Lures and baits
How to choose between lures and natural bait, and how to pick the right style for the conditions, from topwater blowups to soaking cut bait on the bottom.
Lures vs natural bait
Lures let you cover water fast, target actively feeding fish, and skip the mess and cost of buying or catching bait. Natural bait, whether live or cut, appeals to a fish's sense of smell and can tempt bites when nothing else works, especially on slow days or with finicky fish. Neither is always better, and the best anglers switch based on how the fish are behaving. A good rule is to search with lures and slow down with bait when the bite gets tough.
Hard baits and topwater
Hard baits include topwater plugs, twitchbaits, and diving lures that imitate baitfish through their shape and action. Topwater plugs draw explosive strikes in low light and over shallow flats, which makes them a favorite at dawn and dusk. Diving and suspending baits let you target specific depths and trigger reaction bites from fish holding down in the water column. Match the size and color to the forage the fish are keyed on and vary your retrieve until you find what triggers them.
Soft plastics and jigs
Soft plastics rigged on jig heads or weedless hooks are among the most versatile lures in saltwater, mimicking shrimp, baitfish, and worms with lifelike action. A jig and soft plastic sinks into the strike zone and can be hopped, swum, or dragged, which covers a huge range of species and depths. Metal jigs and bucktails add casting distance and work well when fish are deep or feeding on fast moving bait. Keep a few sizes and colors so you can adjust to depth, current, and water clarity.
Rigging and fishing natural bait
Live bait shines when presented naturally, so hook it to swim freely and use only enough weight to reach the strike zone. Cut bait and chunks work well soaked on the bottom for scent feeders, paired with a circle hook to keep releases healthy. Fresh bait almost always outfishes old bait, so keep it cold, lively, and clean. Match the bait to what the fish are already eating in the area and downsize when bites are shy.
Quick picks
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FAQ
Should I fish lures or bait?
Use lures to cover water and target active fish, and switch to fresh bait when the bite slows or fish are finicky. Many anglers carry both and let the fish decide.
What is the most versatile lure to start with?
A soft plastic on a jig head is hard to beat. It imitates common forage, works at many depths, and catches a wide range of inshore and nearshore species.
Does bait color and size really matter?
Yes. Matching the size and color of your offering to the forage the fish are eating, sometimes called matching the hatch, often increases bites, especially in clear water or under pressure.