How do artificial lures attract fish?

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Artificial lures attract fish by mimicking their natural food sources, such as smaller fish or other prey. These lures, typically constructed from metal or painted plastic, are designed to deceive fish through their appearance and movement.1

When used in methods like bait casting or trolling, anglers retrieve or draw the lures through the water in a way that creates a realistic swimming action. This movement is intended to trigger a predatory response, causing the fish to mistake the artificial object for live prey and strike. By effectively imitating the size, shape, and behavior of natural forage, these lures serve as an essential tool for anglers to entice game fish in various environments.12