Are you ready to take your Lure game to the next level? 

Well, get ready because I'm about to share some valuable tips and tricks to boost your lure game. 

As a self proclaimed experienced angler ( I'm really not, but it sounded good)  I've had some really memorable catches using lures. 

I've broken down a few of the main points below to help get you started, I hope this helps.

Understanding the Power of Artificial Lures

Why should you choose artificial lures over bait? 

You shouldn't, you should do what feels right to you but, let me tell you, lure fishing offers a whole lot of advantages that can make a significant difference in your fishing.

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to lures. With a wide range of lure types and styles available, you have endless options to experiment with. From topwater lures that create exciting surface strikes to jigs and soft plastic baits that mimic the movements of natural prey, there's a lure for every situation.

One of the key benefits of artificial lures is their durability. Unlike live bait, which can be delicate and easily compromised by the harsh saltwater environment, artificial lures like the Fishus Espetit are built to withstand the elements. Whether you're battling in the harbors, crashing waves or casting in rocky areas, your lures will hold up and keep attracting fish.

 Artificial lures are designed to imitate the appearance and movements of prey, effectively fooling fish (there's also a little hope) into thinking it's a tasty meal. The realistic colours, shapes, and actions of lures are irresistible to many saltwater species. It's like offering them a buffet of temptation that they simply can't resist.

 Lure Types and Techniques

Topwater Lures: 

• When it comes to creating heart-pounding strikes, topwater lures are the way to go, they mimic wounded baitfish and can entice predators into biting. There's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of watching a fish explode on the surface. 

• Poppers, with their popping and splashing action, can draw aggressive strikes from fish lurking below. One that comes to mind is Ubuntu,  Fishus lures have hit the nail on the head with this one.

When using topwater lures, make sure that you focus on a rhythmic and enticing retrieve to trigger strikes and never neglect the pause.  A lot of times, after a nice run from the lure fish will strike when it stops so get that lure moving, stop it and hold on tight!

Our top picks: Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil, Fishus Espetit 70mm

Jigs and Soft Plastic Baits: 

• Jigs and soft plastic baits are the workhorses when it comes to lure fishing. They offer versatility and a lifelike presentation that can fool even the weariest fish. Paddle tail soft plastics imitate wounded baitfish and this is what they are after, if they can easily gobble one of these up rather exert massive amounts of energy swimming after one they will take the easy route every time. With soft plastic lures remember the biggest tail is not always the best. The bigger paddle tails can sometimes scare the fish off, try and replicate the bait fish that are in your area as close as you possibly can when fishing soft plastics. When retrieving soft plastics like the Fishus soft shads or the Fiiish Black Minnow slow down your retrieve and add a few twitches of the rod tip every now and then.
•  When rigging jigs and soft plastic baits, pay attention to weight selection to ensure the lure reaches the desired depth and matches the current conditions. Experiment with different retrieves, including hopping, dragging, and twitching, to find the technique that works best.

Our top picks: Fishus Espetit Soft Shad, Fishus Espetit Soft Jerk, Fiiish Black Minnow  

 Swimbaits or sub surface lures:

• True chameleons of lure fishing. With their realistic swimming action, they can entice strikes from a wide range of predators. These lures come in a variety of swimming depths and this is based on the length and shape of the bill (that little plastic bit on the nose), the long wide bills go deeper, have a look at the Yo-Zuri range, these are mainly used for the surf beaches and off of the boat or kayak. The  Paddle tails provide a steady swimming motion, while jerk shads offer an erratic darting action.
• TIP: To maximize success, match the size and color of the swimbait to the prey in the area. Retrieve them at varying speeds to mimic the natural movements of baitfish.

Our top picks: Fishus Espetit Shallow Runner, Oceans Legacy Tidalus Minnow,  Oceans Legacy Keeling

Selecting the Right Saltwater Lure

Choosing the right lure for the job is crucial to lure fishing. Consider two key factors: the target species and the water conditions.

•  Different fish species have unique feeding habits and preferences. Pike might be enticed by a larger subsurface soft plastic bait, while Bass might go crazy for a top water lure, both of these species though, will go for either. It's about researching the prey species commonly found in your fishing area and try to match the lure to their characteristics. TIP: Observe the local baitfish and imitate their size, colour, and action to increase your chances.
• Water clarity, depth, water temperature, and tidal movement all influence fish behaviour and feeding patterns. Clear water may require more natural-looking lures, while murky water calls for lures with high visibility and vibration. Make sure to adjust your lure choice and presentation based on the prevailing conditions. For example, during outgoing tides, fish often position themselves near structure or ambush points, so choose lures that can effectively target those areas and don't be afraid to change your lures to find what they are attracted to.

Tips and Techniques for Successful Lure Fishing

Practicing your cast and being able to do it accurately and efficiently can significantly improve your chances of hooking into fish. Every rod will cast a lure differently, if you have multiple rods for different applications like I do, Practice your casting skills with each lure while aiming for precision and distance.  When retrieving, experiment with different techniques such as a steady retrieve, twitching, or pauses to mimic the behaviour of injured prey. Sometimes, adding a sudden burst of speed or an unexpected pause can trigger a strike from a hesitant fish.

The key to consistent success in saltwater fishing is adaptability. Don't be afraid to change your lure selection or presentation when conditions shift. Pay attention to weather patterns, tide changes, and time of day to make informed decisions. If the fish aren't biting, try different lures, retrieve speeds, or locations. Remember, the more you adapt and learn from your surroundings, the better angler you'll become.

Maintenance and Care for Artificial Lures

After a successful day on the water, it's important to properly clean and store your lures to ensure their longevity.

Cleaning your lures after saltwater use is essential. Rinse them thoroughly with freshwater to remove any salt or debris that could cause damage or corrosion. Getting a lure box like the Yuki or scratch tackle double sided lure boxes are perfect. They come with drainage holes in them already, you don't even have to take them out of the box to rinse them. After every trip now I will fill up the kitchen sink with lukewarm water and immerse the boxes until they sit beneath the surface. Leave them sit for a while then shake all the water out, done deal if you're in a hurry. Moisture trapped in the tackle box can lead to rust and deterioration, so make sure your lures are completely dry before storing them away, so if you're not going out the next day I would recommend cleaning your lures out of the box. You can also add a coating of WD40 to protect from corrosion.

Taking care of your lures ensures they'll be ready for action the next time you hit the water.

Conclusion

Hopefully you feel that you're better equipped with the knowledge and techniques to boost your lure game. By choosing lures wisely, understanding the habits of your target species, and adapting to changing conditions, you'll increase your chances of landing that Lunker.

Remember, success in lure fishing comes with practice and experimentation. So, get out there, explore different lure types, fine-tune your techniques, and create some awesome memories! Tight lines and happy fishing!