If you’re looking for the best surf fishing lures, look no further.
I’ve got the top lures for you to try, based on my years of experience fishing in the surf along the east coast, I feel confident that these surf fishing lures will help you CATCH MORE FISH.
Below is a glance at our picks for the best surf fishing lures. For detailed reviews, keep reading.
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This spoon is my go-to surf casting lure and has caught many species. Easy to cast and long-lasting, these lures are a must for surf fishing. | This diamond jig is a gem. Diamond jigs have long been a staple for surf fishing, and this one, in particular, has worked out tremendously for me. | These soft plastics are best fished on a jig head but can also be Texas rigged if you target bigger fish such as a red drum. | The best part about these worms is that they are stored in a Gulp Alive! The jar keeps them fresh and “alive” for extended periods. | This lure will suspend itself in the water down to 24″ and provides excellent action to attract redfish, speckled trout, snook, and many other fish species you will find in the surf. | This is one of the best topwater lures for surf fishing, and it never fails to deliver. | The Lucky Craft SW Surf Pointer 78 is a tremendous all-around surf fishing lure. This lure can target just about anything that swims in the surf. | This is a classic surf fishing lure, and for a good reason. The Sea Striker Gotcha Plug has been around for many years and continues to produce results. | I am not one to ever fish with live Shrimp for reasons I won’t get into now, but these artificial Shirmp jigs are different. They have all of the benefits of live Shrimp without the drawbacks. | The bucktail jig is a versatile lure that every surf angler should have in their arsenal. | I have caught many Tarpon on this lure on the beaches in Florida. It is versatile and can be fished in a variety of ways. |
$7.37 | $33.95 | $8.25 | $19.99 | $9.99 | $11.99 | $17.99 | N/A | $10.45 | N/A | |
This spoon is my go-to surf casting lure and has caught many species. Easy to cast and long-lasting, these lures are a must for surf fishing.
This diamond jig is a gem. Diamond jigs have long been a staple for surf fishing, and this one, in particular, has worked out tremendously for me.
These soft plastics are best fished on a jig head but can also be Texas rigged if you target bigger fish such as a red drum.
The best part about these worms is that they are stored in a Gulp Alive! The jar keeps them fresh and “alive” for extended periods.
This lure will suspend itself in the water down to 24″ and provides excellent action to attract redfish, speckled trout, snook, and many other fish species you will find in the surf.
This is one of the best topwater lures for surf fishing, and it never fails to deliver.
The Lucky Craft SW Surf Pointer 78 is a tremendous all-around surf fishing lure. This lure can target just about anything that swims in the surf.
This is a classic surf fishing lure, and for a good reason. The Sea Striker Gotcha Plug has been around for many years and continues to produce results.
I am not one to ever fish with live Shrimp for reasons I won’t get into now, but these artificial Shirmp jigs are different. They have all of the benefits of live Shrimp without the drawbacks.
The bucktail jig is a versatile lure that every surf angler should have in their arsenal.
I have caught many Tarpon on this lure on the beaches in Florida. It is versatile and can be fished in a variety of ways.
12 Best Surf Fishing Lures
Sea Striker Surf Spoon
This spoon is my go-to surf casting lure and has caught many species, including Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, croaker, speckled trout, whiting, and black drum. Easy to cast and long-lasting, these lures are a must for surf fishing.
The weight of this spoon is easy to cast, so you need to worry about casting in high winds.
The holographic colors are very bright and easily seen in the water, even murky water. I have caught much fish with this lure at night as well.
One of the main reasons I love this spoon is that it can be used in different ways to target other fish.
You can cast it out, let it sink to the bottom, and then reel it slowly for bottom-dwelling fish such as black drum and Flounder.
Or, you can cast it out and reel it at a moderate pace to target pelagic fish such as Spanish Mackerel and bluefish.
Dr.Fish 5 Pack Metal Surf Fishing Spoons
More spoons. These spoons have the added effect of feathered tails, giving them even more of an attractive look to fish as they travel through the water.
These lures come in various weights, so trying different weights during different conditions is a great way to see what is working that day.
I am a big fan of spoons for surf fishing lures, and these are an excellent choice for quickly filling up your tackle box because they come in a pack of 5.
