to figure out. If you want to stick to something easier to get in the US, I really like the Daiwa presso ultralight 4pc rod. its not telescopic though. I have also used the cheapo 20 dollar tele from amazon and have caught many many fish with it as well haha

It's not boats.

I grew up around boats and live in an area with a lot of boating and I can count on one hand the times I've seen a glitter/metallic finish on a boat.

They're all flat, opaque white. A few are cream-colored or pale blue or red, but no glitter.

I'll concede that there speedboats are occasionally a bit glittery, but their finishes look identical to pearlescent automotive paint. And browsing the listings, it seems that the trend right now is high gloss finishes on flat color.

Honestly, if you told me it was something maritime, I'd say it was saltwater fishing lures. https://smile.amazon.com/SILANON-Octopus-Fishing-Trolling-Saltwater/dp/B07NLSR1VX?sa-no-redirect=1

I just received a 5 frog set from /u/blarghusmaximus (Not my pic but this is them: http://imgur.com/xMpWhQN). He's starting up his own company and sells the 5 set in a box on Amazon for $9.99 plus shipping. Took 2 or 3 days for shipping, not weeks.

These use an articulated double hook, the body sits really well in the water and it's wake is nicely realistic. When still the "legs" splay out like a real frog. The belly is lightly weighted so they always sit correctly. Casting them is perfect on a medium rod.

I've only had them out once, but I love them and the price is perfect! These are as good as the expensive ones in the store.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EM9OUZ0/

You've got too much hardware on there. You want to tie your line directly to the hook. You're using a swimbait there, and the only really effective way to fish a swimbait in grass and remain mostly weedless is with a weighted swimbait hook... like these...

https://www.amazon.com/Berkley-Fusion19-Weight-Swimbait-Hooks/dp/B012MCUI1Y/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=weighted+swimbait+hooks&qid=1566933103&s=gateway&sr=8-7

You screw the wire into the front of the head, then rig the hook like you have it in the picture. The weight on the hook helps the baits swim upright. The weighted swimbait hook is really versatile, allowing you to fish it slowly to keep it near the bottom or even jig it up and down. I've even put it on a Zoom Ultravibe Speed Craw and reeled it fast across the top of the water like a buzzbait.

I would also recommend using a jig head built for swimbaits, like these...

https://www.amazon.com/Reaction-Tackle-Swimbait-Swing-Heads/dp/B07L2G6SKF/ref=sxin_1_ac_d_rm?ac_md=4-4-YmFzcyBqaWcgaGVhZHM%3D-ac_d_rm&keywords=jig%2Bheads&pd_rd_i=B01MYGZR0P&pd_rd_r=2653de38-18e0-40df-a3b5-c3e6b3fc4335&pd_rd_w=gCoOq&pd_rd_wg=ElmVW&pf_rd_p=404c4843-2c96-4d0d-a5fe-2b0598693e61&pf_rd_r=6HEAEV4H8WXM3QB165KP&qid=1566933271&s=gateway&th=1

These are pretty weedless, too, but over time, the push of grass against the nose of the bait will pull the bait down the hook shank. Not a deal-breaker, just something to be aware of. You can use standard jig-heads, but as the hook is exposed at the top of the bait, you won't be even close to weedless.

Get the tool with the little black rubber bands. Worth it's weight in gold. They last 10000x longer. Let it sink to bottom and sit, twitch a couple times ever 20ish seconds. Slam fattys. If you get hung up on something on the bottom, let it sit there and gently tug. Most times I catch a fish when this occurs.

Wacky Rig O-Ring Tool for Senkos & Stick Baits w/ 10 orings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHC5JLA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GnCwzbN2QY72J

It's a broad and general question, so you are likely to get similarly broad advice.

I am assuming you are talking about spin-fishing rather than fly fishing. I'd say:

Get a spinning (not casting) rod, and a spinning (not 'baitcasting') reel. Match your rod to your fish, your reel to your rod, and your line to your reel. The easiest thing to do is buy a combo LIKE THIS because the components are matched already.

