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Written by
Larry Stark, Founder / Main Editor
Professional fisherman, who loves to review new fishing gadgets.
All waters bring some excitement when fishing, but sea fishing is something different. For us, it’s the salt that elevates the fishing lures or the fish’s aggression that makes angling under these conditions remarkable. No matter what gets your energy flowing, your tackle box must be packed with artificial baits for various fish.
To find the best lures on the market, we explored and tested various baits, from topwater lures to bucktail jigs. Read along and find the best surf fishing lures that made the cut.
Comparison Table - The Best Surf Fishing Lures
Editor's choice
LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow
- Realistic swimming pattern
- Sustainable material for salt waters
- Excellent jerking performance against water
Most Popular
RUNCL
- Extremely durable product
- Great success attracting fish
- Wide choice of colors (20 in total)
Best Value
Dr.Fish
- Durable and saltwater-resistant materials
- Perfect for bushy and rocky areas
- Glow in the dark strand (in the tail)
Table of Contents
Top 11 Surf Fishing Lures in 2023
1. LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 – Editor’s choice
2. RUNCL – Most Popular Surf Fishing Lure
3. Dr.Fish – Best Valued Surf Fishing Lure
4. LAST CAST TACKLE 2-8oz Chrome Hammered Hex – Best Surf Fishing Diamond Jig
5. Tsunami Talkin Popper – Best Floating Surf Fishing Lure
6. Got-cha – Best Plug Lure for Surf Fishing
7. MirrOLure – Best Suspending Twitchbait Lure for Surf Fishing
8. Berkley GULP! Alive! – Best Sandworms For Realistic Experience
9. LiveTarget Fleeing Shrimp – Best Soft Plastic for Surf Fishing
10. Sea Striker Surf – Best Spoon Lure for Surf Fishing
11. LUCKY CRAFT SW – Best Surf Pointer
Our Reviews of the Best Surf Fishing Lures for a Successful Anglers
#1 Editor's choice - LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Lucky Craft flash minnow lure has an extraordinary diving ability. That said, it gets low to a point just above the bottom, perfect for sea predators hiding in the sand. Moreover, the body of this lure is designed for a wobbling swimming pattern that gives off the “just passing through vibe.”
- Color: Metallic Sardine, Zebra Sardine, Sexy Smelt, Pearl White, Salty Aurora Black, and many others (27 colors in total)
- Size: 4-1/2 inches, 5/8 oz
- Length: 5/8 oz
- Weight: 0.02 pounds
- Depth: 1-2 feet
- Material: Plastic
- Hook Size: VMC #6/#6/#6
Pros
- Realistic swimming pattern
- Sustainable material for salt waters
- Excellent jerking performance against water
- Versatile lure
Cons
- The casting distance might be difficult to tackle at first
- The paint of the head may chip off at an early start
- Difficult to navigate lure for less experienced anglers
BUYING ADVICE: Those looking for a versatile deep-water fishing lure with an alluring swimming pattern must get the Lucky Craft flash minnow 110 lure. To witness the realistic minnow appearance on the spot, we tried it for in-shore fishing, and the surf perch, striper bass, and halibut loved it.
The silvery skin color works excellently against the light, and the cast is perfect — it can withstand the surf just fine. However, casting distance might be challenging at times. For an effortless overcome, use a spinning rod and a good reel.
FEATURES: The lures’ design is above realistic, and the sardine spotted colors work like a spell on any saltwater fish species. On the plus side, the tail of this surf fishing lure is designed to produce a wobbly pattern that creates specific vibes leaving no predator calm.
Anglers can also use it as jerk bait since it knifes the water precisely enough to tempt other predators to take the bite. At the same time, the three #6 size hooks are ready to snatch any fish out of the water.
#2 Most Popular - RUNCL
WHY WE LIKE IT: The RUNCL paddle tail swimbaits are irresistible even to the most uninterested, lethargic fish. The secret to this effect lies in its material and design. This particular bait contains natural oils transmitted from live bait, so attracting a predator is easy for this little guy. And since it can swing a paddle tail and mimic a swimming action like no other – this bait is a keeper.
- Colors: Black Blue, Black Gold, Black Silver, Brown Magic, White Pearl, Orange Candy, Chartreuse Jelly, Red Candy, Dark Chartreuse, Green Bean, Dark Pumpkin, Shadow Gold, etc.