I opt for the 1 oz spoon for most situations, but it is good to have a variety to test out. These spoons have lasted me a few seasons, so they are certainly worth the small investment so far.
From bluefish to whiting, these are some of the best surf fishing lures for surf anglers on either side of the country.
Diamond Jigs
This diamond jig is a gem. Diamond jigs have long been a staple for surf fishing, and this one, in particular, has worked out tremendously for me.
These come in a pack of 6, so just like the spoons above, these lures are great to help fill up your tackle box and quickly be ready for a day of surf fishing.
These diamond jigs provide more action than others I have used and are more durable than the competition. The hooks have not rusted after a couple of seasons, so the quality seems to be there.
I have used this diamond jig to target everything from pompano to red drum, and they have never let me down. The 1 oz size is my favorite, but trying different sizes is a great way to figure out what the fish are biting on that day.
ZMan 3″ MinnowZ
This soft plastic lure has produced time and time again for me in the surf. The ZMan MinnowZ comes in various colors, but I have had the best success with the “Blue Glimmer.”
These soft plastics are best fished on a jig head but can also be Texas rigged if you target bigger fish such as a red drum.
I have caught Flounder, trout, whiting, and pompano on these lures, one of my go-to’s when I am surf fishing.
The best part about these lures is that they last a long time. I’ve had the same few for over a year now, and they are still going strong.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, but I recommend starting with the “Blue Glimmer” if you’re unsure what to get.
Berkley GULP Alive! Sandworms
I love these Sandworms and the pack that they come in from Berkley. I was surprised at how well they caught fish when I first started using these worms in the surf.
I have counted many Flounder using these worms and redfish and whiting. I am sure these worms will catch perch like crazy too, but when I’ve used them, that’s not what was biting.
The best part about these worms is that they are stored in a Gulp Alive! The jar keeps them fresh and “alive” for extended periods.
This is great because it means I don’t have to go out and buy new worms whenever I want to go fishing.
I recommend giving these a try the next time you hit the surf as they flat-out catch fish.
Mirrolure Suspended Twitch Bait
The suspending action this surf fishing lure provides is unmatched. This lure is best to deploy during calming conditions in the surf.
This lure will suspend itself in the water down to 24″ and provides excellent action to attract redfish, speckled trout, snook, and many other fish species you will find in the surf.
The twitch bait lure from Mirrolure is not only one of the best surf fishing lures, but you can also have great success in the flats, making this one of the more versatile lures on this list for saltwater fishing.
There is undoubtedly a learning curve for this lure, so I recommend watching videos like the one below to understand how to use twitch baits and some of the things you want to avoid.
Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater Lures
This is one of the best topwater lures for surf fishing, and it never fails to deliver.
This lure is best used during calm conditions but can still provide great action even when the surf is a little choppy. You want to avoid using this lure when there are big waves, as it will get knocked around and be less effective.
The Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper is great for targeting species such as snook, redfish, speckled trout, and Tarpon.
I have used this lure for years with great success, and it is one of my go-to lures when surf fishing.
Lucky Craft SW Surf Pointer
The Lucky Craft SW Surf Pointer 78 is a tremendous all-around surf fishing lure. This lure can target just about anything that swims in the surf.
I especially like this lure for targeting Flounder because this sinking lure provides a diving depth between 2.5 and 5 feet. This is an excellent depth to target Flounder or Halibut (for you west coasters) holding tight to the bottom.
This lure also comes in handy when there is kelp or seagrass in the surf because the sinking design helps this lure avoid getting tangled.
The slow-floating nature of this lure also makes it a good choice for fishing near submerged sand bars or drop-offs.
The holographic colors are also beautiful to fish and help this lure stand out in murky water.
Sea Striker Gotcha Plug
This is a classic surf fishing lure, and for a good reason. The Sea Striker Gotcha Plug has been around for many years and continues to produce results.
I have caught Spanish Mackerel, bluefish, pompano, whiting, and trout on this lure. It is a versatile saltwater fishing lure that can be fished in various ways.
I cast it out, let it sink to the bottom for a few seconds, and then start a slow retrieve. This seems to work best for me but feel free to experiment with different techniques.
These lures come in many colors, but I have had the best success with the “Gold” color. These lures are well made and last longer, so they are worth the investment.
