Saltwater angling encompasses an incredibly rich array of species and conditions, from surf fishing for inshore species to offshore trolling and slow pitch jigging around wrecks.
But, be that as it may, there are just a few broad classes of saltwater lures that appeal to an unbelievably wide array of species. If you fish with artificials, having a few of each of these in your tackle box or bag will cover the vast majority of scenarios.
Casting Jigs
A casting jig is a metal similar to a spoon; popular profiles include wide and flat jigs like the Hopkins Shorty and long, slender jigs like diamond jigs and Deadly Dick and Needlefish jigs.
These jigs can be cast and retrieved or speed jigged vertically for a wide variety of predatory species that will respond aggressively to the flash and sound they create. Because of their slim profile they are easy to work both high and low in the water column.
Casting Spoons
Casting spoons, like Acme Kastmaster and Sea Striker Flutter Spoons, are intended to be cast and retrieved, although they can also be jigged vertically. They produce a wider wobble when worked at a lower speed (unlike narrower casting jigs), throwing more flash and vibration. They can be very effective when targeting predators chasing large schools of baitfish, as well as for working around structure.
Slow PItch Jigs
Slow pitch jigs are somewhat similar to casting jigs, but they are wider and designed to be worked vertically in the water column, with a much slower, more nuanced cadence. Slow pitch jigs can be worked over reefs, wrecks, and other structure, as well as around fish suspended in the water column. They can be highly effective on an immense array of species; for more information, visit Johnny Jigs, the industry leader in all things slow pitch jigging.
Bucktails
Bucktails consist of a jighead dressed with a bucktail which can either be authentic deer hair or a synthetic fiber. Often bucktails are tipped with a trailer of bait or a soft plastic. They can be cast and retrieved as well as hopped off the bottom or jigged around structure and often produce when a more nuanced presentation and a less aggressive technique is needed. Bucktail fishing a jig tipped with a soft plastic by hopping off the bottom is one of the most popular and effective techniques of all time for targeting flatfish like fluke.
Teasers
Some anglers might not call teasers “true” saltwater lures, but they sure as all heck catch enough fish to warrant the designation. Most teasers are very light soft plastics or streamer-like flies that are too light to be cast on their own. You rig them to your leader ahead of your main lure and work it in tandem with your primary lure. Oftentimes, fish will strike the teaser and pass up the main lure; and sometimes, you might be lucky enough to get a double-header; a fish on the teaser and one on the main lure.
Soft Baits
Soft baits constitute a wide class of saltwater lures that can be fished on a jighead, on an umbrella rig, weightless, and in many other ways. Popular saltwater soft baits include NLBN lures, Berkley’s Gulp and PowerBait, Storm Swim Shad (which are pre-rigged) and Slug-Gos. Other soft baits such as Fish Bites (which are not actually plastics) are also popular.
While soft baits are not very durable and will often only survive one or two fish (depending on what you’re fishing for) the scent that many of them disperse can make them highly effective, in some cases even more effective than cut or live bait.
Diving Plugs
Diving plugs, like Bomber Long A stickbaits and saltwater-grade Rapala X-Raps, can be worked near the surface down to a few feet under it, making them highly effective for surfcasting and working around structure like bridges and jetties. The profile and vibration of these lures is irresistible to many inshore species, from striped bass to sea trout. Moreover, they are very versatile with respect to how they can be presented and worked.
Topwater/Topwalkers/Poppers
Topwater lures, like poppers, and topwalker lures, are very effective on aggressive predator fish like striped bass and bluefish that are pursuing schools of bait. Cast to and worked aggressively around structure and over schools of bait, these lures can be downright deadly – and a whole lot of fun so you can actually see, not just feel, the strike.
Upgrade Your Saltwater Lure Selection Today
Whether you’re a northeast surfcaster or predominantly practice slow pitch jigging for inshore species in the Gulf, there should be room in your tackle box or bag for each category of saltwater lures mentioned here. Upgrade your lure selection today and remember, never buy just one of a pattern. You’re not fishing if you don’t periodically lose lures. One is none and two is one!
