Top 9 Best Bluefish Lures Reviewed

Hello fellow angler! Thank you for sharing your review of the best bluefish lures.

It is true that bluefish are known for their voracious appetite and will often bite on a variety of baits. However, there are occasions when they become more selective and cautious, making it challenging to entice them.

Fortunately, the lures listed here are specifically chosen to address those times when bluefish become finicky. These lures are designed to trigger their interest and provoke strikes even during those more challenging conditions.

By utilizing these carefully selected lures, you can increase your chances of successfully hooking bluefish and enjoy a productive fishing outing.

Top 9 Best Bluefish Lures

1. Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper

At the top of the list is the Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper, a highly effective lure for bluefish, especially when other lures fail to entice them. This lure has a unique ability to provoke bluefish by irritating and teasing them into striking.

Interestingly, bluefish may not always attack these artificial lures for food but rather out of aggression, aiming to eliminate the annoyance. This behavior presents a valuable opportunity for anglers to hook them.

However, it’s important to note that in calm waters with cautious bluefish, the effectiveness of the Pencil Popper may be reduced. During such instances, when bluefish are more wary and any splash can trigger them to retreat, the pronounced splashing action of the Pencil Popper might not yield the desired results.

Nonetheless, the Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper remains a top choice for targeting bluefish, showcasing its effectiveness in enticing these feisty fish under various conditions.

2. Spro Bucktail Jig

the Spro Bucktail Jig, an ideal choice for targeting cautious bluefish in calm waters where a subtle approach is necessary. This lure is specifically designed to address the challenge of enticing bluefish in such conditions.

To effectively use the Spro Bucktail Jig, cast it at a distance away from the targeted bluefish and then retrieve it towards their path. This technique allows you to avoid startling the bluefish and increases your chances of a successful strike. The natural gliding action of the Spro Bucktail Jig enhances its effectiveness in mimicking natural prey and enticing bluefish to bite.

When faced with wary bluefish in calm waters, the Spro Bucktail Jig proves to be the ultimate lure, providing a more subtle presentation that increases your chances of a successful catch.

3. Acme Kastmaster

The highly acclaimed Acme Kastmaster, a truly versatile lure that has gained popularity among anglers worldwide. This remarkable lure is renowned for its ability to attract a wide range of fish species, making it an excellent choice for targeting bluefish, striped bass, cape cod, and even sand eels.

When it comes to bluefish fishing, the Acme Kastmaster proves its worth by withstanding their powerful bites and providing an enticing flash that entices these aggressive predators. However, its versatility extends beyond bluefish, as it can effectively attract various other fish species as well. This eliminates the need for multiple lures, streamlining your fishing gear.

To optimize your results, it is recommended to retrieve the Acme Kastmaster at a quicker pace, mimicking the prey’s behavior and maximizing its appeal to the fish.

With its durability, versatility, and ability to attract a wide array of fish species, the Acme Kastmaster stands out as a must-have lure for any angler’s tackle box.

4. Diamond Jig

The diamond jig, a seemingly simple yet highly effective lure that serves a specific purpose in angling. While its appearance may not be the most visually appealing, the diamond jig shines when it comes to covering distance and scouting the waters.

When exploring a new fishing spot, using a diamond jig allows you to gain insight into the underwater environment and identify the presence of fish. The streamlined design of the diamond jig facilitates smooth slicing through the wind, enabling longer casts to reach distant waters.

The selected diamond jig features a split tube tail hook, which serves as an easy target for bluefish, enticing them to strike. This lure serves as a valuable tool for locating the presence of bluefish before transitioning to more visually enticing artificial baits.

While the diamond jig may not possess intricate aesthetics, its functionality and utility in exploring unfamiliar fishing locations make it a reliable and practical choice for anglers seeking to gather information and target bluefish effectively.

