Equipment To Start Fishing with Lures

There are various rods for fishing with lures, each suited to a type of fishing or a type of fish.
So here are the basics you need to know before making your choice:

The Length Of The Rod:
It will primarily affect your cast. The longer the rod, the further you can cast (longer lever arm).

The Casting Weight Of The Rod:
In grams, it will determine the optimal lure weight for casting.
For example: if your lure weighs 10 grams, you’ll need a rod with a casting weight of between 5 and 15 grams.

The Action Of The Rod:
Is the curve of the rod when under compression. Tip action is where the top of the rod bends. This helps long casts. Semi-parabolic action is where the cane bends from its halfway point to its tip. Finally, parabolic action is where the rod bends along its whole length.

A Versatile Rod To Start With
For beginners, the versatile rod to choose is one between 1.80 m and 2.40 m long, with casting weight between 10g and 30g and a semi-parabolic or tip action.

Reels take a lot of strain when fishing with lures. It is therefore essential to choose correctly.

Bearings:
Bearings affect the fluidity of the reel: the more bearings, the smoother the rotation of the reel.

Line Retrieval Rate:
Line retrieval rate is the length of the line (in centimetres) wound in with one turn of the handle. A higher rate means a faster reel-in. In calm water, a low average rate (between 50 cm and 70 cm) is preferable because it will be more accurate. In areas where there is a current, a high rate is more efficient (over 75 cm) because it allows you to avoid the slack of your line being carried away by the current. You’ll keep the line taut and maintain the “feel” of the lure.

Capacity:
Capacity is expressed as "length/line diameter." This will show you the line capacity of your reel. For fishing predators in rivers and lakes, a reel of 2,500 or 3,000 is sufficient. For sea fishing, it’s advisable to have more reel reserve (reel size 4,000 or more).

Weight:
Weight is expressed in grams. The idea is to have a rod and reel perfectly balanced. When assembled, they shouldn’t tilt forward or backward. You choose the reel with the weight to give you a nice, comfortable combination for fishing.

Nylon:
Nylon is the basic fishing line. It’s inexpensive and appropriate for fishing all kinds of fish. The most versatile size is 30/100. Its advantage is its elasticity, it absorbs potential mistakes during the play. It’s very useful when you’re starting out!

Braid:
Braid is a line made of braided fibres. Its advantage is that it’s stronger than the equivalent diameter of a nylon line. It also helps you to feel bites because it is virtually inelastic. This line is recommended for experienced fishermen because, if it’s misused, the risks of losing your catch and of line tangle are greater. A versatile diameter is 16/100.

Fluorocarbon:
The Fluorocarbon line is almost invisible in the water. This is due to its light refraction coefficient, which is similar to that of water. Its advantage, compared to nylon, is that it’s less prone to sudden breakage. It’s useful for fishing for predators with sharp teeth. To make the best of this line, don't hesitate to go up in diameter relative to nylon (e.g. 40/100).
# Caperlan tip: Remember to wet the line when you make knots, it will avoid overheating and make the knots stronger.

Fishing with lures is a very effective technique. There are all kinds of shapes, colours and textures. Find out about their characteristics to use the one that best suits your fishing.

Metal Lures
Metal lures are known for their strength and durability. There are several types:

- Spoons:
Spoons are Undulating or Rotating. Their special attribute is that they emit bright flashes of light and produce vibrations underwater. You can use a linear retrieve or a jigging or hopping retrieve (short pauses when retrieving the lure).
# Caperlan tip: Use a swivel with the spoon, it will prolong the life of your line and prevent it from twisting.

- Spinnerbaits:
Spinnerbaits are "all-terrain" lures. They let you go into branches and over seagrass beds. Making the move is easy since a linear retrieve is used after the cast.

- Jigs:
Jigs are heavy metal lures, which, unlike spoons, don't undulate. Because of their heavy weight, they are used to fishing near the bottom or in the current. They will be most effective when you give them tugs punctuated by short pauses.