Best Surf Fishing Lures

If you’re a fan of surf fishing, you know that having the right lure can make all the difference in your catch. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. Our guide breaks down the top surf fishing lures for different types of fish, so you can increase your chances of success on your next fishing trip.

Understanding the Different Types of Surf Fish

Before you can choose the best surf fishing lure for your needs, it’s important to understand the different types of fish you may encounter when fishing in the surf. Some common species include striped bass, bluefish, flounder, redfish, and pompano.

Each of these fish has different feeding habits and preferences, so choosing the right surf fishing bait setup can make all the difference in your catch.

Choosing the Right Lure for the Right Fish

When it comes to surf fishing, choosing the right surf fishing lure for the right fish is essential. Different fish species have different feeding habits and preferences, so it’s important to choose a lure that mimics their natural prey.

For example, striped bass are known to feed on baitfish like herring and menhaden, so using a surf fishing artificial bait that imitates these types of fish can be effective. On the other hand, flounder are bottom feeders and may be more attracted to a lure that mimics a crab or shrimp.

Do your research on the fish species you’re targeting and choose surf fishing artificial lures that matches their feeding habits for the best chance at a successful catch.

Top Lures for Striped Bass

Striped bass are a popular target for surf fishermen, and for good reason. They are strong fighters and can grow to impressive sizes.

When it comes to striped bass lures for surf fishing, there are a few tried-and-true options that are known to be effective for striped bass. One popular choice is the bucktail jig, which mimics the movement of a baitfish.

Another really good option is the swimbait, which can be rigged weedless and bounced along the bottom to imitate a wounded baitfish. Topwater lures like poppers and spooks can also be effective for striped bass, especially during low light conditions.

Top Bluefish Lures

Bluefish are known for their aggressive strikes and hard fighting, making them a popular target for surf fishermen. One of the best surf fishing lures for bluefish is the metal spoon, which can be cast far and retrieved quickly to mimic a fleeing baitfish.

Another effective option is the topwater popper, which can trigger explosive strikes from hungry bluefish. Soft plastic baits like swimbaits and jerkbaits can also be effective when rigged with a weighted hook and bounced along the bottom.

Bait For Catching Flounder

Flounder are bottom-dwelling fish that can be caught using a variety of lures. One of the most popular lures for flounder is the bucktail jig, which can be tipped with a strip of squid or a small piece of bait to entice bites.

Another proven option when surf fishing for flounder is the soft plastic shrimp imitation, which can be rigged on a jighead and bounced along the bottom. Flounder can also be caught using live bait like minnows or small crabs, fished on a Carolina rig or a bottom rig.