5. Bomber Long Shot Slender Minnow

For anglers seeking maximum casting distance, the Bomber Long Shot Slender Minnow proves to be an exceptional choice. Aptly named “Long Shot,” this lure is specifically designed to excel in long-distance casting, particularly when targeting bluefish.

The aerodynamic shape of the Bomber Long Shot minimizes air resistance, allowing it to slice through the air effortlessly. Its streamlined design enables extended distances, making it highly suitable for surf fishing and reaching bluefish located farther out in the surf. Once it lands in the water, the lure skillfully imitates the movements of an injured minnow, presenting a vulnerable and easy meal for bluefish.

With its impressive casting capabilities and realistic minnow imitation, the Bomber Long Shot Slender Minnow serves as an excellent tool for anglers looking to cover greater distances and entice bluefish with a tempting presentation.

6. Rapala X-Rap Saltwater

The renowned Rapala quality and action, the Rapala X-Rap Saltwater lure stands out as an exceptional choice for targeting bluefish. Its aggressive darting motion is designed to attract and provoke bluefish into striking.

Built with saltwater angling in mind, the Rapala X-Rap Saltwater is crafted to withstand the powerful bites of bluefish without sustaining damage. This durability ensures that the lure remains effective even during intense fishing sessions in saltwater environments.

With its irresistible action and saltwater-specific construction, the Rapala X-Rap Saltwater lure presents anglers with a reliable and robust option for enticing bluefish and experiencing successful fishing outings.

7. Storm WildEye Swim Shad

The Storm WildEye Swim Shad, a remarkably lifelike lure that excels in both appearance and texture. It is difficult to put into words just how realistic this lure looks, but a glance at the picture reveals its uncanny resemblance to a live fish.

Beyond its visual appeal, the body of the Storm WildEye Swim Shad boasts an exceptional softness and lifelike texture, closely resembling the feel of a real fish. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for bluefish anglers seeking an ultra-realistic lure to entice their target species.

The Storm WildEye Swim Shad combines its realistic appearance and lifelike texture to present a compelling offering that is sure to catch the attention of bluefish.

8. Berkley PowerBait Minnow

Experienced anglers are well aware of the allure of Berkley’s lures, thanks to the irresistible scent of PowerBait. The Berkley PowerBait Minnow is no exception and offers a range of enticing scents to choose from.

Berkley proudly claims that their PowerBait scent is even more effective and long-lasting compared to real salmon eggs. This gives anglers a powerful advantage when attracting fish. Moreover, the floating formula of the PowerBait Minnow enhances the dispersion of the scent, extending its reach to entice fish that are farther away.

With Berkley’s PowerBait technology, anglers can enjoy the confidence of using a lure that not only visually attracts fish but also emanates a scent that fish find irresistible.

9. Blue Water Candy Umbrella Rig

The Blue Water Candy Umbrella Rig, a reliable option when all other lures have been unsuccessful in enticing bluefish. In situations where bluefish are targeting schools of fish, the umbrella rig becomes an invaluable tool.

The Blue Water Candy Umbrella Rig stands out among its counterparts, thanks to its vibrant and eye-catching colors. These colors are specifically designed to capture the attention of bluefish, increasing the chances of a successful strike.

When faced with challenging fishing conditions or elusive bluefish, having the Blue Water Candy Umbrella Rig in your arsenal provides a last resort option to effectively target bluefish schools and improve your chances of success.

Final Verdict

While bluefish are generally known for being less picky eaters, there are still occasions when using the right lures can greatly improve your chances of success with these predatory fish.

Among the selection of exceptional lures provided, two standout options for targeting big bluefish are the Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper, ideal for choppy waters, and the Spro Bucktail Jig, well-suited for calm waters. These lures have proven track records in enticing bluefish and are recommended choices for anglers seeking larger specimens.

Additionally, for those in need of reliable rod and reel setups, we have compiled lists of the best spinning rods and spinning reels currently available on the market. These resources will assist you in selecting the most suitable equipment for your bluefish fishing adventures.