Artificial baits, often referred to as fake baits, have seen a surge in popularity in modern fishing circles, thanks to their innovative designs and vibrant colors. While lures technically fall under the category of artificial bait, this guide will focus solely on other types of fake baits. If you're interested in lure fishing, we offer separate guides covering both hard and soft lures.
These fake baits are utilized across various fishing techniques and cater to a wide array of fish species. From imitation worms to artificial insects and even synthetic foods, the range of options is extensive. Modern advancements have introduced fake baits with varying buoyancies. Some boast low buoyancy, making them ideal for independent use or as toppings for ground bait. Conversely, there are fake baits designed with enough buoyancy to serve as pop-ups on multi or chod rigs, offering versatility in fishing setups.
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1. Beginner's Guide to Fishing: Getting StartedWHY WOULD I USE FAKE BAITS?
Using fake baits offers several advantages, particularly when employing a hair rig. For instance, when using real corn as bait, there's a risk of it falling off during casting or being nibbled away by small fish nearby. In contrast, plastic or rubber corn replicas are far less prone to detachment from the hair rig, ensuring a more secure setup.
Furthermore, modern fake baits often come infused with flavors. Typically, these flavors are incorporated into the plastic before molding. However, anglers can also enhance plastic baits by soaking them in their preferred flavorings. The plastic material readily absorbs the flavor without compromising its buoyancy, allowing anglers to customize their baits to suit specific fishing conditions and preferences.
Common Varieties of Artificial Fishing Lures
POP UP CORN
Pop-up corn is among the most widely used fake baits available today, cherished for its versatility and effectiveness. Available in an array of colors and flavors, pop-up corn offers anglers ample choices to suit various fishing scenarios. The I.B yellow variant stands out as a popular choice within its range, valued for its natural resemblance to real corn. Other color options in this range include white, lime green, and pink, catering to diverse angler preferences.
This type of bait is typically deployed on rigs such as the multi or chod rig, known for its buoyancy properties. To maximize its effectiveness, it's often recommended to pair pop-up corn with a smaller hook, such as a size 8. This ensures that the hook's weight does not compromise the bait's buoyancy, maintaining its attractive presentation in the water.
IMITATION CASTERS
Artificial casters have gained popularity among anglers, especially when targeting species like tench and barbel. Unlike real casters, which can be prone to being nibbled or dislodged by smaller fish without detection, fake casters offer a more reliable alternative. There's nothing more frustrating than discovering that your bait has fallen off the hook when reeling in.
Plastic casters provide a solution to this problem. They can be securely attached to a hair rig using a baiting needle, offering anglers increased confidence that their bait will remain intact throughout the fishing session. This assurance allows anglers to focus more on their technique and less on concerns about losing bait.
FAKE MAGGOTS
Fake maggots serve as another excellent option for anglers, offering several advantages over their live counterparts. Like imitation casters, fake maggots are immune to the nibbles of smaller fish, ensuring that they stay securely on the hook during casting and fishing.
These artificial baits have gained popularity among anglers targeting various fish species due to their versatility and effectiveness. One common method of fishing with fake maggots involves pairing one or two real maggots with a fake one on a hair rig, alongside a feeder containing real maggots.
This combination not only provides a natural presentation but also enhances the bait's durability and longevity in the water. Anglers can cast with confidence, knowing that their bait will remain intact and attractive to target fish, regardless of the presence of smaller fish in the area.
