Lures

My favorite method of fishing is to use artificial baits or lures. I guess it's because it is more of a challenge and requires the development of the proper techniques for each type of lure. Not that using live bait isn't challenging or requires proper technique, it's just my preferred method of catching gamefish.

One of the great things about fishing in Florida is that you can use the same lures for Bass fishing as you do for saltwater species like Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Sea Trout. Top water poppers, jerk baits, jigs, and even worms can all be used to catch these fish.

Below I have included a table of the standard lures which should be in your tackle box for Florida gamefish. This list is not meant to include all the lures you should have, only the most popular cross-over ones for Bass and the saltwater species mentioned above.

	Heddon's original Zara Spook, walk the dog for saltwater fun.
	Pradco Rebel Pop-R, famous top water works in saltwater too!
	Bagley's Bang-O-Lure, spinner blades bring up the big ones.
	Smithwick's Devil Horse, imitates surface feeding fish.
	Bomber Long 15A, great baitfish imitation.
	Lunker City's Slug-O, soft plastic jerk bait in 6 inch.
	Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, ideal for surf casting and inland bays.
	Johnson Silver Minnow spoon in gold for working the grass.

The best colors to use for these lures are silver/black, silver/blue, silver/green, and red/white. The Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon seems to work best in gold with a chartreuse grub for a tail.

One more thing that I need to mention. When fishing for saltwater gamefish, you need to use a leader. This is an additional length of monofilament line added to your running line prior to attaching your lure. For Redfish and Sea Trout, 20# mono is recommended. For Snook and Tarpon under 30lbs., 30# mono should be used.

There are two methods for attaching this leader. For smaller saltwater gamefish, use a Surgeon's knot. For larger saltwater gamefish, use a Bimini Twist to double your running line and then the surgeon's knot to attach the leader.

There are also times when you will need wire leader instead of monofilament. When fishing for toothy critters like Barracuda which are excellent gamefish on light tackle. To add a wire leader (about 1 foot of #3 wire is sufficient) use the Bimini Twist to double your line and then use the Albright knot to attach the wire and mono. This is a great knot and eliminates the need for a swivel. To attach the wire leader to the lure simply make a loop through the eye ring of the lure and use the Haywire Twist. Done properly it is strong, reliable, and will not leave a sharp edge.