Best Fishing Lures in Australia: Expert Picks for 2024
The top fishing lures in Australia for 2024 have been expertly selected based on their effectiveness in attracting a wide variety of fish species in the diverse Australian waters.
Fishing lures are essential tools for anglers, designed to attract fish by imitating their prey. These clever devices play a crucial role in increasing your chances of catching fish. This year, we're excited to showcase the best fishing lures Australia has to offer, carefully selected for 2024 by the renowned angler Tony Eleter.
As fish come in different species, sizes, and behaviors, it's important to have a diverse collection of lures at your disposal. Whether you're fishing along the sparkling shores or in the busy estuaries, choosing the right lure requires skill and understanding of the specific conditions in Australian waters.
If you're interested in upgrading your fishing gear, don't forget to check out The Top 8 Fishing Rods in Australia for 2024 as well. This comprehensive guide offers insights into Australia's top 8 fishing rods for 2024, tailored to diverse fishing styles. From rugged coastlines to serene riverbanks, find the perfect rod for your angling adventures.
The Different Types of Fishing Lures
When it comes to fishing success, the choice of lure can be pivotal. Anglers have a diverse arsenal of lures to pick from, each designed for specific scenarios and fish species. Understanding the various categories and their distinct characteristics is essential for choosing the right tool to reel in that prized catch.
1. Surface Lures
Ideal for topwater fishing, these lures are crafted to mimic injured prey skimming the water's surface. Their design encourages aggressive strikes from predatory fish that feed upwards or are attracted by surface disturbance.
2. Soft Plastic Lures
These versatile lures come in numerous shapes and sizes, closely imitating the movement and texture of live bait. They are incredibly effective for a variety of species and can be rigged in different ways to suit the fishing conditions.
3. Segmented Lures
With multiple body sections, these lures deliver a lifelike swimming action. They're perfect for anglers aiming to mimic the natural undulations of smaller fish that larger predators hunt.
4. Vibe Lures
Known for their vibration and noise-making abilities, vibe lures are excellent attractors in murky waters or when targeting fish relying on their lateral line sense.
5. Live Bait
While not an artificial lure, live bait is worth mentioning due to its effectiveness. Using live creatures like worms, insects, or small fish can be irresistible to many species, often outperforming artificial alternatives.
Each type has its place depending on the target species, water conditions, time of day, and angler preference. The key is experimentation and adaptation – what works one day might not work the next. Keep an open mind and be ready to switch tactics as needed.
Key Considerations for Selecting Fishing Lures in Australia
When choosing the perfect fishing lure, it's important to know what kind of fish you're targeting. In Australian waters, each fish has its own preferences and feeding habits that anglers need to take into account for successful catches. Here are some key considerations for selecting fishing lures in Australia:
1. Whiting
These fish love small worms and crustaceans.
A thin, worm-like soft plastic lure can be irresistible to them.
2. Flathead
Flathead are bottom dwellers that prefer lures resembling small fish or prawns.
These lures should be worked slowly along the seabed.
3. Trout
Trout are often found in cooler waters and are known to respond well to lures imitating minnows or insects with natural swimming action.
4. Bream
Bream can be tempted with a variety of lures.
They often feed on small crustaceans and baitfish, so light cranks and soft plastics shaped like their prey work well.
5. Bass
Bass are aggressive by nature and will strike at a wide range of lures.
Spinnerbaits and crankbaits that create vibrations and movements are particularly effective.
6. Estuary Perch
Similar to bass in their habits, estuary perch also respond well to a variety of lures, including small minnows and grubs.
7. Tailor
Tailors are known for hunting in frenzied schools and chasing after baitfish.
Metal slugs and fast-moving plugs can trigger exciting strikes from tailors.
By understanding these species-specific diet patterns and behaviours, you can choose the right fishing lure for your target fish. It's also worth considering other factors, such as water clarity and temperature:
Clear water calls for more realistic finishes on lures.
Murkier conditions may require brighter colours or additional noise features to attract attention.
Remember, the more closely you can match the lure to the natural prey of the fish you're targeting, the better your chances of success.
1. Surface Lures
Surface lures are designed to mimic the movement of prey skimming across the top of the water, making them irresistible to predatory fish species. Here's a closer look at some top picks:
Jackall Micro Pompadour: This lure is a game-changer for anglers targeting surface feeders. Its unique design creates an enticing commotion on the water, mimicking distressed prey and triggering strikes from species like Australian bass and Murray cod.
OSP Bent Minnow 76mm: For those after a more subtle approach, the OSP Bent Minnow offers an unparalleled injured baitfish simulation. The 76mm size is perfect for enticing finicky feeders when they are less aggressive.
Tiemco Soft Cicada: A must-have in any surface lure collection, especially during summer when cicadas are abundant. The Tiemco Soft Cicada is extremely effective for species such as bream and trout that frequently hunt for insects on the water's surface.
BassDay Sugar Pen 70mm: Excelling in both saltwater and freshwater environments, this versatile lure is known for its walking-the-dog action that mimics a wounded baitfish swimming erratically, a proven tactic for species like whiting and tailoring.
Zman 2.75 inch Finesse FrogZ: Ideal for weedy areas where other lures might get snagged, the Finesse FrogZ offers a realistic frog profile that can be irresistible to species such as barramundi lurking beneath the surface vegetation.
Pair these species-specific surface lures with the right conditions—like early morning or late afternoon when predatory fish are actively feeding—and you'll enhance your chances of a successful day on the water.
Each of these lures requires its specific retrieval method to maximize its effectiveness, from steady retrieves to more erratic actions that replicate wounded prey. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best in your fishing spot.
2. Soft Plastic Lures
Soft plastic lures are versatile and highly effective when targeting a broad range of Australian fish species. These lures come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them essential for any angler's tackle box. The malleable nature of the material allows for a lifelike action in the water that can mimic a variety of prey, from small baitfish to larger aquatic creatures.
Key Varieties
Chasebaits Ripple Cicada: This lure excels in replicating the fluttering movement of an insect on the water's surface. Its design is particularly enticing to Australian Bass and Murray Cod.
Strike Pro Bass Bug: Perfect for freshwater fishing, this soft-bodied lure with a hard outer shell produces a realistic crawling action that proves irresistible to lurking predators.
River2Sea Whopper Plopper: While not strictly a soft plastic, this hybrid lure combines a soft, pliable tail with a hard spinning body that creates a distinctive plopping sound known to attract predatory fish like Barramundi.
Effective Use
When using soft plastic lures, consider these tips:
Match the hatch: Choose a colour and size that resembles local prey fish or aquatic creatures.
Tailor your technique: Some soft plastics perform best with a slow retrieve, while others require more aggressive twitching or jigging motions.
Rigging options: Experiment with different hooks and weights to alter the lure's swimming action and depth.
By familiarizing yourself with these soft plastic lures, you'll be well on your way to upping your angling game in Australia's diverse fishing spots. Watch how each one responds in the water and tweak your approach accordingly for optimal results.
