Helpful Information

Handmade • Custom Built • USA Based

More Than Fishing It's The Experience

Snagged Again Custom Baits is built on the moments that make fishing unforgettable—the calm water, the anticipation, and the memories shared with family and friends.

We’re a family-owned, USA-based brand focused on creating high-quality, handmade baits that help you make those moments even better.

Built for anglers who fish with purpose.

What Bait Should I Use?

The best bait to use depends on various factors like the water clarity, water temperature, the time of day, and the specific type of fish you’re targeting. 

Generally, in clear water, use more natural colors and smaller lures, but when fishing in murky darker waters go with darker colors and larger lures to be more strategic. Topwater lures are great for early morning, late evening, and cloudy days, while finesse techniques are better for hot, sunny days.  

 

Water Clarity: 

  • Clear Water 
    Opt. for natural colors like green pumpkin, translucent hues (shad, crayfish), and silver.  
  • Murky/Dirty Water 
    Darker colors like black, black and blue, or chartreuse are more visible to fish. 

Water Temperature: 
  • Cold Water (below 50°F): Jigging spoons, blade baits, and finesse jigs are effective.  
  • Cool Water (50-65°F): Crankbaits, jerk baits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits are good choices.  
  • Warm Water (above 65°F): Topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits can be productive.  

Time of Day: 

  • Dawn/Dusk/Cloudy: Topwater lures (poppers, walking baits, frogs) are excellent choices.  
  • Midday/Bright Sun: Finesse techniques (jigs, Texas rigs) may be more effective when fish are less active.  

Specific Lure Types and When to Use Them: 

  • Spinnerbaits: Effective in various conditions, but particularly good in wind and when fishing around grass or weeds.  
  • Topwater Lures: Best in calm, shallow water during low-light conditions.  
  • Jigs: Effective year-round, especially when fished slowly and around cover.  
  • Soft Plastics: Highly versatile and can be fished in various ways (Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, etc.) and are good for all seasons.  
  • Buzzbaits: Effective in shallow, grassy areas, and during low-light conditions.  

General Tips: 

  • “Match the Hatch”: Use lures that resemble the natural forage in the area. 
  • Experiment: Try different lures and retrieve techniques to find what works best on any given day. 
  • Consider Structure: Fish will often hold near structure (docks, rocks, grass, etc.), so adjust your lure selection accordingly.  
  • Confidence: Choose lures you have confidence in, as this can make a difference in your presentation. 

Flipping, Football and Swimming 

 
You’ll find that most all jigs contain a head, a hook, a weed guard, and a latex skirt. The differences between jigs lie in the shape of the head, which are designed for specific styles of fishing. 

Flipping jigs are jigs built specifically for flipping and pitching. They have a slimmer head, often with a weight-forward design intended to allow the bait to fall through thick cover like laydowns and grasses. Their primary function is to generate a reaction bite as it falls down to the bottom into the body of water. They are very effective in the fall season. 

  • Football jigs are named after the shape of their head, which resembles a horizontal football. These baits are designed to be dragged on the bottom and the head shape helps the trailer stand up and the jig ride over the top of rocks and things in the substrate. Football jigs are fished slow at the bottom. 

They’re particularly effective baits for targeting deep fish in the summer, especially during periods of inactivity. 

  • Swimming jigs are defined by their slim, sometimes elongated head. They are designed to be fished off the bottom, often in places where you might throw a spinnerbait. Swim jigs can be fished with a variety of retrieves, but they’re always reeled and never fished on the bottom, making it unique from other type of jigs. Swimming jigs tend to thrive in clearer water, as they don’t move a ton of water. It’s a subtle presentation for primarily sight-feeding bass around shallow cover, and it can be a killer for early postspawn fish relating to shoreline grass or wood. Swim jigs can be fished by just slowly reeling the bait back to the boat, but it’s also a bait that can have a lot of action imparted on by the rod. A lot of anglers like to shake the rod tip as they retrieve the bait to increase the action on the bait.  

