Today, fishing with lures often pits two schools of thought against each other. On the one hand, we have the anglers who fish with swimming fish, and on the other, the enthusiasts of soft lure animation, which is available in our collection of soft baits.
These two types of lures, which differ in many ways, however, offer various compelling arguments depending on the season, the fish sought after, or the waters where you fish. They are effective if used correctly and at the right time, with the right rod and the right line.
Swimming fish lures thus have an advantage in terms of the variety of colors. They are also great for surface fishing or for fast-paced bottom fishing with crankbaits. We could also mention swimbaits or jerkbaits for their increased intensity on large pike. Our soft lure collection contains thousands of references, so you'll undoubtedly find something.
On the other hand, soft lures are more cost-effective. They offer a wide range of sizes and can catch all species of fish, from trout to pikes and bass. They can navigate obstacles using a hidden hook and offer a more durable UV color.
As you can see, it's not the lip that makes the difference, but adapting your technique. Observing the water and spending time experimenting are probably the best advice we could give you. We will still suggest some general points that characterize the use of one or the other.
The swimming fish
The advantages
The first point to note is its longevity. Unless you lose it, it will last a very long time and need to be replaced only after a few years. Another plus, it often has a lip, which allows it to swim on its own. Thus, even the novice anglers can catch fish with these lures.
Most of the time, it is sold with hooks. There is also a greater ease in examining the desired depth. You can rely on surface fishing products or those for fishing in the mid-water, with suspending actions. Lastly, the color options are endless.
The Disadvantages
Swimming fish lures also have aspects that make them difficult to use under certain conditions. For example, they are more likely to snag obstacles with their hook. You will also have little room to modify them for other uses, which means you'll need a wide-ranging collection for all purposes.
They are also more expensive than soft lures. This translates into significant financial loss if they are lost, and with a fixed budget, you can't afford many models to fill your tackle boxes. You might also be disappointed with the paint finishes, which can degrade quickly. Since the color is not integrated into the material, once it fades, it's gone for good.
Soft Lure
The Advantages
There are quite a few. First, the color, for most models, is embedded into the material, which ensures longer life with the same visual qualities.
You can also choose from a wide variety of shapes. You'll find shads, frogs, crayfish, and a variety of creatures that inhabit our fishing spots.
The price is also an excellent argument. The manufacturing process is simpler, therefore less expensive, which reflects in the price for the buyer. This makes it easier for you to quickly complete a range of lures and increase your efficiency.
The Disadvantages
Multiple aspects need to be considered here. Failure to do so might result in you regretting your purchase. The resistance of the lure is often a deterrent. It's true, when fishing for large pike with soft materials, you can quickly find yourself going through a whole packet in just one day.
The quality and variety of the available colors are less impressive. Even though some substantial improvements have been made due to advancements in materials, they are still far behind the finishing levels of hard lures.
The last point, you'll need more technique to exploit their full potential. A simple linear retrieval rarely works, and only with certain shapes. You'll need to choose the right rod and the right line for the optimal presentation to the predator.
What's the Conclusion?
Ultimately, there's no right or wrong choice. Several factors can sway the situation one way or the other. The season, your technical proficiency, the size of the species you're after, these seemingly little things can have a significant impact.
It's crucial to have both types of lures at your disposal to effectively handle any situation. Your ability to animate lures can make a world of difference, and you'll need months, even years, of practice to fine-tune your skills and familiarity with the lures.
Remember that each lure has a specific purpose. You won't fish for trout using the same shapes, swim patterns, or colors as you would for pike. Always observe external factors to learn valuable lessons for your future fishing sessions.
If despite all these lures, you're still not catching fish, after almost emptying your tackle box, try one more time with one of your favorite jerkbaits. You can't imagine the variety of fish this type of lure has been catching for decades.
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