More appendages, more vibrations
The basic principle of a soft lure from the creature family is to resemble something edible to a fish. What all creatures have in common is the sheer number of appendages, of different shapes and sizes, which emit a large number of vibrations into the water. Some have legs, others claws or antennae, but generally in large numbers.
The creature can therefore be fished both close to the bottom, to target predators that eat aquatic invertebrates, and close to the surface, for those who appreciate land-based insects. When fishing fast, all appendages vibrate in unison and can be easily perceived by the lateral line of the fish. When fishing slowly, the appendages have more of an imitative function, triggering an attack when the creature jerks.
Imitation or invention
There are as many shapes of creatures as there are brands that create them, and each angler has his or her own preferences. There are two categories of models: imitations and inventions. Imitations are intended to resemble as closely as possible a small creature that exists in the natural environment and that fish enjoy as food. Invented creatures, on the other hand, are intended to meet the needs of a particular vibration for specific techniques, such as black-bass fishing, a religion in Japan, which releases new, outlandish forms every year.
There are two schools of thought among anglers: those who prefer imitations and those who prefer inventions. Both work very well, but it's easier to use an imitation, especially when you know the fish you're targeting. Crayfish, grasshopper, beetle, cicada and even plecopteran larvae are just some of the options available to you, depending on your needs.
Universal efficiency
One thing's for sure about these creatures: they work everywhere and almost all the time. They're a sure thing to have in your tackle box, whether in the sea for rockfishing and sparids or in freshwater for predators. Even white fish such as chub, barbel and carp can be caught with these creatures. The main difference between the species we target lies in the animation and areas of use. The possibilities are endless, so all you have to do is find out which creature appeals most to the fish in a given area and you're on your way to some great waterside sessions.