If you want to roll-your-own setup:

ROD The rod will say what "weight" it is: ultra-light, Light, ..., heavy). Trout are usually light or ultra-light depending on the size they grow where you are fishing. Unless you know the trout are > 2 lbs. in weight, go with "Light"

REEL The reel should match the rod, look for a 1000 series for Light, or an ultralite for UL. More important though, the spool of the reel will list the how much of which line it can hold in terms of pounds of test. and length. e.g. My ultra-light reel will hold 100 yards of 4 lb. line (still on Imperial measurements here in US). For a Light rod, look for a reel that shows 6 - 8 lb test. About 150 yards of 6 lb is a good target.

LINE Get what is listed on the reel. Monofilament is fine, don't worry about flourocarbon, coated or braided lines.

TIPPET Do get some flourocarbon "tippet" and the smallest barrel swivels you can find. Trout have excellent eyesight, and the tippet is much harder for them to see because it is smaller and flourocarbon is invisible in water. This makes your terminal tackle less 'spooky.' 5x tippet is a good match for 6 lb test. 6x for ultralight. Do this even if you bought the combo above.

RIGGING Generally you will put your main line on the reel's spool and out to a swivel, then a few feet of the lighter, more expensive tippet to your terminal tackle. e.g. My ultralight setup is 4 lb. mono main line to a size 7 swivel and 7x flouro tippet to the terminal tackle. You probably want 6 lb to 5x, and 8 lb. to 5x is totally fine if you buy a combo with 8 lb.

TERMINAL TACKLE For reservoirs you want to use floating bait, tubes/jigs, and lures (inline spinners and/or spoons) from shore. From a boat, same, but more emphasis on spoons. Lures are a blast, but will cost you a LOT of money to acquire a good variety of them. I recommend bait and tubes/jigs if you are just starting out.

Floating Bait If you are shore-fishing, this is going to be your friend. Get some floating bait (real worms, dough, nuggets, etc.) and set up a Carolina Rig. Real worms are the best bait IMO, but they do not float naturally. You have to put air in them with a hypo. If you are just starting out, the artificial baits are fine. Rig it up, throw it in, take the slack out of the line and wait for the lunkers to come get some.

Tubes & Jigs These take more skill, but can produce a lot of fish. If you are fishing snaggy, moving water like rivers I recommend these as the top way to fish (lures are expensive and easy to lose in rivers.) Get a Trout Magnet or Crappie Magnet kit and you have everything you need.

Lures Inline spinners like Panther Martins (esp. the black/yellow dot & yellow/red dot) and Mepps Algias crush Sierra trout, not sure what their Eton comrades prefer. Keep the weight between 1/16 oz. and 1/8 oz. unless the trout are big (match the lure weights that are often listed on your rod) Good spoons here include the Acme Kastmaster, Thomas Bouyant and Super Duper. The rule here that the heavier the lure, the better it casts and the more potentially off-putting it is to a smallish fish like a trout.

Lure Selection The specifics of lure size, color and action can have a big impact on whether you get bites. What works one day may not work the next. This is how you can end up buying a LOT of lures. In general, you want to use light/bright colored lures in clear water and/or bright days and dark lures in turbid water or dimly lit days. THIS THREAD as well as THIS OTHER THREAD has some more detailed info on lure colors, sizes and brands I recommend.

You may also want to check out Fly and Bubble fishing which lets you use a spin rod to cast flies. It's a hoot and pretty effective: Get some adjustable spin floats, some flies and start fly and bubble fishing. Elk Hair Caddis sizes 12 - 18 are good, as are nymphs, and Mayfly imitations. Talk to local fly fishermen to see which bugs are good for your reservoir.