- Material: Soft Plastics
- Length: 5″
- Size: 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″
Pros
- Extremely durable product
- Great success attracting fish
- Wide choice of colors (20 in total)
- Lifelike swimming pattern
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Some anglers report the durability of the tail to be oversold
- Might smell odd at first
BUYING ADVICE: The ribbed body design and the soft paddle tail cause vibration and solid thump, which are a ‘come and eat me’ invitation for different predators. Moreover, we tried this plastic lure in salty and fresh waters and got identical results. Along the way, we discovered their versatility and how well they go with a drop-shot rig, texas, or the good old jig head rig.
You can use any of these styles to catch fish like bass, pike, bigger perch, etc. For more similar products, check out our article on the best swimbaits for bass.
FEATURES: The RUNCL’s paddle tail is made of a material and ribbed design that’s attractive and palatable for sea and freshwater fish. Its tail is flat, which creates heavy thuds and vibrations when moving, appealing to all predators ready to bite. Ultimately, it comes in 20 colors, that match any underwater fishing conditions and structure. Plus, choose between 4 different sizes and use their practicality for successful fishing.
#3 Best Value - Dr.Fish
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Dr. Fish’s bucktail jig is a high-quality, versatile lure. It represents a lifelike bait imitation with 3D eyes and a holographic body made of durable material. It’ll amaze you with the motion abilities that quickly sets it apart from other cheap thrills. Moreover, this lure has something extra for the anglers fishing at night — a glowing strand-tail.
- Material: Lead and Synthetic
- Colors: Luminous, Red and White, Chartreuse, White/Green/Yellow/Silver, White/White and Black/Blue and Pink, etc. (10 different packs with assorted colors)
- Size: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz
- Length: 2″
Pros
- Durable and saltwater-resistant materials
- Perfect for bushy and rocky areas
- Glow in the dark strand (in the tail)
- Excellent hooks quality
Cons
- The hooks may be too big for some saltwater species and cause severe injury
- Not suitable for catching fluke
- The hooks need changing after several casts
BUYING ADVICE: Though these jigs come in multiple colors, we suggest you go for the white ones. This particular color works excellent when you do bucktail bottom fishing since predators can quickly notice it and strike an attack.
We cast this jig head in waters with various underwater structures: rocky, bushy, and heavy vegetation, to test its durability/practicality. It didn’t get stuck, tangled, or lost during the test, which is great news for many anglers.
FEATURES: These hand-tied bucktail jigs make the best lure for any water condition. You have ten packs of 3 color combinations that come in various jig head sizes and hooks. And they’re equipped with a hook that’s huge enough to pull any giant predator hiding in the bottom. Or predators swimming around like the bass, bluefish, flounder, striper, redfish, etc.
They’re also suitable for catching fish in the late hours because of the luminous strand attached to their tail.
#4 Best Diamond Jig - LAST CAST TACKLE 2-8oz Chrome Hammered Hex
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Last Cast Tackle diamond jig is one of the best jigs to explore underwater fish situations. In other words, take this lure surf fishing and cast out to see all the different species it’ll attract. Its modest, plain, flashy design is well-known to surf anglers and saltwater fish (bluefish, bass, tuna, etc.).
- Size: 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Material: Chrome
- Colors: Silver
- Corrosion-resistant
Pros
- The perfect weight for casting
- Suitable for different fish species
- Easy setup
- Great action performance
Cons
- The hooks might be too small for catching larger fish
- A jig that requires experience for better results
- The hooks were prone to rusting
BUYING ADVICE: This heavy steel diamond jig produces specular reflection, quickly attracting a predator’s attention. In fact, we went fishing from a boat and cast the silver-chromed to see it perform. And well, it casts well, the bait’s weight is just right, and the action doesn’t need any mention. We soon had a bunch of scup, sea robin, and sea bass on board. Pair it with a good surf fishing rod, and you’ll catch even more!
FEATURES: The hook’s design, quality, and setup, followed by a budget-friendly price, put this lure ahead of the competition. It’s simple, versatile, corrosion-resistant, and an effective surf fishing lure in various sizes. Moreover, it secures a sure catch like pike, speckled trout, tuna, bluefish, and other saltwater specie.
#5 Best Floating - Tsunami Talkin Popper
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Tsunami Talkin popper is all about setting the motion in the sea. No surprise since poppers makes one of the best topwater lures that act out the swimming of a wounded fish. And you know well enough that an injured baitfish works every time, especially for the big speckled trout.
