Basic Information to Help You Figure out the Best Fishing Plugs
Introduction to Fishing Plugs
If you're an avid angler, you know that choosing the right fishing lure can be the difference between a successful day on the water and a frustrating one. Fishing plugs, also known as crankbaits or hardbaits, are an integral part of any angler's tackle box. These lures mimic the movement and appearance of live bait, making them an effective choice for catching a variety of fish species. But with so many different fishing plugs on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we'll cover the basics of fishing plugs and provide some tips on how to choose the best ones for your fishing style and the conditions you'll be fishing in.
Types of Fishing Plugs
Fishing plugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, each designed to mimic different types of bait and attract different species of fish. Some common types of fishing plugs include:
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Minnow plugs: These lures have a slender, fish-like shape and are designed to mimic the movement of a minnow or other small baitfish. Minnow plugs are effective for catching a wide range of fish species, including bass, walleye, and pike.
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Crawfish plugs: Crawfish plugs have a bulky, lobster-like shape and are typically used to target bass, pike, and other predatory fish that feed on crawfish in their natural habitat.
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Frog plugs: Frog plugs are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of a frog or other amphibian. These lures are often used to target largemouth bass, which are known to feed on frogs in shallow water.
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Topwater plugs: Topwater plugs float on the surface of the water and are designed to mimic the movement of insects, baitfish, or other prey that fish feed on at the water's surface. These lures are effective for catching a variety of fish species, including bass, pike, and muskie.
Choosing the Right Fishing Plug
When choosing a fishing plug, there are a few key factors to consider. These include:
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The type of fish you're targeting: As we mentioned earlier, different fishing plugs are designed to mimic different types of bait and attract different species of fish. Consider the type of fish you're targeting and choose a fishing plug that is known to be effective for that species.
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The type of water you'll be fishing in: Different fishing plugs are designed to be used in different types of water. For example, topwater plugs are best used in shallow water, while minnow plugs are effective in deeper water. Consider the type of water you'll be fishing in and choose a fishing plug that is designed for that environment.
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The conditions you'll be fishing in: The weather and water conditions can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your fishing plug. For example, in cloudy or low-light conditions, brightly-colored fishing plugs are more visible to fish and may be more effective. In clearer water, natural-colored fishing plugs may be more effective. Consider the conditions you'll be fishing in and choose a fishing plug that is well-suited to those conditions.
Conclusion
Fishing plugs can be an effective choice for catching a variety of fish species. By considering the type of fish you're targeting, the type of water you'll be fishing in, and the conditions you'll be fishing in, you can choose the right fishing plug for your needs and increase your chances of success on the water. With the right fishing plug in your tackle box, you'll be well-equipped to land that trophy fish you've been after.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are plugs used for in fishing?
Plugs are lures used in fishing to imitate baitfish, frogs, and other prey. They come in different shapes and sizes, with the term 'minnow' used for long, slender lures, and 'plug' used for shorter, deeper-bodied lures. Plugs are designed to attract fish and can be used for both freshwater and offshore fishing.
2. Why do fish like cedar plugs?
Cedar plugs are popular for offshore fishing because they mimic small baitfish like mackerel, herring, or sardine. These plugs are often trolled behind a boat and can be rigged with a single hook or a tandem hook rig to increase the chances of getting a strike. The realistic appearance and movement of cedar plugs make them enticing to fish.
3. What is a trolling plug?
A trolling plug is a type of lure designed to imitate an injured baitfish. It has the right action and movement in the water to attract fish. Trolling plugs are commonly used while trolling, and it's essential to choose the right plug based on the conditions and fish species. The right action and presentation can make a significant difference in fishing success.
4. How fast do you troll plugs?
When trolling plugs, it is generally recommended to troll at a speed faster than when bait fishing. The optimal trolling speed for plugs is typically between 2.5 and 5.6 mph. Pay attention to the angle of your rigger line when you get a strike, as it can help you replicate the successful speed in future fishing attempts.
5. How do you tell how deep a lure will go?
You can estimate the diving depth of a lure by looking at the plastic lips on the front of the bait. Longer lips usually indicate a deeper diving depth, while shorter lips suggest a shallower diving depth. However, weighted baits like rattle baits may have different characteristics. Experimenting with different lure designs and retrieving techniques can help determine the effective diving depth.
6. What is the best wood for fishing plugs?
Different woods have different characteristics for fishing plugs. Softer woods like balsa, pine, cedar, white cedar, and basswood are lighter and have faster action, often floating. Harder woods like maple, oak, ash, and walnut are more challenging to shape but create suspending lures with tighter action. The choice of wood depends on the desired action, buoyancy, and fishing conditions.
7. How deep do plugs dive?
Plugs are versatile lures that can swim from just beneath the surface to depths exceeding 40 feet. They have a wobbling action and produce fish-attracting vibrations. The diving depth of a plug can vary depending on factors such as the design, weight, retrieval speed, and fishing conditions. Experimenting with different plugs and techniques can help determine the most effective diving depth.
Editor's Notes
During our fishing plug research, we found 24 fishing plug products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,001 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fishing plugs list. We found that most customers choose fishing plugs with an average price of $11.14.
The fishing plugs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fishing plugs, including Skylety, THKFISH, Sanhu, BLUEWING, Abvsdu. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,234 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.