The Differences Between a Jig & Lure

If you're interested in fishing, you may have heard people talking about jigs and lures. These are two common types of fishing bait that anglers use to attract fish. But what exactly are  jigs and lures, and what's the difference between them? Let's find out.

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What is a Jig?

Jigs are a type of fishing bait that usually consists of a weighted head and a hook. The head can be made of various materials, such as lead or tungsten, and it's designed to sink quickly to the bottom of the water. Jigs are often used for bottom fishing, where you cast the jig out and let it sink to the bottom before reeling it in slowly. Jigs can be very effective at catching fish that are hanging out near the bottom, such as bass, walleye, and panfish.

What is a Lure?

Lures, on the other hand, are a type of fishing bait that are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of prey fish. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and can be made of various materials such as plastic, wood, or metal. Lures are often used for topwater fishing, where you cast the lure out and reel it in quickly across the surface of the water to simulate the movement of a fleeing baitfish. Lures can be very effective at catching fish that are feeding on the surface, such as trout, bass, and pike.

Differences Between Jigs & Lures

So, the main difference between jigs and lures is how they are used. Jigs are used for bottom fishing and rely on their weight to sink quickly to the bottom, while lures are used for topwater fishing and rely on their design and movement to mimic prey fish. However, there are some jigs that are designed to be fished vertically, rather than cast out and retrieved, and some lures that can be fished deep by adding weight or using a sinking line.

Fishing with Jigs & Lures

Both jigs and lures have their advantages and disadvantages, and different types of fish may be more attracted to one type of bait over the other. Jigs are often preferred for bottom fishing because they can be fished slowly and close to the bottom, which can be more effective for catching certain species of fish. Lures, on the other hand, are often preferred for topwater fishing because they can create a more exciting and visible presentation that can trigger a fish's predatory instincts.

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In the end, whether you use a jig or a lure depends on the type of fishing you're doing and the species of fish you're trying to catch. Some anglers prefer to use both jigs and lures in their fishing arsenal, while others may have a preference for one over the other. Whatever your preference may be, both jigs and lures can be effective tools for catching fish and making your time on the water more enjoyable.

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