Angler holding Select Javik and Golden Catch spinning lures by a lake in Ireland, comparing budget fishing tackle brands for pike and perch.

Spinning Fishing in Ireland – Growing Trend and Smart Tackle Choices

Spinning fishing in Ireland continues to grow in popularity, attracting both experienced anglers and newcomers alike. Success on the water largely depends on properly chosen tackle, and lures play a crucial role here. The market offers a vast array of brands, providing products for every taste and budget. However, if you are looking for an optimal balance of price and quality, it is worth paying attention to the affordable, yet highly effective solutions from brands such as Select and Golden Catch. In this article, we will conduct a detailed review and comparison of their spinning lures to help you make an informed choice for successful fishing in Ireland.

Why is the Right Choice of Spinning Lures So Important?

The Impact of Lures on Your Catch

Choosing a lure is not just a matter of preference; it is a strategic decision that directly influences your catch. The type, colour, size, and even the unique action of the lure in the water can be decisive factors. For instance, for pike fishing, large wobblers or soft plastics imitating live fish are often used, whereas for perch, smaller twisters or micro-spoons might be more suitable. Experienced anglers know that even the best spinning lures require adaptation to specific conditions: water clarity, weather conditions, time of day, and fish activity. Understanding these nuances maximises the chances of a successful fishing trip.

Quality Without Compromise on a Budget

There is a common misconception that quality fishing tackle must necessarily be expensive. However, modern technologies and market competition allow manufacturers to offer budget-friendly spinning lures that are just as effective as their more expensive counterparts. Select and Golden Catch are prime examples of this. They prove that excellent results can be achieved without overpaying for a brand name. The key is knowing how to choose and understanding what makes a lure effective in various conditions.

Select Brand Overview: Affordability and Innovation

Select has established itself as a manufacturer of affordable yet high-quality fishing tackle, catering to a wide range of anglers. Their products are specifically designed for spinning fishing, offering solutions that deliver consistent results.

Range of Select Spinning Lures

Select's range of spinning lures includes a variety of soft plastics, metal spoons, and likely wobblers, although they are not listed as a separate category on the website. Popular soft plastic series include Select Snack, Select FatFish, Select Fetish, Select Javik, Select Kraken, and Select Victim V-TAIL. These lures are available in various colours and sizes, allowing anglers to choose the optimal option for different predatory species and fishing conditions. Metal spoons, such as Select ProAtom, Select Solver, and Select Grandex, are renowned for their effectiveness and are suitable for catching perch, pike, and asp. Reviews of Select lures often highlight their natural imitation and action in the water, which provokes predators to strike. If you wish to purchase Select lures, emeraldripple.ie offers a wide selection.

Advantages of Select Lures

The main advantages of Select lures are their affordable price and high effectiveness. The brand pays attention to detail, using quality materials and thoughtful design, which ensures consistent lure action and durability. Many anglers note that Select lures perform excellently in both fresh and saltwater, making them a versatile choice for fishing in Ireland. For example, Select soft plastics often feature attractants that further entice fish, while their metal spoons offer stable action even in strong currents.

Golden Catch Brand Overview: Reliability and Performance

Golden Catch is another brand that has earned the trust of anglers through its combination of quality, performance, and affordability. Established in 2004, it offers a wide range of tackle for feeder, spinning, and carp fishing.

Range of Golden Catch Spinning Lures

Golden Catch's spinning lure range includes various types, such as ready-made Aji Sabiki rigs, as well as spoons like the Zeox Spoon Kastmaster (Zeox is a subsidiary brand of Golden Catch). Although emeraldripple.ie may not feature as many Golden Catch spinning lures as Select, their products are known for their reliability. Reviews of Golden Catch lures often emphasise their versatility and ability to perform in various conditions. If you plan to purchase Golden Catch lures, it is worth looking into their metal spoons and potentially soft plastics, which may be available in other collections or from dealers.

