While it might seem overwhelming at first, mastering the art of lure selection is a skill that develops over time. Enjoy the experience of being outdoors, connected to nature, and keep fishing. If you have questions about gear, check out my other blog post for guidance on getting started in the world of fishing. Happy fishing!

Selecting the right hooks is crucial for successful fishing. Here are five hooks every beginner should consider:

1. Circle Hook: Ideal for catch-and-release, minimizing injury to the fish. Shop circle hooks Here

2. J-Hook: Versatile and suitable for a variety of bait types. Shop J-hooks Here

3. Worm Hook: Perfect for soft plastics and finesse techniques. Shop worm hooks Here

4. Treble Hook: Effective for lures with multiple points of attachment. Shop Treble hooks Here

Picture this – a day off, a new pair of polarized sunglasses that allow you to see fish in the water, and the excitement of reaching your favorite fishing spot. However, as you approach the water's edge a moment of disappointment as a large fish darts away into the depths. Don't worry; it happens to everyone. Learn the art of effectively fishing a section of water to avoid such situations.

As you first lay eyes on the water, resist the urge to rush in. Walking right up to the water's edge may scare lurking fish. Stay 10-15 feet away, using natural cover to break up your silhouette. Cast a finesse lure into the water, like a Sanko worm or other soft plastics, covering a half-circle area methodically.

How to Make Your First Cast:

Embracing Finesse Lures:

Finesse lures, such as Ned rigs, wacky worms, and small grub tails, are perfect for beginners. Their slow movements imitate natural bait, making them effective in less active or skittish fish situations. Affordable and easy to use, finesse lures minimize the chance of scaring nearby fish.

• Easy to Use

• Cheap

• Readily available

Bring the Fish in with Larger Lures:

When finesse lures yield no bites, it's time to transition to larger options like swimbaits and rattle traps. These lures emit vibrations into the water, attracting the attention of bigger fish. The subtle movements mimic injured prey, enticing curious fish to investigate.

• Fish Attractant

• Sparks The Fish's Interest

• Attracts Fish From Outside Your Casting Zone

The Thrill of Topwater:

Topwater lures displace water and send vibrations in all directions, offering an exhilarating fishing experience. They can often bring in fish from outside your casting range. They will also intise the bigger fish in your area. Witnessing a fish explode out of the water to attack your lure always makes for a great story.

• Fun to watch fish hit your lure

• Easy to see the action

• Attracts the bigger fish in your area

Assessing the Terrain:

Always evaluate your fishing spot for structures like docks, rocks, and seagrass, providing cover for fish. Consider factors such as water speed, wind, brightness, and time of day when choosing your lure. Adapt your strategy to the specific conditions of the environment.

• Structure holds fish

• Wind can affect lure choice

• Time of day can affect lure choice

Conclusion:

Sometimes the best fishing is off the beaten path

To catch these California Halibut I suggest using a heavy spoon and slowly retrieving it near the bottom on sandflats just outside of rock piles