GETTING THE STUFF THAT WORKS Talk to the fishing outfitters near where you fish. They will tell you how the bite is, what the fish like, and where to do your fishing. Invaluable advice to prevent buying the entire world to cover all the bases.

HOW TO FISH This is super situational, but in general trout want to ingest more energy than they expend, i.e. they don't want to die. They like cold water near sources of food (bugs) and cover (rocks, brush, etc.). If you are fishing moving water, take the time to learn to READ THE WATER. Trout use moving water as a conveyor belt that brings them food. In reservoirs, you want to look for spots that are shallow enough to support plants and bugs, with deep water and/or good structure/cover nearby. Trout here will generally be cruising slowly or hanging in the water. Ideally, you will put your bait or lure near enough to entice without spooking them. If the trout are jumping or rising through the surface, they are eating insects from the surface film (emergers or fallen fliers), this would be a great time for the fly and bubble technique mentioned previously.

Generally THERE ARE TONS OF VIDEOS that cover whatever specific scenario you are going to pursue.

The most important technique is getting good at SETTING THE HOOK. It's hard to catch fish if you are bad at this.

FISH HANDLING

Trout are covered in protective slime:

• Wet your hand before touching them to help preserve it
  
• Use a rubber mesh net if you are netting them
  
• NEVER put them on the ground.
  
  Mash the barbs on your hooks if you are doing catch and release.
  
  Hemostats/forceps are the easiest way to remove hooks from fish
  
  Turning the fish upside-down will make them less frantic in their flopping.
  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  
  I hope that helps, have fun!

Get yourself some o-rings for those senkos. My lady and I landed over a hundred smallmouth in two days this spring and didn't even use a whole pack of senkos. The best fishing investment I've ever made.

http://amzn.com/B00KQ19X7E or http://amzn.com/B00EEABFQA

Yea ice should be out by that time but im still going to be expecting a chillyer trip then past years. Ice was out this time last year and there is still 2+ft of ice near me(northern Wisconsin) if you don't mind sharing abouts you guys heading? One of my personal favorite is the mepps dressed Aglia line up (size 3 or 5) if you dont have any i suggest the basser kit for the size 3 or the piker kit for the size 5. It has a nice variety of colors and the purple tail has works wonders for me ! I've picked off plenty of bass, pike and a fair amount of walleyes with these.

I've been fishing the jetty every sunday morning for 3 hours and I lucked out this past weekend. Was able to bring this lady home. I fish out of Long Island,NY. Was casting a vertical jig.
Croch Vertical Jigs Metal Spoon Slow Jigging Lures for Saltwater Freshwater Fishing (Pack of 6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HCBK411/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RwCxDbFEM2F71

I’m with you, I catch smallies all day with the baseball bat and rings

https://www.amazon.ca/Wacky-Ring-Senkos-Stick-orings/dp/B00KQ19X7E

The weirdest thing on my wishlist is probably the worms. I have a thing for wormies! Thanks for the contest!

Here is the desktop version of your link

https://www.amazon.com/Wacky-Rings-Rings-Rigging-orings/dp/B00EEABFQA Try these if you are wacky rigging senkos and it will help them last longer. If you are losing them on Texas rigs, I'm not sure what can be done to help.

When I fish ponds, lakes, or rivers for bass I always use senkos. They are a very easy bait to use and the bass love them. I usually use a dark green color at 5" for bass. I've even caught some walleye and pickerel with them. You should try tons of different bait and lures to find the ones that work best for you and what you're fishing.

Usually when I go to a new pond I will fish certain features, like maybe a tree that is sticking out of the water or I will cast to the edge of a group of lillypads and reel back. If you're fishing from the shore you're pretty limited. The most important thing is to just keep trying.

