Why Do Insulators Not Conduct Electricity to Fishing Lures?

So you’re out fishing on a rainy day, or maybe you’re rigging up your lure near some power lines, and this random question pops into your head:

“Wait—could electricity run through my fishing line and into the lure? Could that be dangerous?”
Good thinking. And here’s the quick answer:

Insulators don’t conduct electricity to fishing lures—because that’s literally what they’re designed not to do.

But if you’re curious about why, and what that means for fishing safely and smartly, this article is for you.

We’ll break it down in simple terms, cover the science behind insulators and conductors, how fishing gear is made, and what you need to know to stay safe—with pictures to help.

Let’s dive in. (Pun intended.)

🧠 What Is an Insulator, Really?

Before we talk about electricity and fishing lures, let’s quickly break down what we mean by insulator.

⚡ In Simple Terms:

• Conductors (like metal) let electricity flow through them.

• Insulators (like rubber or plastic) stop electricity from flowing.

Think of it like water:

• A pipe (conductor) lets water flow.

• A dam (insulator) blocks it.

So, when we say an insulator doesn’t conduct electricity, we mean it’s a material that resists or blocks electrical current.

🎣 How This Relates to Fishing Gear

Most modern fishing gear uses materials that are insulators, or at least have insulating properties. That’s a good thing—here’s why:

✅ Common Insulating Materials in Fishing:

The only conductive part in most setups is the hook or internal wire of a lure, which doesn’t matter unless electricity has a path to enter and exit—which insulators prevent.

⚡ Can Electricity Travel Through a Fishing Line?

This is a common concern, especially when fishing in storms or near overhead lines. Let’s answer it clearly.

❓Short Answer:

Normally, no—electricity doesn’t flow through fishing line.

🔍 Why?

• Monofilament and fluorocarbon are non-conductive plastics.

• Even braided line (made of PE or Spectra fiber) is not electrically conductive.

• There’s no closed loop for current to flow.

🚫 Exception:

If you’re holding a graphite rod during a lightning storm, that can conduct electricity—but only if lightning directly strikes or there’s a strong enough charge buildup.

🎯 So fishing line and lure coatings are safe. It’s lightning you need to avoid.

📊 Electrical Conductivity Chart

To better understand, here’s a basic comparison of fishing materials:

🔬 Science Behind It: How Electricity Works

Electricity flows when there’s:

1. A source (like lightning or a battery),

2. A path (conductive material),

3. A ground or endpoint.

Insulators interrupt the path, so electricity can’t complete the loop.

Even if a hook is metal, it’s:

• Coated with paint or epoxy,

• Attached to non-conductive line,

• Not connected to a power source or ground.

So the system is electrically isolated—which means you’re safe.

📷 Diagrams That Help

🎣 Typical Fishing Setup:

Insulated rod handle + non-conductive line

⚡ How Electricity Needs a Path:

No path = no current flow

☔ What About Fishing During a Storm?

⚠️ Real Danger: Lightning, not lure conductivity

Lightning can arc from the sky to your rod tip—especially if you’re the tallest thing near a lake.

Here’s what you should know:

👉 Pro Tip: Never cast near power lines. Even though your line is an insulator, a wet rod or lure can become conductive in rare cases.

🧰 How Lure Design Factors in

Most modern fishing lures are intentionally designed with insulators:

Internal Lure Components:

• Steel wire (may conduct, but sealed inside)

• Plastic bodies

• Epoxy or paint sealing

• Rubber skirts or tails (like on jigs)

Unless you intentionally attach a battery or voltage source (which exists in some electronic lures), your lure is completely safe from conducting electricity.

🧪 Quick Test: Want to See for Yourself?

If you’re curious, try this safe experiment at home:

⚡ DIY Lure Conductivity Test

You’ll need:

• Multimeter

• Fishing lure

• Wire leads

Steps:

1. Set the multimeter to resistance (ohms).

2. Touch leads to different parts of the lure.

3. If you get “OL” or no reading = insulator.

4. Only metal parts will show continuity.

🎯 This proves your plastic and coated materials aren’t conductive.

🧠 Recap: Why Insulators Don’t Conduct to Fishing Lures

1. Insulators block current flow—they’re the opposite of conductors.

2. Fishing lines, rods, and lure materials are insulators.

3. Electricity needs a full circuit to flow—which your fishing rig doesn’t provide.

4. Lightning is dangerous not because of the lure—but because it can jump to your rod.

So next time you’re by the water and wonder if your lure could “shock” anything, relax: unless you’re fishing in Frankenstein’s lab, it’s not gonna happen.

✅ Safety Tips for Electrically Conscious Anglers

• ⚠️ Avoid fishing in storms

• 📵 Stay away from overhead wires or substations

• 🧤 Use rods with insulated handles

• 🔋 Don’t use powered lures unless made by trusted brands

• 🧪 Test new materials if unsure

🌊 Final Thoughts

It’s pretty cool how fishing gear is built to keep you safe—without you even realizing it. Understanding why insulators don’t conduct electricity to fishing lures isn’t just about science. It’s about peace of mind when you’re out doing what you love.

So next time you’re casting a line, know that your setup is built with safety in mind—down to the smallest insulated detail.

🌐 Want More Fishing Science & Gear Tips?

Explore more gear breakdowns, tackle tips, and DIY fishing knowledge at:

👉 lurebolt.com

We break down the tech behind the tackle—so you can fish smarter.