Fishing Lure Hierarchy and Guide

1. Crank Baits

2. Lipless Crankbaits

3. Jerkbaits

4. Glide Baits

5. Topwater Baits

6. Standard Lure Colors

1. Crankbaits

Purpose: Mimic baitfish or crawdads; ideal for covering water and triggering reaction strikes.

Square Bill:
  • Depth: Shallow (1–3 ft)
  • Best Use: Heavy cover, wood, rock, or shallow flats.
  • Behavior: Deflects off structure to trigger bites.
Wake Bait:
  • Depth: Surface to just under.
  • Best Use: Calm water or low-light periods.
  • Behavior: Creates surface “V” wake; imitates cruising baitfish.
Shallow Diver:
  • Depth: 1–2 ft.
  • Best Season: Summer mornings or shallow feeding zones.
Medium Diver:
  • Depth: 3–5 ft.
  • Best Season: Spring, fall, or mid-morning summer.
Deep Diver:
  • Depth: 7–10 ft (hard to exceed without added weight).
  • Best Season: Cold months or hot mid-day when fish move deep.
Notes:
  • Fluorocarbon lines sink and help baits reach greater depth; monofilament floats.
  • Color choice depends on light, clarity, and forage—brighter for stained water, natural for clear.

2. Lipless Crankbaits

Purpose: Fast-retrieving reaction baits that excel at locating active fish.
Traits:
  • No diving bill; sinks on its own.
  • Great for covering water and searching.
  • Best when fish are feeding aggressively.
  • Produces strong vibration and rattle to attract attention.

3. Jerkbaits

Purpose: Mimic an injured baitfish darting and pausing to trigger strikes.
Types:
  • Surface (Floating)
  • Suspending
  • Deep-Diving
How to Fish:
Twitch sharply (about 1 ft per jerk) then pause—imitates a fleeing, then wounded baitfish.
Tip: Match the shad or local bait color; longer pauses in cold water.

4. Glide Baits

Purpose: Realistic swimming motion, appealing to large predatory bass.
Traits:
  • Large profile (4–8 inches).
  • “Glides” side-to-side in a natural motion.
  • Popular for trophy hunting; premium models can cost hundreds.
  • Must be priced and presented carefully due to niche market.

5. Topwater Baits

Purpose: Surface strikes—exciting and visual fishing style.
Common Types:
  • Chuggers: Make “pop” or “chug” noises to imitate surface feeding.
  • Darting Minnows: Slash and walk-the-dog side to side.
  • Prop Baits (formerly “Whopper Stopper” style): 
  • Propeller creates surface turbulence and sound.
  • Best in calm water or morning/evening conditions.
  • Attracts reaction strikes from aggressive fish.

6. Standard Lure Colors

While there are many variations, most anglers keep 3–4 proven color families:
  1. Natural Shad / Silver – Clear water, bright conditions.
  2. Chartreuse / White – Stained water or cloudy days.
  3. Crawfish / Red – Cooler months and rocky bottoms.
  4. Black / Blue – Low light or muddy water.