Plus, a three-pack is available for you to get a couple of backups and try the other color options to see what works for you.
Live Target Fleeing Shrimp
I always recommend using baits that fish are accustomed to seeing in their natural habitat when fishing with live bait.
Well, you have the opportunity to use the Soft Plastic Shrimp jigs to do just that. These artificial Shrimp sink well in the surf and are a familiar sight for any saltwater species.
I am not one to ever fish with live Shrimp for reasons I won’t get into now, but these artificial Shirmp jigs are different. They have all of the benefits of live Shrimp without the drawbacks.
I have used these to target Seatrout, Redfish, Snapper, and Sheepshead with great success. The best part is that they are durable and can be reused frequently.
Bucktail Jigs
The bucktail jig is a versatile lure that every surf angler should have in their arsenal.
I like to use these 2-ounce bucktail jigs when the surf is a little choppier because they are heavier and sink faster than some of the other lures on this list.
This lure can target just about anything that swims in the saltwater.
The best part about these lures is that they can be fished in various ways. I have caught fish using a slow, fast, and even just letting it sit on the bottom.
I have also caught many fish using these jigs during pier fishing so that you can get more out of these lures than just surf fishing.
DOA Baitbuster
This is another excellent all-around surf fishing lure. The DOA Baitbuster can be used to target just about anything that swims in the surf.
I have caught many Tarpon on this lure on the beaches in Florida. It is versatile and can be fished in a variety of ways.
I prefer to fish this lure using a slow and steady retrieve.
These lures are well made and last longer, so they are worth the investment.
Using Lures For Surf Fishing
Using lures for surf fishing is advantageous for many reasons. Lures have many advantages to using live bait while surf fishing, including. Regarding which one is better, I’d have to say live bait is the way to go, but if you are looking for a more convenient and long-term solution, surf fishing lures are a great route.
Advantages of using lures for surf fishing:
- Less expensive – Chances are you will have to bait your hook many times while using live bait, so using lures for surf fishing will help keep the costs down.
- Longer lasting – Although it is obvious, it’s worth mentioning that lures can be used for years while live bait is only used a couple of times. You won’t have to make a trip to your local bait shop each time you go surf fishing.
- Less Complicated – Using lures for surf fishing means you don’t have to buy additional rigs or any other terminal tackle. Just tie one of the surf fishing lures mentioned above to your fishing line or leader.
FAQ’s
When it comes to surf fishing, folks have many questions before they get started. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions related to surf fishing lures
Are spoons suitable for surf fishing?
As you can tell from my picks for the best surf fishing lures, spoons are, in my opinion, the best lures for surf fishing.
Spoons have many advantages over other lures. They are inexpensive, last a long time, and are very effective at catching fish.
What is the best size spoon for surf casting?
The best size spoon for surf fishing depends on your fishing conditions. If the waves are large, I recommend using a larger spoon. You can get away with using a smaller spoon if the waves are small.
What is the best color for a spoon for surf fishing?
The best color for a spoon depends on the water conditions. In clear water, I recommend using a silver spoon. In murky water, I recommend using a gold spoon.
How do you fish with a spoon on the beach?
Fishing with a spoon on the beach is pretty simple. Just cast your spoon into the surf and let it sink to the bottom. Then, retrieve your spoon using a slow, steady motion.
Is live-bait better than artificial lures for surf fishing?
This is a difficult question to answer. I have caught fish using both live bait and artificial lures. In my opinion, it all comes down to personal preference. Some anglers prefer using live bait because it is more natural, and if you catch it yourself, it can be less expensive. Other anglers prefer using artificial lures because it is less expensive than buying bait and more convenient.
Conclusion
Fishing in the surf is how I started and is an easy way for anyone along the coast to become familiar with the basics of fishing and have a good time. The best baits, rigs, and techniques will vary depending on the fish you’re targeting, but this guide covers surf fishing lures for general fish species along most of the coast.
The best surf fishing lures are, in my opinion, spoons.
That said, the other lures on the list are also practical and offer different techniques for fishing in the surf.
I hope this article has helped you learn about the best lures for surf fishing and given you the information you need to get started.
Tight lines!
For more guidance on choosing surf fishing gear, check out the pages below:
