Top 11 Best Surf Fishing Lures Reviewed

Surf fishing requires long casts, necessitating lures that are not only heavier but also capable of cutting through persistent winds. With 20 years of beach fishing experience under your belt, I’m eager to hear your insights. It’s impressive that you’ve managed to catch a diverse range of fish, from bluefish to trout, in the ocean.

I’m looking forward to learning about the artificial lures you’ve found effective in enticing fish to take the bait. Based on your expertise, the Acme Kastmaster stands out as the best lure you’ve ever used. With its exceptional durability, this versatile lure can attract various fish species effectively. However, even if the Acme Kastmaster doesn’t meet your preferences, you’ve generously provided ten other lure options to choose from.

TOP 11 Best Surf Fishing Lures

1. Acme Kastmaster Lure

Our top recommendation for surf fishing lures is the Acme Kastmaster, and it certainly deserves recognition. Despite its simple appearance, this lure has proven itself to be highly effective for anglers of all levels. It has the capability to attract a wide range of fish, from small panfish to large monsters. The Acme Kastmaster is a versatile artificial bait that has a proven track record.

Particularly, it has shown great success when targeting false albacore and bluefish. Its aerodynamic shape allows for impressive distance casting, reaching those prime fishing spots. The top-of-the-line solid brass construction ensures durability, as it is designed to withstand any condition without breaking, bending, or corroding.

To fully maximize the potential of the Acme Kastmaster, it is recommended to pair it with a reel that has a higher gear ratio. This enables a faster retrieve, increasing the lure’s effectiveness in enticing fish to strike.

2. Sea Striker Surf Spoon

Our next recommended lure, similar to the Acme Kastmaster, is designed to attract fish of various species. The primary distinction lies in its vibrant and brighter colors. It can be advantageous to have a selection of both the Acme Kastmaster and this lure in your tackle box. By alternating between the two, you increase your chances of success, especially when the fish are not showing interest in one particular lure. Having a variety of options allows you to adapt to different fishing conditions and preferences of the fish you are targeting.

3. Gibbs Polaris Pencil Popper

Up next, we have a bass-specific lure that is highly regarded as the best option for targeting bass. Once this lure hits the water, it generates an enticing splash and gurgling sound that is simply irresistible to big bass, luring them to the surface. Its unique shape enables jerky motions, effectively imitating distressed fish, which triggers aggressive responses from bass.

The effectiveness of this lure has been proven by catching numerous sizable bass, and it has shown exceptional results when targeting striped bass in particular. Additionally, its weight allows for impressive casting distances, ensuring you can reach those desired spots where the bass are lurking. With its combination of splash, sound, and lifelike movements, this lure is a must-have for bass anglers.

4. Rapala Saltwater Skitter Walk

When it comes to topwater lures, this particular lure stands out as the absolute best. It is equipped with a weighted tail, making it perfect for executing the classic “walk the dog” motion on the water’s surface. This enticing movement mimics the behavior of prey and triggers the predatory instincts of fish.

Additionally, this lure is equipped with loud internal rattles that serve two purposes. Firstly, the noise generated by the rattles attracts fish to the lure. Secondly, the rattles create a side-to-side motion, imitating the movement of fleeing or injured baitfish. This lifelike action further entices fish to strike.

The combination of the weighted tail and the internal rattles makes this topwater lure an exceptional choice for attracting and provoking strikes from a variety of fish species.

5. Creek Chub Striper Strike Saltwater Lure

For anglers who frequently struggle with casting long distances, this surf fishing lure is the perfect solution. Engineered specifically to excel in casting distance, this lure is designed to outperform all others in this aspect. Even if you have a weaker cast, this lure’s unique design and construction ensure that it can reach those coveted spots where big fish are known to roam. With this lure in your arsenal, you can cast with confidence, knowing that even a modest cast will be sufficient to reach the fish you’re targeting.

6. Rapala X-Rap XR10

For those who appreciate the effectiveness of jerkbaits, this particular lure is a must-have addition to your tackle box. Its jerking motions are unparalleled, thanks to its sleek design that enables it to dive quickly and with precision. However, what truly sets this jerkbait apart as the best is its distinctive rattle and the Rapala action that only Rapala can deliver.

While you may not be able to perceive the subtle details, fish certainly can. The combination of the rattle and Rapala’s unique action creates an irresistibly tempting presentation that fish find difficult to resist. This lure stands out as the most enticing jerkbait available on the market, ensuring that you can entice fish with its exceptional performance.

7. Diamond Jig

Moving forward, we have the diamond jig, a fundamental lure that should be a part of every surf angler’s tackle box. The popularity of diamond jigs among surf fishermen is well-founded. These lures excel in covering distance rapidly, making them ideal for scouting the waters and identifying what lies beneath the surface.

Having a couple of diamond jigs in your arsenal enables you to swiftly explore the fishing area and gain insights into the underwater environment. Their ability to cover distance quickly sets them apart, making them a reliable choice for surf fishing. With their versatility and effectiveness, diamond jigs are a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle collection.

8. DOA Shrimp Lure

When it comes to artificial shrimp lures, the DOA Shrimp is considered the gold standard. This lure has proven its effectiveness in attracting and catching a wide range of fish species that prey on live shrimp.

The DOA Shrimp lure has gained a strong reputation over the years for consistently delivering results and enticing various fish species to strike. However, it’s important to note that these artificial shrimp lures are smaller in size, limiting their effectiveness for targeting larger species. Nevertheless, for panfish and medium-sized fish, this lure can work wonders and yield impressive results.

9. Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow Floating Lure

This lure is undoubtedly a favorite among many anglers due to its remarkable versatility. It successfully attracts a wide range of fish species, making it highly sought-after. Casting this lure ensures a guaranteed catch every time, though the intriguing aspect lies in the mystery of which fish will be on the other end of the line. Anglers who prefer surface fishing should definitely consider acquiring this lure.

10. Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow Sinking Lure

This alternative version of the lure is specifically designed for deeper waters, offering a distinct variation from its predecessor. If you’re in search of a lure that can effectively reach great depths and lure in those elusive fish, this is the ideal choice for you.

11. Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow Fast Sinking Lure

If the previous one wasn’t enough, and you want a lure that can slice through waters in a flash, this is it. You’ll be able to reach the bottom of the sea in no time with this lure.

Final Verdict

These renowned lures have each earned their legendary status. While it’s advisable to have one of each, budget-conscious surf anglers will find the Acme Kastmaster to be their top choice. This versatile lure allows for surf fishing at various depths and distances.

In conclusion, avid anglers seeking the finest lures often already possess a surf fishing rod and reel. However, for those who have yet to acquire these essential tools for their tackle boxes, there’s no need to worry. Below, you’ll find recommendations for the best surf fishing rods and reels available.