- Colors: Bone
- Length: 6 inches
- Material: Hard plastic/Popper
- Weight: 0.14 pounds
Pros
- Solid sharp VMC cut-point treble hooks
- Mimics a wounded prey swimming pattern
- Excellent material quality
- A versatile lure for different species
Cons
- Not an adequate bait for inexperienced surf anglers
- The hooks may be too sharp for some fish
- Not the most suitable bait for freshwater fishing
BUYING ADVICE: A high-quality material popper with effective action that won’t let you go home empty-handed. We cast it out on the sea, and it managed to bend the rod tip more than just a few times. The cast was good and precise, and the weight of the popper has no problems withstanding the wind.
This is a bigger bait than most on the market, and since it has a bit more weight, once it hits the surface the fish know. Overall, this particular popper should always be part of your surf fishing gear. Check out our article for suggestions on the best surf rod and reel combo which would work excellently with this lure.
FEATURES: This product is made of sustainable plastic material, so saltwater or heavy weather conditions won’t affect its durability. Additionally, the 6″ body pencil design with a large open mouth, when put into the water against the surface, makes the most sophisticated swimming pattern of wounded prey.
#6 Best Plug - Got-cha
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Sea Striker Got-cha plug is simple yet productive and versatile – everything an angler could look for in a plug. The metal head gives its plastic body good swimming control, while its two hooks are always ready for action. So, this old-timer is a must-bring whether you’re pier fishing, inshore, or trolling.
- Colors: White/Yellow, White/Red, Yellow/Red, Gold/Yellow, Red/Chartreuse, etc. (4 different packs in assorted colors)
- Dimensions: 5.8 x 5 x 1.3 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 0.0625 pounds
Pros
- Very durable lure
- Works excellent for surf fishing and pier fishing
- Easy setup
- Strong sharp hooks
Cons
- The treble hook might get caught on the line
- The color of the head chips easily
- The hooks aren't ideal for smaller species
BUYING ADVICE: This is one of our favorites. Simply because you can’t use it wrongly or poorly, its versatility is outstanding: fish from the pier or at the beach in salt/freshwater. You can cast it, go for a fast-moving retrieve, and spice it up with swift jerking movements.
Go for Gold or Silver colored Got-cha if you want something that can last you longer. But, even with its chipped-off color, its darting movements and vibrations will attract the attention of mackerel, trout, cobia, etc.
FEATURES: This bait is considered one of the best surf fishing lures due to its movement and the hook’s alignment, which instantly grabs the hungry predator. And to top that off, it also comes with a price tag to most anglers liking. Since more packs offer different colors, we suggest you splurge and try them all.
#7 Best Suspending Twitchbait - MirrOLure
WHY WE LIKE IT: We like the MirrOlure suspending twitch bait because of its perfect weight and size for any pier or shore fishing action. The product is durable, has a very sturdy construction, and resembles a newer and tougher version of the Microdive bait. Its ability to act out a wounded fish works great if you’re after redfish, striped bass, or other big species.
- Colors: Black Bk/Silver/White, Green Bk/White/Silver
- Size: 2 5/8 inches 3/8 oz
- Weight: 0.02 pounds
- Target Species: Tuna, Salmon, Lingcod, Yellowtail, Rockfish, Kokanee
Pros
- Natural looking
- Top choice bait for sport fishing
- Easy to cast
- Perfect suspending twitch bait for surf fishing
Cons
- Poor hooks quality
- Pricey
- Requires prior knowledge for more effective fishing
BUYING ADVICE: This is a deadly underwater weapon for saltwater predators immune to action and lifelike minnow presentation. Those using the twitching technique would enjoy this bait to the fullest. Its weight lets it sink in the proper depth between the surface and the target zone. And for an enhanced fishing experience, we suggest you attach this bait to a surf fishing rod.
Those who’ve never practiced twitching techniques should learn them before going out on the surf.
FEATURES: This twitch bait is the complete package when surf fishing. It has super natural looks and dashingly colored red eyes, which makes the resemblance uncanny. Furthermore, the bait’s hooks are attached to the prey in the perfect spot that will either hook the fish by accident or when triggering a reaction.
It’s not the most beginner-friendly bait, but it isn’t something you can’t perfect with practice. Once you nail it, catching surf fish will be your favorite kind of fishing.
#8 Best Sandworms For Realistic Experience - Berkley GULP! Alive!
