The Importance Of Rigging Artificial Lures Properly
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
How would you know if your lures are swimming correctly in the water?
Would the way they are rigged on a hook make a big difference?
Presentation of your lures can make or break catching a big fish.
Check out this underwater footage of why it is so important to rig your lures as intended for maximum results!!!
The Importance Of Rigging Artificial Lures Properly [VIDEO]
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The lures in this demonstration are rigged on a jighead.
Regardless of hook type, if your lures are not rigged up properly you will not get the desired action out of them.
In turn, you won’t get the desired reaction which is a fish striking your lure.
There is a possibility of spooking the fish with unnatural darting action or the fish can lose interest in your lure if it does not have the correct action.
Throughout your fishing trip, you should be constantly checking your lures to ensure they are rigged up properly.
Alabama Leprechaun Jerk Shad
If rigged up properly, the jerk shad will sink to the bottom.
When you begin to retrieve it, it has a natural darting motion up followed by a descend back down to the bottom.
The lure will not spin or look too erratic and will present a natural appeal to predatory fish.
Rigged up properly it will not helicopter or spin, even when using the jerk shad in a higher water column.
Improper rigging of a jerk shad is most common when you have too much ‘meat’ of the lure on the hook resulting in an unnatural appearance.
When you cast out a jerk shad rigged improperly, it will spiral on its way down to the bottom which will scare fish off.
Retrieving this lure will feel and look different because it is spinning in the water.
The wrong hook placement and rigging of the Alabama Leprechaun Jerk Shad can result in a completely unnatural presentation that will spook fish more than appeal to them.
Slam Shady 2.0
The Slam Shady 2.0 paddletail lure on a jighead rigged properly will swim straight and streamline creating the desired wiggle of the tail.
When you try to bounce the lure along the bottom, there is a natural up and down action to the paddletail.
It will not spin around or helicopter because it is straight and secure on the hook.
If rigged improperly, there will be a curve in the body because there is too much ‘meat’ in the hook.
This can make for a very awkward and unappealing profile to a fish.
When you retrieve the improperly rigged lure, the head will tilt in the water and have a slight spin to it.
If you are bouncing the paddletail along the bottom, it will spiral on its way back down.
Although the presentation isn’t the worst, it can twist up your line and lead to wind knots.
Conclusion
It is very important to have your lures rigged up straight and properly on hooks to create a natural presentation.
This simple adjustment will help you get the most out of your lure and the most action possible.
Especially after you are snagged on something or catch a fish, be sure to check your lure and make sure all is in order!
Have any further questions on lure rigging or lure presentations?
Let me know down in the comments!
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I take 3 rods with me when I go out. Rigged with a popping cork,a Carolina Rig,and a rod for casting artificial.All 3 rods are spooled with braid.On the popping cork rig and the Carolina Rig,I have fluorocarbon leader. My question is,does the casting rod need to have a leader to tie to the artificial bait? Or can it be tied directly to the braid and both be as affective?
Whenever you are using braid as a mainline it is best to have a leader. The leader acts as a shock absorber since braid doesn’t stretch, and also helps with abrasion resistance and stealth.
Thanks Tony
My pleasure Jerry!
Is there a link that shows a properly and improperly lure on the jig head that causes these actions?
Hey Dwayne!
These lures when rigged improperly in this video have “too much” of the lures body on the hook which causes it to have a bent appearance. If the lure isn’t straight and streamlined then it is considered rigged improperly.
Saltwater is more buoyant than fresh water with any weight. Wonder if the action is different..??
Hey Alan!
Not that I have witnessed. Current will affect the action more than the water density. (this was also filmed in a saltwater pool)
Hello Tony,
I can definitely appreciate the appearance of the lure in clear water but does the same apply for murky water like we have here in Jacksonville?
Hey Rick!
The type of retrieve you choose will vary based on fish activity, water conditions, etc. I have had success with various types of retrieves in murky water. Covering water is also important in murky water because fish won’t travel as far to chase down a lure like they would in cleaner water. So always be sure to cast a few times at an area that looks fishy. Just a couple feet off can be the difference between a strike or no strike,
Following up on Mitchell’s comment, what angle are you holding the rod at and how much movement, e.g., 45 deg. to 90 deg. or something less, to jig the lure.
Hey Douglas!
45 degrees is just about as far as I will bring the rod tip back. If you raise it any higher you’ll pretty much run out of room to set the hook if you were to get a strike. If it’s windy, you’ll want the rod tip lower so the wind doesn’t catch your line.
You should show the rod tip action on the different retrieves.
Thank you for feedback Mitchell!
We can definitely add that into future videos!