Crankbaits: Diving lures that mimic baitfish, great for bass and pike. Spinnerbaits: Feature rotating blades that create vibration and flash, excellent for murky water. Soft Plastics: Versatile worms and creature baits that work for most species. Jigs: Weighted lures ideal for bottom fishing and vertical presentations. Topwater: Surface lures that create commotion, perfect for explosive strikes in shallow water.

Bass: Crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures. Pike & Musky: Large spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Trout: Small spinners and soft plastics. Walleye: Jigs and live bait imitations. Catfish: Large soft plastics and stink baits. Consider the fish's feeding habits, water depth, and seasonal patterns when selecting your lure.

Clear Water: Natural colors (silver, white, green) that mimic real baitfish. Murky Water: Bright colors (chartreuse, orange, black) for better visibility. Low Light: Dark silhouettes or bright contrasting colors. Sunny Days: Darker, more natural tones. Overcast Days: Brighter colors stand out better. Match the hatch when possible—use lures that resemble the natural prey in your water.

Saltwater lures are built with corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel, coated hardware) to withstand salt exposure. They're typically larger and heavier to handle bigger fish and stronger currents. Freshwater lures use standard materials and come in smaller sizes. Never use freshwater lures in saltwater—corrosion will damage them quickly. Saltwater lures can work in freshwater but are often overkill for smaller species.