With summer is just a few months away, many anglers are wondering which lures work best for inshore fishing. Spoons, for example, are great for representing an injured baitfish and making lots of vibrations, swim-baits mimic a fish movement really well and have a softer, more natural feel. Topwater lures mimic fish swimming near the surface and usually get fish to strike harder and faster, and finally jerk/twitch baits have tons of rattle and vibration to get the fish to strike quick and usually have treble hooks so the catch doesn’t get away. 

Inshore lures vary greatly in size, color and feel, but they all have one thing in common: they catch fish. Sometimes on a flat, sunny day you’re going to want to throw on a spoon such as the “Johnson Sprite” since its vibrating, flashing body will catch those giants. But on a rough, rainy day, that spoon isn’t going to be the best. In that situation you should probably throw on a bright-colored paddle tail like the D.O.A Green Paddle-tail with a generic half-ounce jig head. If the spoon isn’t getting it done, you want to throw on a twitchbait, such as the “Rapala X-Rap Saltwater. Its flashy glittery look and tight wobble is sure to attract attention.

If you’re throwing by docks, maybe you’re going to want to throw a topwater lure to catch snook or redfish. The “MirrOlure MirrOdine” is a good choice because its compact size looks like a tasty treat to those big inshore game fish. Unfortunately, many anglers don’t know which lures to use but many tackle shops such as “Man Overboard Bait and Tackle” are more than willing to help.

“It’s really going to depend on where you’re fishing whether it be in the river for trout or at the inlet for some snook,” shop owner Al Lorraine said. “We typically find that a “Z-MAN paddle tail” with a “Trout Eye” jig head catches pretty much anything.”,

Paddle Tails are very affordable too. A pack of five will usually run around $5 and when you compare those to live-bait prices, the paddle tails are a much better choice. Though paddle tails are a top choice for many anglers, some like a simple spoon.

“I personally prefer to use spoons, especially in salt water, because they are durable and also are able to catch the attention of the fish since they reflect sunlight,” Faith C0llins (9) said. “Just make sure whatever you pack, you have the right gear for what type of fish you want to catch.” 

Spoons are great and easy to use. All you have to do is reel it in and wait for that big fish to bite. Spoons aren’t always going to work though.

By Josh Dexter