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Berkley GULP’s Alive! sandworms easily outperform real worms. If you’ve seen actual sandworms and the Berkley ones, trust us – there’s no difference. This product is excellent for catching fish like surf perch, corbina, or something bigger. Moreover, they require a simple, standard usage procedure as real worms do.
- Color: Camo
- Material: Blend
- Length: 1 inch
- Size: 6″ – pint 4 x 7
- Weight: 0.25 pounds
- Included: (Gulp! Alive!) Saltwater Sandworm Camo 6″|15 cm
Pros
- Durable artificial lures
- Smells and tastes like a live worm
- Works for all kinds of sea fish
- Versatile for jigging
Cons
- Some find the material of the body to be too soft
- A bit costly
- The sandworms may be a bit too thin
BUYING ADVICE: Live baits are always a good idea, but Berkley can get you sandworms anytime, anywhere. We tried these ourselves and found them so much more effective and time-saving. Live bait will lose a meat piece with each cast, and you’ll need to set it up repeatedly.
In comparison, these fake yet so realistic-looking worms stay intact. Just put them in the jar and keep them fresh throughout the seasons.
FEATURES: The Berkley worms are meant to taste like real sandworms and come in their natural sizes and colors. Moreover, the manufacturer has made sure to preserve them in a special liquid package to last you a long time. They work magnificently in different water conditions and with various techniques.
Berkley certainly took artificial lures to the next level and created plastic worms that taste and smell like the real deal.
#9 Best Soft Plastic - LiveTarget Fleeing Shrimp
WHY WE LIKE IT: The LiveTarget fleeing shrimp is hands down the best soft plastic lure ever produced. It looks like an actual fleeing baitfish (shrimp) when in water. And you’ll be even more amazed when you see its 3-dimensional body and the motion of its front legs.
For the complete image, it features glass rattle vibes that certainly get to any inshore predator fish. Ultimately, this is one of the best artificial shrimp lures to get spotted seatrout and other saltwater fish.
- Color: Pink, White Shrimp
- Material: Soft plastic
- Size: 1/4 oz
- Length: 3 1/2 inches, 2 3/4 inches
- Speed (when shrinking): 1′ per second
- Depth: Varying
Pros
- Glass beads that produce the sounds of a fleeing live shrimp
- Actual live shrimp scent
- Works with different fishing techniques
- Offers great action
Cons
- Overpriced
- Not recommended for grass and oyster reef areas
- The second shrimp replacement isn't pre-rigged
BUYING ADVICE: This soft bait has fish thinking — “Attack me. I can’t flee you.” It’s slow, barely noticeable, and has the perfect disguise — it’s a shrimp. The favorite menu to various predators: redfish, seatrout, (striped) bass, etc. We tested it when inshore fishing, and it dominated large fish with its swimming pattern and resemblance to a live fleeing shrimp.
A piece of advice: use the white shrimp color if you’re casting in clear waters.
FEATURES: LiveTarget created this soft artificial lure, shrimp with 3D anatomic features, to be eye-catching and of excellent service. The realistic silicone skirt has the right dimensions so that when soaked into the water, it can recreate the actual swimming pattern of a shrimp. Still, what puts fish into temptation is the shrimp scent that lures them into the perfect trap.
#10 Best Spoon - Sea Striker Surf
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Sea Surf Striker spoon is the essential “tool” in the tackle boxes of surf fishing anglers. A quality made bait equipped with a rigid, sharp hook, made for salt and freshwater fishing. And don’t be fooled by its snap swivel — they might look tiny, but their strength can handle any fish.
- Color: Silver, Gold
- Size: 1/2 ounce, 3/4 ounce
- Fishing Style: Snap
- Target Species: Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Bass
Pros
- Easy setup
- Suitable for surf anglers of all levels
- A durable lure
- It covers long distances
Cons
- The weedless spoon isn't of great quality
- A spoon that needs a bit more practice before casting
- The hooks are too small for catching certain species
BUYING ADVICE: As surf fishermen by now, we’ve never caught more fish like striped bass, Spanish mackerel, or trout as we did with this spoon lure. Visuals easily provoke the mentioned fish; therefore, shiny and glittery prey like the Sea Striker swimming carelessly was a bull’s eye.
For mesmerizing fish like the flounder, we suggest casting it and letting it hit bottom. Let it sit briefly, and start slow-mow reeling for some action. If Spanish mackerel is your type, cast a line and keep a steady mid-fast reel – fast enough to lure it in.
