Cam Fishing - Guide to freshwater lures

by Cameron Jones.

PART 3 Surface Lures

Given a choice, most anglers would rather catch a fish on a surface lure than any other means. No other method of fishing connects you with the raw, predatory power of a native than a surface presentation. They are one of the most exciting lure forms to use but there are many different types to consider. On closer examination of the endless supply and choice presentations found in most tackle shops these days, four distinct patterns start to emerge. Being able to implement them correctly and successfully is simply a matter of educated rod work.

1) Stickbaits are cigar shaped lures made from either wood, hard plastic or soft plastic. The action of the lure can be graceful to watch, when worked with the characteristic side to side (walking the dog) retrieve. To achieve this effect, you should point the rod tip down toward the water, and then slap the lure using slack line. This is done by slowly and methodically moving the rod tip using light sharp wrist action causing the lure to dart from one side to the other and thus exhibiting the tell tale signs of a wounded baitfish. This is ideal when a quite clear water presentation is required. The Heddon “Zara Spook”, Lucky Craft “Sammy” and the Lunker City “Sluggo” are great examples of this pattern.

2) Fizzers or “prop baits” as they are known in the US are basically a stickbait with a propeller attached at the rear or both ends. This lure when worked across the surface creates a spluttering flurry that few big fish can resist. To make the most out of this artificial it is recommended that you hold your rod up at about a 45-degree angle. Then by using small but sharp upward flicks of the rod tip, work the lure across the surface with slow rhythmic action while taking up a few centimetres of line as it moves forward. The key reason for allowing slack line between the rod and lure is to allow the fish the opportunity of inhaling or sucking the presentation in without having any unnatural resistance. Lures that include the Gilmore “Baby Jumper”, Bills Bugs “Fuzz Bug” and the Heddon “Torpedo” are ideal during low light conditions, or when fishing shallow stained water.

3) Crawling or surface walking lures offer an erratic wobbling type motion as they are retrieved across the waters surface. They are simple to use and are ideally suited for nighttime or light wind conditions because their noisy walking action allows bass, murray cod and other natives to track their position. Lures like the impressive Halco “Night Walker” with their glow in the dark bib and Bills Bugs “Flutter bug” will literally wake up the dead as big natives explode all over them.

4) Buzzbaits are under rated by many Australian freshwater anglers. In many cases this is due to limited supply or the fact that their abilities as a freshwater lure are misunderstood. Buzzbaits are a great searching tool when fishing new waters or when a fast erratic action is required to arouse fish. Their single hook configuration, (similar to the spinnerbait) makes them the ideal tool for working over thick cover like weed beds or lily pads. The Terminator “Ball Buster” and “Triple Buzz” are the best I have seen.