Artificial lures are often the better option
There are live-bait anglers, artificial purists and blended fisherman. Undoubtedly, there are numerous ways to collect a days’ catch, but artificial lures are not just for purists. In many cases, adopting an artificial-lure strategy will put more fish in the boat than live-bait tactics. The lifelike presentations of artificial lures may just be what the doctored ordered in the fall.
In November, speckled trout are in feeding mood. They are feeding heavily. So anything that grabs a trout’s attention will get eaten most of the time. It is the attention grabbers that make those decent days turn into epic trips. With this in mind, artificial lures have the potential to produce better numbers over traditional live-bait tactics.
Generally, lively live baits will produce a quick take. Few anglers will disagree. But live baits often show apathy after being netted, hooked and dragged through the water. The prime period of lively action for most live baits is limited. And most predators respond favorably to lively swimmers over a dead, lifeless chunk of protein on the hook. And for speckled trout, a dead shrimp or minnow riding sideways in the water will take second place to something dancing around and swimming in a healthy fashion.
If worked effectively, artificial lures begin looking like a tasty meal from the time they enter to the time they leave the water.
“A lure controlled by the right angler can put on a clinic when everything is dialed in,” said Mitchell Blake of Fish IBX Charters.
Find out where the fish are holding. Then, carefully select lures that are similar in size to bait you’ve seen. Last, a lure’s action is very important. A slow and steady retrieve through the strike zone will rarely be refused by a fall speck.
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