Top 10 Saltwater Lures Every Angler Should Own

Saltwater fishing demands gear that can handle powerful fish, harsh conditions, and changing water behavior. Whether you're chasing halibut, bass, calico, or tuna, the right lure can make all the difference. Here are the top 10 saltwater lures every angler should always carry in their tackle box.

1. Swimbaits

Swimbaits continue to dominate inshore and offshore fishing because of their natural action. They mimic real baitfish perfectly and trigger aggressive strikes from predators.

2. Metal Jigs

Metal jigs drop fast, shine bright, and work incredibly well for bottom fish and pelagic species. Vertical jigging near structure almost guarantees action.

3. Topwater Poppers

When fish are feeding on the surface, nothing beats a popper. The explosive topwater blow-ups make them a favorite among saltwater anglers.

4. Soft Plastic Grubs

Simple but deadly. Soft plastics on jigheads produce consistent results for halibut, rockfish, and sea bass.

5. Jerkbaits (Lucky Craft vs. Calissa category)

Suspending jerkbaits are amazing for targeting aggressive predators. Their darting side-to-side motion triggers reaction bites even when fish aren’t hungry.

6. Spoons

Classic spoons flash and wobble, replicating a wounded baitfish. They cast far and work well in windy conditions.

7. Bucktail Jigs

These versatile jigs catch everything from stripers to snapper. Excellent for bouncing along the bottom.

8. Shrimp Imitation Lures

In inshore waters, nothing beats shrimp. Every species will strike a well-presented shrimp lure.

9. Deep-Diving Crankbaits

Perfect for reaching fish holding deeper in the water column.

10. Stickbaits

These slim, long lures excel in clear water and are deadly for fast-moving predators.

Final Tip

Always carry a mix of sizes, colors, and styles. Changing your lure often increases your chances of finding exactly what the fish want.