A spinnerbait is a lead head molded onto a hook (similar to a jighead) attached to an “L” shaped wire are that holds up to 4 blades. As the spinnerbait is retrieved through the water the medal blade or blades spin around the wire arm or on a swivel attached to the wire. 

A spinnerbait can attract game fish from a considerable distance. The spinnerbait is mostly used to catch large predatory freshwater fish such as bass, pike, and muskie. Smaller spinnerbaits can also be used to target smaller game fish such as perch. 

The blade is the key feature of the spinnerbait. As the medal blades spin they create vibration, noise and flash that attract predatory fish such as bass, pike, walleye, and trout. There are four types of blades used for spinnerbait. These include willow leaf, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Indiana. 

There are several types of spinnerbait lures. The most popular are listed in the following table. 

A  jig is a weighted fish lure composed of a single hook attached to a metal or lead sinker, referred to as a jig head. A jig is often fitted with a decorative plastic skirt, encased in a soft plastic lure, or amended with feather-like attractors. It is one of the simplest, yet effective, fishing lures and used by anglers to catch a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater game fish. 

As opposed to other lures such as swimbaits, plugs, spoons and spinnerbaits that move more or less horizontally through the water, a jig is worked up and down vertically through the water column. The vertical jerky motion of the jig is what attracts fish. Jigs are worked up and down using rapid lifting motions with the fishing rod. 

The jig head comes in many different shapes and colors. It is typically round, but can also be cone-shaped, cylindrical, fish-head shaped, or resemble a spoon or spinnerbait. Jig heads are most prominent on large jigs and typically used with soft plastics. 

The following table lists seven of the most popular types and shapes of fishing jigs.

Swimbaits are lures designed to mimic baitfish and prey swimming underwater. 

Soft-body swimbaits are made of soft plastic or rubber. Soft-body swimbaits are also designed to closely mimic baitfish and other prey. Soft-body baits exhibit a more natural feel in the mouth of a game fish. These lures are designed to be cast out and retrieved slowly. 

There are several types of soft-body swimbaits. These include paddle tails, line through, and top hook. Paddle tails can have either a solid or hollow body. They’re great for fishing in the weeds. Line through swimbaits allow the fishing line to run body of the bait. Line through baits are typically large and designed to target larger game fish. Top hook swimbaits use a jig style hook, are large, and utilize a wedge style tail designed for cold water fishing. 

Swimbaits are most used to target fish over 10 pounds, such as bass or larger fish. The most common size swimbait used by anglers is between 6″-12″.

They are also known as soft plastic lures, rubber worms, or simply soft plastics, which refers to a variety of flexible, life-like lures made of elastomer-based soft plastic which are available in rainbow colors, sizes, and shapes. Soft plastics can be used with various hook sizes, fishing rigs and fishing techniques. 

These soft plastics are designed to mimic baitfish, crawdads, frogs, worms and other common prey items. Given their versatility, life-like appearance, and low cost, soft plastic baits are one of the most popular artificial fishing lures used by anglers. A soft plastic bait is often fished with a jig head or as part of a more complex fishing rig (e.g. Texas rig and Carolina rig). 

The most common presentation of soft plastic bait is a simple lure, using a jig head. The hook end of the jig head is threaded through the soft plastic bait leaving only the gape of the hook and eye exposed. Techniques for fishing soft plastics range from cast and retrieve to trolling. 

The thirteen soft plastic baits listed in the following table can be used for fishing most species predatory freshwater fish as well as a large variety of saltwater fish. 

Remember Your Fishing Etiquette: 

  • Respect for other anglers: This includes keeping a safe distance, avoiding noise that could scare fish, and not fishing directly opposite another angler unless absolutely necessary.  
  • Respect for the environment: Following the “Leave No Trace” principle, meaning packing out all trash and minimizing disturbance to the natural surroundings.  
  • Respect for the fish: Handling fish with care, especially when practicing catch and release, to ensure their survival.  
  • Following regulations: Adhering to all fishing rules, including license requirements, catch limits, and any local restrictions.  
  • Communication and cooperation: Politely asking for permission to fish a particular spot, sharing knowledge, and communicating intentions to other anglers.  
  • Safe Practices: Always wear a life jacket, be aware of your surroundings, and have a water watchman when fishing from a boat or in areas where water is deep.  

