Numerous models of trout swimbaits are available to suit a wide range of fishing positions and situations. Among these lures, there's one I'm particularly fond of and which is very effective. It's the lipless minnow.
What is a lipless minnow?
The lipless minnow is a hard, swimming fish lure with an elongated, pisciform shape and no lip. The denser models are also known as jig minnows.
It's a sinking fish, denser than water, which will sink and flutter during the descent phases, with no tension exerted on the line.
Be careful not to confuse them with "dart minnows", which are still a separate category. The dart minnow will have the line attachment on the back, after the head of the lure, while the lipless minnow has an attachment ring on the nose of the lure.
For trout, there are models ranging from 3 to 10 cm and weighing from 3 to 15 grams.
The strengths of lipless minnow
As mentioned above, the lipless minnow has no lip. Its swimming action and vibrations are very fine and subtle. This contrasts with many other swimming fish that emit more or less powerful vibrations at various frequencies. The lipless minoww glides and twirls discreetly through the water, and this is its strength.
Its vibratory signature is very different from that of other swimming fish, making it ideal for luring fish in heavily fished environments, both in rivers and lakes.
Another strong point is that this lure can be cast far and accurately, without being as heavy as a casting jig, for example.
This is due to its relatively high density, and its elongated shape, which easily splits the air.
In rivers, it offers little resistance in the current and makes it easy to create very clean drifts.
How to use lipless minnows for trout fishing?
Two uses of lipless minnow stand out for trout.
The first is lake use. Whether in large or small lakes, the lipless minnow allows you to fish deep in these layers of water located between the surface and about 2 m deep. Its effectiveness is unrivalled on windy days when ripples form on the surface.
The second use is for river fishing. I then use it by casting upstream, letting it sink and simply supporting the banner and making small twitches. The lure then drifts very naturally like a small fish carried by the current, while oscillating on its sides. It's surprisingly effective on big fish in particular!
