Lures imitate small fish, prawns, frogs or insects and let you cover water quickly. Predators such as barramundi, murrel, trevally, queenfish and seer fish take them readily.
Buying guide
Types of lure
Hard minnows and crankbaits swim at a depth set by their lip. Soft plastics on jig heads imitate prawns and baitfish and are deadly in backwaters. Metal jigs sink fast and are cast or dropped for sea fish. Spoons and spinners flash and vibrate; inline spinners suit small freshwater predators. Poppers and stickbaits work on the surface for trevally, barramundi and murrel. Hollow frogs are made for snakeheads in weedy ponds. Squid jigs catch squid and cuttlefish around piers and reefs.
Weight and size
Every lure has a weight (in grams) and length. Choose lures inside the casting-weight range printed on your rod, otherwise casting is poor or the rod is overloaded. Match the size to the bait the fish are eating: small soft plastics in calm backwaters, heavier jigs in deep or fast water.
Freshwater or saltwater
Freshwater lures are often lighter with fine hooks. For the sea, choose lures with strong, corrosion-resistant hooks and split rings, or upgrade them, because big fish can straighten or break light hooks. In clear water natural colours often work best; in murky monsoon water, brighter or darker colours stand out.
Building a lure box
Start small: a few soft plastics with jig heads, one or two minnows, a metal jig and a popper cover most situations. Entry-level lures are fine to learn with; mid-range and premium lures usually have better hooks, finish and swimming action. Add more once you know what works in your waters.
Care
Rinse lures with fresh water after use, let them dry before closing the box and keep soft plastics separate from hard lures, as some plastics react with each other. Replace rusty hooks and split rings promptly.
General advice for anglers in India. Check the product details and ask the shop if you are unsure.
Common questions
Which lure is best for barramundi and mangrove jack in Indian backwaters?
Soft plastic prawns and paddle-tail shads on jig heads, and shallow-diving minnows, are reliable in backwaters and mangroves. Fish them close to structure at dawn, dusk and on moving tide.
What lure should I use for murrel (snakehead)?
Hollow frogs and weedless soft plastics work well over weeds and lily pads, where murrel hunt. Use a strong rod and line, because they dive into cover.
What lures catch fish from the beach or rocks in India?
Metal jigs and heavier spoons cast far and sink quickly, and poppers can raise trevally and queenfish when fish are feeding near the surface.
How heavy should my lures be?
Stay inside the casting-weight range written on your rod. Light spinning rods handle a few grams; surf and boat rods handle much heavier jigs and plugs.
Seasonal bite reports, new spots near you and member-only deals. About two messages a month.
Email
WhatsApp
I fish in
Sea
River
Pond
Backwater
Send fishing tips and offers to this email. I can unsubscribe at any time.
We use these details only for this request and keep them for up to 18 months unless you become a customer. You can ask us to delete them at any time. Privacy policy