If you know people that are experienced fishermen (or women) then you should ask them if they will take you. I learn new things from people all the time. Don't be afraid to ask strangers too. Most of us are pretty nice.

http://www.amazon.com/DMI-Bulb-Syringe-Aspirator/dp/B001OTK6JG

http://www.amazon.com/Macks-Lure-4-Inch-Surgical-Tubing/dp/B003OBCM4O/

http://www.amazon.com/Leukoplast-Waterproof-2-5cm-Navy-Spool/dp/B00AGCMFUA/

• Fill bulb with fake blood of your choice.
  
• Fit tube to bulb.
  
• Put bulb into actor's pocket (make sure the seal is tight, secure with tape if necessary).
  
• tape loose end of tube to actor's abdomen, facing up.
  
• conceal tube under shirt (use more tape where necessary)
  
• Make sure the tube is also filled with enough blood.
  
• Have the actor gently squeeze the bulb at the right time.
  
• Test this with water before. Keep a hairdryer nearby.
  
• Tweak the opening of the hose to produce the desired effect.
  
• If the both of the actor's hands are in the shot at the time the blood is supposed to appear, or if the squeezing turns out to be more complicated than expected, have the tube go down the leg of his pants instead, and have another person squeeze the bulb.
  
• Enjoy.

We used this and stuck it in like an arch in our intake.

I second this.

I just bought this kit off Amazon and I killed it up at our cabin. Largemouth Bass left and right, even caught a few decent sized Catfish

Epoxy jigs! Give them a shot, I’ve found pretty much anything swimming around out there will hit it, Striper, Blues, Spanish, Bonito, etc.

arent those the same as these, just shipped from the states? http://www.amazon.com/wLure-Hollow-Topwater-Fishing-Tackle/dp/B00D03C7LE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_200_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51qyKT2pBuL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR240%2C320_&refRID=16H85Z2K9CX3SMXFBKP5

Hey man, just following up on the frog lure giveaway. Did you get it yet? I hope you like it. Let me know your thoughts.

If you havent done so yet, pleeeaassee leave me an amazon review at...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EM9OUZ0

Thanks a bunch.

Works almost as good as these

Amazon has 6 piece sets for under 10 bucks, same ones

http://www.amazon.com/wLure-Hollow-Topwater-Fishing-Tackle/dp/B00D03C7LE/ref=sr_1_4?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1462994375&sr=1-4&keywords=frog+lure

I ended up getting:

• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030FXDSS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZKNFW0/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EYW8MK/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NXC8S0/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  I'm heading to the bait shop tomorrow to pickup nightcrawlers, bobbers, and anything else the guy there suggests.
  
  Thanks for all the help!

I hate to be that guy... but Tenkara Rod Co offers terrible equipment. I'm sure they sourced the cheapest tippet rings possible and it probably wasn't polished properly.


Not to be that guy (again)... but tenkara isn't that great of an option for alpine lakes. It simply isn't meant for it. You can certainly cast to fish cruising the shore line, but you're not going to be booming out 35-50ft of line with that rod. TRC copied a keiryu rod design, which was never meant to cast tenkara line and a fly, but rather lob bait with splitshot within relatively short distances. The odds are unfortunately stacking up against you.


I'm pretty sure I recognize your name from r/Ultralight - so I'm guessing volume/weight of your fishing gear is a concern for you. I'd still much rather carry a telescoping spinning rod and small reel for alpine lake fishing. An UL spinning rod will perform well in small streams, but a tenkara rod is never going to truly excel in alpine lakes.


Daiwa makes relatively cheap collapsible spinning rods that are not much heavier than tenkara rods. Add an UL reel that holds like 75-100yds of #4 mono and you'll have a fishing setup around 10oz.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B003860VKM/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_cr_x__a_w

thanks for your input. i've added the line you recommended and removed the sebile swimbait as well as the truscend.

one setup will be for bass and one for pike. i've upgraded the pike setup to support up to 1oz lures as it's getting too pricey with everything adding up to go any bigger. does this look ok for that?

