Bait and Beer Pairings for the Discerning Fisherman

We’ve consulted Fisk Gear’s in-house cicerone on the best beer pairings for different types of bait and lures. Actually, I kind of doubt his cicerone credentials, but it’s my cousin, Bob, and mom said we have to be nice.

Before your next fishing trip, be sure to check for your bait below to pick the right corresponding beer for the job!

Texas Rig
The Texas Rig revolutionized bass fishing by creating a lure that’s designed to not get snagged on brush when it’s pulled slowly along the bottom of a Texas lake. You’re literally making a statement that translates to, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” Reward your impatience with an easy drinking American Lager like Coors Banquet Beer.

Spinner Bait
Spinner Bait is used for fly fishing in moving water, where you’re casting and moving an awful lot. If you’re fishing for the exercise you likely need to calm yourself down. Seriously, bro. Crack open a complex and hoppy IPA and question your life’s choices. We like Goose Island and Stone IPA, which both sound fitting for the occasion.

Swim Baits
Swim Baits come in handy when bass and other beasts are heading toward shallow water as the season changes to fall. We’d be remiss for not suggesting a great seasonal ale like Yuengling Oktoberfest. It’s basically beer’s answer to a pumpkin spice latte. Happy fall, y’all.

Crankbaits
Crankbaits, on the other hand, signal the onset of spring. Fresh grass growing under the surface requires aggressive throwing and aggressive strikes. In keeping with the aggression and the overconsumption of St. Paddy’s Day, our cicerone suggests an Irish stout like Guinness.

Hook and worms
If you’re sitting on the bank with a cane pole on a hot summer day, the occasion calls for a light summer beer. Reach for something with low alcohol content because, let’s face it, you’re going to be sitting there waiting. Forever. But that’s the point, right? We suggest a suitcase of Natural Light or Miller Light and a friend.

Hot Links
Are we really noodling for catfish right now? Is everything ok at home, dude? If you’re fishing with hot links or hotdogs, try something with a high alcohol content to settle your nerves after pulling one of these monsters out of the water, you gutsy SOB. We recommend Steel Reserve 211. Is malt liquor cheating? You be the judge.

Haskell Minnows
These exclusive lures are inexplicably expensive. If you have that kind of cash to be throwing in the water, you’re probably a classy dude. It seems fitting to select Miller High Life, as it is the “Champagne of Beers.” If you’re down for a High Life, you can always try a snifter of Chimay. Bonus points for the resulting Monopoly Man mustache!

There you have it. If you’re looking for a new way to level up your fishing game, start with what’s in your cooler. All joking aside, make sure you’re careful out there when cracking open a cold one. Be sure to drink responsibly and observe all boating safety regs. Cheers, and tight lines, friends!