FEATURES: This product works exceptionally well in all fishing environments without losing quality. And the holographic stripes enable night fishing anglers’ utmost delight. Another feature worth mentioning is the casting distance that reaches far enough to deliver a nice catch on shore or the boat.
#11 Best Surf Pointer - LUCKY CRAFT SW
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Lucky Craft SW is one of the best surf pointers money can buy. You can make the most of its natural swimming trail and target any specie while surf fishing. It offers excellent casting distance, and the swimming pattern on the retrieve motion works exceptionally smoothly.
- Color: 714 Metallic Sardine
- Length: 4-1/2 inches
- Weight: 0.047 pounds
- Hooks size: VMC #6/#6/#6
- Type: Sinking
- Maximum Diving Depth: 5 feet
Pros
- Excellent cast performance and action
- Suitable for slow and steady retrieve
- Leaves impactful swimming trail
- It works perfectly for multiple predators
Cons
- Feeding fish may scratch or leave teeth marks on the bait after the attack
- The baits' wobbling isn't always at an A-game level
- The painting can crush
BUYING ADVICE: If you’re to hit some California surf, our best advice is to tie this bait straight to the end piece of the line. As long as you’re using a 10 or 20-lb monofilament line, you’ll have no problems at all. But, with a 20lb braid, you’ll need to tie a 20lb fluorocarbon leader and attach it to the bait.
FEATURES: This product surpasses most of the competition with its size and weight, allowing excellent casting distance and motion. The swimming pattern it creates is catchy and impulsive, which drives predators like the corbina, halibut, trout, or panfish crazy.
Benefits of utilizing lures in beach fishing
Less expensive
Instead of getting live baits that endure one day the most, you can find excellent quality live artificial surf lures. For instance, the Berkley Gulp! Sandworms, Lucky Craft flash minnows, or the LiveTarget fleeing shrimp.
Some of the mentioned products cost a little more. However, you can use some for several years in a row – saving more than just a few bucks.
Long-lasting
Lures are long-lasting baits and are usually made of soft plastics or other materials that improve quality and durability. For example, anglers face day-to-day situations where predators go aggressively straight for the soft lure. However, the lure retains its quality and suffers vague discoloration – nothing you can’t go without. Live baits don’t have a second chance because they end up being eaten by the fish.
Easiest to use
With live baits, you don’t need anything else except for the bait you’ve got (take your pick from the ones on our list). Take a solid surfing rod with a nice reel, and attach the bait to the end of your line – now cast and enjoy the rod tip bending.
Very effective method in clear water
Usually, anglers struggle to catch fish in clear water using other lures different from live baits. The challenge comes merely from the difficulty of tempting the fish to bite these lures due to their easy-to-spot transparency. However, realistic-looking lures, wobbly tail movement, and natural prey colors make the perfect bait for clear-water fishing.
Less messy
Instead of spending the perfect beach fishing day casting and catching, you’ll spend it cleaning the baits and then repeatedly attaching them to the hook.
With lures, it’s different. Even if the fish attacks the lure, it will only leave a scratch or lose its color. And the best part about them is that they smell, move, and look like natural live baits. There are scent worms, crawfish, shrimps, and other soft lures to use (choose according to your personal preference). The result will be more action and less mess to clean up after.
No live bait needed
Live baits (larvae, worms, live/dead shrimp, etc.) are more effective while surf fishing because of the natural scent that attracts big fish. However, despite the live bait’s raw smell, feeding fish isn’t attracted only by the scent. There are other factors in the game, too, like vibration, movements, swimming patterns, rattle sounds/noise, red spots (suggesting vulnerability), etc.
Frequently asked questions
Ideally, you’ll need a weighted lure that’s 2-6 ounces if the tide is low. Avoid a 6+ oz lure because the rod may crack or break. Whereas when surf fishing during a high tide, bring along weight lures of 1-4 ounces.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all lure for surf fishing. Although, you won’t go wrong if you pack 1 to 2 1/2 ounces of lures in your tackle boxes.
The simplest method requires a 3-way swivel tied to the main line with a clinch knot. When faced to the bottom, tie a stretch of monofilament (1-3 feet ideally) to serve as a main line. Afterward, take the end of the lead line, and tie a sinker to it. At last, connect the leader line and hook on the swivel ring.