Experiment to find the best fishing lure

Once you have decided on a new rod and made your purchase, you'll need to equip yourself with a few fishing luresbefore heading out to the water.

For those who are new to the world of angling, a lure is the object you attach to the end of your line to attract fish.

Designed to resemble and move like the typical prey of the species you are pursuing, lures come in many different shapes and sizes.

Experienced fishermen will have their favourite type of lure, but the sheer variety of products on the market can be confusing for novices, who may not understand how a certain lure will affect their success in the water.

Those with little experience of fishing luresmay like to start with a spinnerbait lure, commonly referred to as a spinner.

This type of lure is popular with a wide range of anglers, as it features a simple design, can be used in a number of situations and is quite easy to cast, as well as being relatively cheap.

A typical spinner uses several blades bent to spin like a propeller when the lure is in the water, thereby recreating the vibration and movement of a small fish.

One popular version of this product is the in-line spinner, which employs a metal blade moving around a central axis.

Other varieties include the tailspinner, identified by a single small blade mounted on the tail of the lure.

The Abu Garcia Toby lure remains one of the most famous fishing luresof this type. Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, this lure is a favourite piece of kit for many trout, salmon, bass and pike anglers.

For those who are keen to explore other types of fishing lures, the plug is another product that may appeal.

Sometimes called a crankbait, this lure has a more realistic appearance than a spinner, meaning it is also more expensive.

Usually made from a piece of plastic or balsa wood, the plug is painted to resemble a small fish and features two or three treble hooks.

Plug manufacturers tend to offer models in several different sizes and colours, with each one designed for a specific depth of water.

In an article on the Bass Fishing Resource Guide, pro fisherman Bill Wilcox states that crankbaits are his favourite fishing luresbecause they are "the most versatile and productive".

However, plugs are also likely to require more maintenance than spinnerbaits, as dull treble hooks will need replacing.