A fishing lure is a type of fishing bait which is ultimately designed to attract the attention of a fish to hook them. The lure can use many techniques to attract fish, including movement, vibration, flashing, and colours. It is common for hooks to be attached directly to a lure, although this is not a requirement. Lures are typically connected to the end of a fishing line and cast out, sometimes acting as a weight, to allow either sinking or a more extended cast.
The earliest lures were made from bone or bronze, with the Chinese and ancient Egyptians using hooks and lines as early as 2000 BC, although most of the fishermen from that time would likely have used handlines.
One of the earliest lures which would be recognisable to modern fishermen began to be sold in English tackle shops during the middle of the 18th century. The lures were made out of tin and shaped as minnows, with their success limited by today’s standards, but better than what was available at the time. Realistic imitations of insects and grubs that were made out of rubber began to appear as early as 1800. The most significant advantage
to the early lures, was their design, causing them to spin to attract fish. Modern lures have continued this trend, with many now designed to imitate an injured fish, making an attractive target for a predator to attempt to catch.
Lures are typically attached to the fishing line with a knot, often the improved clinch knot, although many modern lures are connected by a device called a ‘snaps’, making attachment easier.
There are a wide variety of lures available commercially, and they are almost always designed to resemble prey for the specific fish the angler is looking to catch. Sometimes lures are created with particular areas or environments in mind, with the design mimicking the specific patterns which prey fish in an area may have.
A jig is a hook with a substantial lead weight which lies opposite a sharp tip. They are typically designed to resemble a minnow, crayfish, or even a worm. Jigs for deep water have also been developed, and consist of a substantial metal weight, which gives an impression of a bait fish. Depending on the design of the jig, they can be used up to a depth of 300 metres, although most are not designed for fishing such deep waters.