Abu Garcia 1430485 Veritas Casting 1Piece Rod, 6'10" Length, 12-20 lb Line Rate 1/4-1 oz Lure Rate, Medium/Heavy Power

Abu Garcia Pmax3-c

Also I was looking at the swimbait you recommended and I see they're going to be heavier than what I'll be able to handle. Any other recommendations 1oz or under? Are these good?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CTU2Y0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CTO2L4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_27?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

These are what I have for lures picked out so far. Any input greatly appreciated

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001445MZE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_10?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001J9SU30/ref=ox_sc_act_title_11?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FKJTP4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_15?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CURA7Q/ref=ox_sc_act_title_21?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GU6MRF8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HJ4DN4O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1


This would be for bass I guess? Would like to get some smaller swimbait for bass as well, something that would work for pike and bass could be nice I suppose.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OSZ0TY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_12?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1


Here is a compiled picture if it helps. https://i.imgur.com/a6PEjID.jpg

I was looking at this combo, any input?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZKUMNK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00375BTAA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is it worth getting the one for $80?

This

Theeese.

Wacky rigging them works best for me. Also, get a wacky rig tool like this one. It'll pay for itself pretty quickly because it drastically increases the life of each bait. When I hook through the middle of the worm I am lucky to get two fish before I lose the bait. With some o-rings and the wacky rig tool I can usually catch 8-10 before I need to replace the worm

• Rapala J-7 Jointed Minnow - Perch, Brook Trout, Silver For Top Water.
  
  
• Gary Yamamoto Senko 5'' Baby bass worm W/ Gamakatsu Offset Shank Worm Hook - Texas Rig
  
  

While you're waiting, grab two ball point pens that have that clicky button at the top to retract the pen tip. Unscrew it, and take out the spring. Put the springs on screws and that should work for the time being.

Tbh, I think those rubber things only come when you buy new pups. Look on amazon for some rubber surgical tubing that's like 1/4" thick, then cut them down to size to fit on the screws. Thats basically what it is, surgical tubing. Here's the amazon link:

[surgical tubing] ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OBCM4O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_x51bzbFNWHKE1 )

Spoon Fishing Lures Metal Jig Lure Cranbait Casting Sinker Spoons with Feather Treble Hooks for Trout Bass Walleyes Spinner Baits (Gold 5G pack of 5pcs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078H8SXNP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RabRAbW87W0ZY

If you didnt buy yet heres the best deal youll find. https://www.outdoorproshop.com/Clearance-Sale-s/5899.htm

Daiwa strikeforce spinning reels for 12.99. Crazy.

Get the best rod you can from your local shop, I have had pretty bad luck with getting rods shipped from amazon. The tips will often break in shipment. They replace them, but its a hassle. If youre willing to risk it, this is a good deal too, and is a quality rod for the money, about 20$.

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Solora-Spinning-6-Feet-6-Inch/dp/B000ZKUMNK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1481229873&sr=8-4&keywords=spinning+rods

This (free shipping when you spend $49 so, i'd add a pair of ear plugs to reach the minimum) (free shipping if you spend $49 so, i'd add a pair of ear plugs for a dollar or two.) and this in a shade 10. This is to modify the hood because the rubber strap it comes with loosens up, the surgical tub is more comfortable and wont slip through the plastic retainer. Some people prefer the ratcheting headgear, but I'd suggest the tubing.


If you can get your friend's head size a few of these would make a nice addition to the hood, I would suggest ordering them medium to deep so that they cover the ears.

Tailored Tackle Bass Fishing Kit 77 Pc Bass Gear Tackle Box with Tackle Included Crankbait Lures Spinner Baits Jigs Worms Swimbaits Topwater Frog Lure Fish Hooks Bait Fishing Gifts Equipment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FTZK7TD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NMFRDbKF9XGYA

I found this one to be actually alright. You'll definitely catch bass on it even if the lure quality isn't good. But definitely invest in buying individual lures and terminal tackle. Better quality and buy what you need.