Specific Examples: 

  • Avoid crowding: Don’t navigate your boat too close to other anglers or walk below them.  
  • Manage your wake: Be conscious of the wakes you create, especially in crowded areas, and avoid creating waves that could endanger other anglers or boaters.  
  • Share the water: If a particular spot is being fished, move on to a different location instead of trying to force your way in.  
  • Respect private property: Don’t trespass on private land without permission.  
  • Clean up after yourself: Pack out all trash, including fishing line, and leave the area better than you found it.  
  • Be mindful of your noise: Use headphones instead of speakers if you listen to music, and keep your conversations to a reasonable level.  
  • Handle fish with care: Avoid excessive handling and release them promptly to give them the best chance of survival. 

To improve your fishing success throughout the year, consider these seasonal tips: adjust your technique, bait, and tackle based on the time of year and water temperature. For example, fish move to shallower water in the fall as temperatures drop, so focus your efforts in areas with cover. In winter, use live bait or smaller, more natural-looking lures. Also, pay attention to weather patterns and adjust your fishing times accordingly.  

Here’s a more detailed look at seasonal tips: 

Spring: 

  • Water Temperature: Water temperatures are warming up, signaling that fish are more active.  
  • Fish Behavior: Fish are likely in shallow water, preparing to spawn.  
  • Tackle: Use lighter lines and smaller hooks to avoid spooking fish in clear, shallow water.  
  • Bait: Live bait like shrimp and minnows can be very effective.  
  • Techniques: Try casting to areas with current changes or good water clarity, or explore areas with submerged vegetation.  

Summer: 

  • Water Temperature: Water temperatures are high, and fish may be in cooler depths.  
  • Fish Behavior: Fish may move deeper to stay cool in the heat.  
  • Tackle: Switch to braided lines for strength when fishing in heavy cover or deeper waters.  
  • Bait: Experiment with different bait and lure colors to see what attracts the fish.  
  • Techniques: Fish early in the morning or late evening to avoid the midday heat, and consider exploring areas with submerged vegetation or cooler currents.  

Fall: 

  • Water Temperature: Water temperatures are dropping, and fish are moving to shallower water.  
  • Fish Behavior: Fish are feeding aggressively, preparing for winter.  
  • Tackle: Use natural-colored lures that match the baitfish in the area.  
  • Bait: Larger baits can attract bigger fish.  
  • Techniques: Fish in shallower water, focus on areas with lots of cover, and slow down your lure retrieve.  

Winter: 

  • Water Temperature: Water temperatures are cold, and fish are sluggish.  
  • Fish Behavior: Fish may move to deeper waters or seek refuge in areas with cover.  
  • Tackle: Opt for fluorocarbon lines for better sensitivity and stealth in clear, cold water.  
  • Bait: Use live bait or lures that mimic sluggish prey to match the season.  
  • Techniques: Slow down your retrieve and use finesse techniques.  

General Tips: 

  • Check the weather: Weather patterns can influence fish behavior, so be prepared for sudden changes.  
  • Time your fishing: Fish are often most active during dawn and dusk.  
  • Know your surroundings: Be aware of potential hazards and share your location with someone.  
  • Prepare your tackle: Check your gear and ensure everything is in good working condition.  
  • The easiest way to remove a hook from a fish, especially when catch and release is desired, is to use a barbless hook or to crimp down the barb on a standard hook. If the hook is deeply embedded, using a Fishing Disgorger tool or Needle Nose Pliers working from the inside through the gills can minimize damage. 

 

  • Using Barbless Hooks: 
  • Barbless hooks are specifically designed with no barb, or a very small barb that is easily compressed. This makes hook removal significantly easier and less damaging to the fish. Or you can also crimp down the barb on a regular hook if barbless options are unavailable. 

 

  • When Using a Disgorger Tool: 
  • Disgorgers are specialized tools designed to slide along the fishing line and push the hook out from the inside of the fish’s mouth.  This method is particularly useful for hooks that are deeply embedded or difficult to reach with fingers.  A disgorger can be used with a tight line, pushing the tool along the line and then using it to dislodge the hook.  