Advantages of Golden Catch Lures

The primary advantages of Golden Catch lures are their reliability and durability. The brand's products are designed for active use and can withstand significant strain. Golden Catch lures often feature robust hooks and high-quality fittings, which is particularly important when targeting large predatory fish. They provide stable action and are highly visible to predators, making them an effective tool in any spinner's arsenal. Furthermore, the brand actively develops its product line, including innovative solutions from Zeox, allowing anglers access to modern and effective lures.

Comparing Select and Golden Catch: Which to Choose for Fishing in Ireland?

The choice between Select and Golden Catch largely depends on your individual preferences and fishing specifics. Both brands offer excellent budget spinning lures but have their own distinct characteristics.
Feature
Select
Golden Catch
Main Focus
Wide range of soft plastics and metal spoons, design innovations.
Reliability, durability, versatility, also offers rigs.
Price Range
From €3 to €55 (lures and rods).
From €2 to €33 (lures and rigs).
Target Audience
Anglers seeking a variety of shapes, colours, and lure types for experimentation.
Anglers valuing proven solutions and high tackle strength.
Recommendations for Ireland
Excellent for perch, pike, and zander in freshwater, as well as light spinning.
Good for pike, zander, and also sea fishing (some models) due to their robustness.

Recommendations for Selection

For beginners: Both brands are suitable, but Select offers a greater variety of soft plastics, which are easier to master. Golden Catch might be preferable if enhanced durability is needed.
For experienced anglers: The choice depends on personal preference. Select provides more opportunities for experimenting with different types and colours, while Golden Catch guarantees reliability in challenging conditions.
For pike and perch fishing: Both brands have excellent solutions. For pike, Select offers large soft plastics, and Golden Catch has robust spoons. For perch, small soft plastics and micro-spoons from Select are suitable.

Practical Tips for Using Spinning Lures

Choosing the right lure is only half the battle. It is equally important to present it correctly. The selection of spinning lures should always be accompanied by mastering various retrieve techniques.

Retrieve Techniques

Different lure types require their own optimal retrieve techniques. Soft plastics often demand a jigging retrieve, where the lure moves step-by-step along the bottom. Wobblers are effective with a steady retrieve or twitching (sharp jerks). Metal spoons work well with a steady retrieve or a retrieve with pauses. You can learn more about basic metal lure fishing techniques in our article: .

Lure Selection Based on Season and Weather

Fishing conditions constantly change, and a successful angler always adapts their lure choice. In cold water, fish are less active, and slow-sinking lures or those that can be retrieved very slowly often work better. In warm water, predators are more aggressive, and more active lures can be used. On overcast days, bright or fluorescent lures might be more visible, whereas on sunny days, natural colours are often preferred. Understanding these factors will help you make the most effective use of your budget-friendly spinning lures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which spinning lures are best for beginners?

For beginner anglers, universal soft plastics (silicone twisters, shads) and oscillating spoons from Select or Golden Catch are most suitable. They are easy to learn, forgiving of retrieve errors, and highly effective. Start with a few proven models in different colours and sizes.

Where can I buy Select and Golden Catch spinning lures in Ireland?

All featured lures, as well as a wide range of other fishing tackle from Select and Golden Catch, are available at the Emerald Ripple online store. You can browse the full catalogue and place an order online by following this link: .

How should I care for my spinning lures?

Proper care will extend the lifespan of your lures. After each fishing trip, it is recommended to rinse lures with fresh water, especially after saltwater fishing. Store them in a dry place, separate from other tackle, to prevent deformation of soft plastics and corrosion of metal components. Regularly check hooks for sharpness and sharpen or replace them as needed.

Can Golden Catch lures be used for sea fishing?

Yes, many Golden Catch lures, especially metal spoons and some wobblers, are suitable for sea fishing. However, always check the manufacturer's specifications. It is important to ensure that the fittings (hooks, split rings) are made from corrosion-resistant materials to prevent rapid wear in saltwater.

Conclusion

Choosing spinning lures is an exciting process that can significantly impact your fishing success. Select and Golden Catch offer excellent budget-friendly spinning lures that prove high quality and effectiveness can be accessible. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, Emerald Ripple's assortment provides a wide selection of tackle to help you catch the fish of your dreams.
Ready for the new fishing season? Visit our and sections today and find the perfect tackle for your next fishing adventure!