Shamans know that lightning can strike twice in the same place.[1]
Lightning Bolt is a Nature-based direct damageshaman spell, and is the first spell shamans learn. It is one of the primary damage spells for Elemental shamans.
Has traveling time, so can be combined with [Chain Lightning] or a Shock which are instant for spike damage.
Tips and tactics
This is a good spell to start the fight and pull enemies until level 12 when you can learn [Lava Burst]. Used against a foe with no speed boosting abilities at max range, you can cast 3 Lightning Bolts in the span of time it takes for a mob to reach you. You can even cast a Shock just as the 3rd Lightning Bolt finishes casting to max out damage against a pulled, incoming mob.
It is also more likely to use during combat because of its 2 second casting time as opposed to other classes' similar function spells ([Shadow Bolt], [Fireball]).
Trivia
Lightning Bolt is a common Shaman spell in Hearthstone. The flavor text reads: "Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt!"
Patches and hotfixes
Patch 7.2.5 (2017-06-13): Lightning Bolt damage reduced by 15% for Enhancement.
Hotfix (2017-01-17):(Elemental) Lightning Bolt damage increased by 9%.
Patch 7.1.5 (2017-01-10): Damage increased by 50%.
Hotfix (2016-09-23):Lightning Bolt (Elemental) damage increased by 23%.
Hotfix (2016-08-22):Lightning Bolt (Enhancement) damage has been increased to 30% Spell Power (was 25%).
Patch 7.0.3 (2016-07-19): Cast time reduced from 2.5 sec to 2 sec for Elemental and Restoration, instant for Enhancement. Damage increased by 25% for Elemental and generates Maelstrom, and by 74% for Restoration. Damage for Enhancement depends on Maelstrom used. Mana cost removed.
Patch 6.2.3 (2015-11-17): Damage has been increased by 4%.
Patch 6.0.3 (2014-10-28): Now costs 50% less mana.
Patch 6.0.2 (2014-10-14): Can no longer be cast while moving by default.
Hotfix (2013-09-23):Lightning Bolt's damage has been increased by 10%.
Patch 5.3.0 (2013-05-21): Lightning Bolt can now be cast while moving.
Hotfix (2012-09-20):Lightning Bolt damage has been increased by approximately 8%. This also applies to Overload Lightning Bolt and Echo of the Elements Lightning Bolt.
Patch 4.3.0 (2011-11-29): Lightning Bolt has a new spell effect.
Patch 2.3.0 (2007-11-13): cast time reduced to 2.5 (from 3.0 where applicable), mana costs reduced, benefit from spell damage reduced appropriately.
Patch 1.11.0 (2006-06-19): Mana cost reduced approximately 17%.
Patch 0.9 (2004-08-17): Cast time reduced, damage and mana cost reduced accordingly, replacements adjusted.
[Overcharge]
[Chain Lightning] or a Shock which are instant for spike damage.
[Lava Burst]. Used against a foe with no speed boosting abilities at max range, you can cast 3 Lightning Bolts in the span of time it takes for a mob to reach you. You can even cast a Shock just as the 3rd Lightning Bolt finishes casting to max out damage against a pulled, incoming mob.
[Shadow Bolt], 