 

  • When Using Needle-Nose Pliers:  
  • Needle-nose pliers can be used to grasp the hook shank and twist it out, often from the inside of the mouth through the gills). This method can be effective for deeply embedded hooks, but requires careful handling to avoid further injury. Consider pushing the hook inwards slightly before twisting to help dislodge the barb.  

 

  • General Tips for Minimizing Harm:  

 

  • Keep the fish wet: Handle the fish with wet hands or use wet cloths or gloves to avoid damaging its protective slime layer.  

 

  • Minimize handling: Avoid touching the fish excessively, as this can cause stress and injury.  

 

  • Support the fish: When handling the fish, support its body and head to prevent injury from struggling.  

 

  • Quick release: Release the fish as quickly as possible after hook removal.  

 

  • Gentle handling: Be gentle when manipulating the hook and avoid pulling or jerking the line.  

 

  • Consider the fish’s condition: If the hook is deeply embedded or the fish is struggling excessively, it may be best to cut the line and leave the hook in the fish, as they can often expel or encapsulate the hook over time.

Also known as a vibrating or bladed jig, this type of bait has a unique design that looks a lot like a skirted jig with a small square piece of metal with trimmed corners attached to the eye. This type of lure produces flash and vibration enabling it to attract a variety of predatory fish such as bass, pike, and muskies. It’s also a weedless lure so that it doesn’t snag easily so it is ideal for fishing in heavy cover where bass, pike and muskies like to hide out. 

This type of bait can be used in both shallow and deep water. It tends be the most effective during fall and late winter, into early spring, with spring being the best time of year to fish a a vibrating bait. However, it can successfully be fished year round with the right technique. 

As a bonus to this design some anglers will remove the traditional jig skirt and trailer to retrofit the lure with a soft plastic bait. This is often a preferred presentation when targeting schooling fish or for bottom fishing. 

  • The Uni Knot 

The uni knot is a simple, versatile knot. Its simplicity makes it an ideal knot to use with monofilament or fluorocarbon line. The knot is typically used for securing fishing line to lures, flies or swivels. It is also a popular knot for creating line-to-line or line-to-leader connections, using a double uni knot. 

The knot can be tied in four simple steps: 

Step 1 

Pass the end of your fishing line through the eye of the lure, fly or swivel and double back — parallel to the main line — forming a loop by laying the free end over the doubled line. 

Step 2 

Wrap the free end of the fishing line around the double line and through the loop six times. 

Step 3 

Moisten the knot and pull the free end of the fishing line to tighten the knot. 

Step 4 

Then, pull the main fishing line to slide the knot down to the eye of the lure, fly or swivel. 

  • The Improved Clinch Knot 

The improved clinch knot is one of the most popular and widely used fishing knots. It is often one of the first knots an angler learns when they begin fishing. The knot is typically used for securing fishing line to hooks, lures or swivels and works well for all types of fishing line — monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided line. 

The knot can be tied in four simple steps: 

Step 1 

Pass the end of your fishing line through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel. Wrap the free end of the fishing line around the main line five to six times. 

Step 2 

Pass the free end of the fishing line through the loop closest to the eye of the hook, lure or swivel. 

Step 3 

Then, pass the free end of the fishing line through the newly created loop. 

Step 4 

Moisten the knot and pull the main line tight while holding the free end of the fishing line securely. 

  • The Palomar Knot 

The Palomar knot is both strong and simple to tie. The knot is used for securing fishing line to hooks, lures or swivels. It works especially well when tying on large hooks and when using braided fishing line. 

The knot can be tied in four simple steps: 

Step 1 

Double the end of your fishing line and pass it through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel. 

Step 2 

Tie a loose overhand knot with the double fishing line. 

Step 3 

Pass the end of the double fishing line (loop end) down over the entire hook, lure or swivel. 

Step 4 

Moisten the knot and slowly pull on both ends of the fishing line to tighten the knot.