13 Best Surf Fishing Lures in 2024

You might be going to purchase surf fishing lures but want to find out the best surf fishing lures in 2024. Well, I found that most of the knowledge available on the internet about surf fishing lures is not completely enough for anglers to make their decision.

I know your frustration that some of the lures people recommend are unavailable while some are temporarily unavailable. That’s why I decided to write a detailed article for my audience, but here is something more interesting for you.

We will also explore the best saltwater surf fishing lures, Striped bass surf fishing lures, and some more. Let’s jump Below!

My Top 13 Picks

1. Acme Kastmaster Lure (Versatile and Durable)
2. Rapala X-Rap XR10 (Realistic Swimming Action)
3. Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow (Highly Reflective and Lifelike)
4. Berkley Gulp! Alive Swimming Mullet (Natural Scent and Lifelike Movement)
5. MirrOlure MirrOdine Suspending Twitchbait (Subtle Twitching Action)
6. Storm Wildeye Swim Shad (Soft Plastic with Vibrant Colors)
7. Savage Gear Sandeel (Realistic Profile and Motion)
8. Strike King Redfish Magic Spinnerbait (Flashy and Attractive to Redfish)
9. Shimano Shimano (best lure for Surf dwelling Species)
10. Z-Man Scented PaddlerZ (Durable and Scent-Infused)
11. Heddon Super Spook (Topwater Action for Explosive Strikes)
12. Spro Bucktail Jig (Versatile and Effective in Various Conditions)
13. D.O.A. TZR14-304 (Soft Plastic with a Lifelike Appearance)

1)Acme Kastmaster Lure (Versatile and Durable)

The Acme Kastmaster Lure stands at the top of my list because I believe this should be in every angler tackle box. This lure is made from solid brass and finished with chrome plating and is special for the harsh conditions of saltwater environments while retaining its shine and performance.

Features

Solid Brass Construction: That Means It is resistant to bending, breaking, and corrosion, that’s why Acme maintains its effectiveness even after repeated exposure to saltwater conditions.

Versatile Design: The 1 oz. Kastmaster is suitable for a wide range of Surf fishing or fishing techniques and target species. You can target salmon, steelhead, bass, walleye, pike, or many saltwater species, this lure delivers exceptional results.

Field Tested: Well this lure is tested by many anglers and is one of the most popular and favorite not just only for me.

Attractive Action: Acme kast-master can increase your chances of success on every cast, and have enticing fluttering action. For me, this lure can catch everything.

When to Use this lure?

The Acme Kastmaster lure is great in both freshwater and saltwater conditions, but I will recommend medium-heavy spinning, baitcasting, and trolling setups with 10-15 lb test lines.

2)Rapala X-Rap XR10 (best surf fishing lures for freshwater and saltwater)

The Rapala X-Rap XR10 is also a top-tier choice, favorite, and popular lure among anglers especially for those who are looking for aggressive strikes and dynamic action. It’s the best option versatile, durable, and providing a lot of features.

Features

Xtreme Attitude: The X-Rap XR10 features a hard-cutting, aggressive darting action that exudes confidence and attitude. Its erratic movement mimics the behavior of wounded baitfish, making it irresistible to predatory species.

Versatile Running Depth: This lure is great for many environments, if you are planning for shoreline or deeper waters you can go with Rapala (3-8 feet running depth)

Long-Casting System: With an integrated long-casting system, the X-Rap XR10 enables you to cover vast stretches of water easily.

Suspends and Rolls: It suspends and rolls at rest, triggering strikes from wary fish. It’s lifelike movement and 3D illusion of a minnow make it a compelling target for bass and other predatory species.

When to Use this lure?

In short for bass fishing and other freshwater and saltwater conditions. Whether you are surf fishing or targeting bass in freshwater lakes, this lure is going to help you a lot.

3)Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow (Highly Reflective and Lifelike)

So at no 3 on my list, it is the “Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow” popular lure with great feedback. This lure has advanced design and fish-catching ability, a reliable option for targeting a wide range of species in various surf fishing conditions.

Features

Durable Construction: Constructed from durable ABS body material and with sharp and strong hooks, Its resilient design ensures longevity and reliability, even in challenging conditions.

Diver Depth: With a diving depth of 3 feet, this lure effectively targets fish in mid-depth areas, including around submerged structures and along drop-offs.

Brilliant Internal 3D Prism: This lure emits flashes of light and color that mimic the natural appearance of baitfish.

When to Use this lure?

Ideal for bass, trout, snook, and more, the Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow is great for both freshwater and saltwater environments. It’s one of the top choice lures, offering advanced features.

4)Berkley Gulp! Alive Swimming Mullet (Natural Scent and Lifelike Movement)

Well! if you are an experienced angler or beginner, you need to try this type of lure. It’s an alternative to live bait, Let’s take a look at its features and scenarios to use.

Features

Realistic Design: A realistic head and body design, Berkley Gulp is lifelike and high-action (can attract the attention of predatory fish or closely mimic the appearance and movement of natural baitfish). In short, this lure can increase your chances of success.

Scent Dispersion: Infused with Gulp! scent dispersion technology, this bait releases a powerful attractant into the water, effectively expanding your strike zone and enticing nearby fish to strike.

Durable Construction: 100% plastic and made in the USA, this lure ensures durability and longevity.

Versatile Use: If you are targeting mullet, bass, trout, or other species (spinning or casting), this lure is a great option to be in your tackle box.

When to Use this lure?

This lure is ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers, it’s a lifelike alternative to live bait and increases chances of success in surf fishing.

5)MirrOlure MirrOdine Suspending Twitchbait (best saltwater surf fishing lure and striped bass)

Are you targeting redfish, trout, striped bass, and common snook? Are you looking for lifelike saltwater lures? This lure is going to help you a lot. You can go with MirrOlure for many fish conditions and species.

Features

Realistic Design: A lifelike baitfish pattern that closely resembles the appearance of scaled sardines and shad. Its natural 3-D eyes, luminescent inset, and “fish calling” rattles enhance its realism, making it irresistible to predatory fish species.

Suspending Action: It remains at a consistent depth in the water column, triggering aggressive strikes from hungry predators.

Versatile: it’s versatile and ideal for various saltwater surf fishing scenarios, it should be in your tackle if you are targeting trout along the flats, redfish in shallow marshes, or snook along mangrove shorelines

When to Use this lure?

It is ideally suited for surf fishing where predatory fish are actively feeding near the shoreline. Anglers can cast this lure into the surf and employ a twitching retrieve technique to imitate the movement of injured baitfish.

6)Storm Wildeye Swim Shad (Soft Plastic with Vibrant Colors)

Storm Wildeye Swim Shad is great for saltwater surf fishing, it’s lifelike, durable, popular, and stands out as one of the best surf fishing lures. Knew for its ultra-realistic design, and performance.

Features

Ultra-Realistic Design: These lures feature super-soft hand-poured bodies that closely mimic the appearance and texture of live baitfish.

Durable Construction: This ensures secure hooksets and reduces the risk of lost fish.

Versatile: Highly versatile and effective for targeting a variety of saltwater species, including bass.

When to Use this lure?

Storm Wildeye Swim Shad is a must-have lure for any angler hunting saltwater gamefish in surf fishing environments.

7)Savage Gear Sandeel (Realistic Profile and Motion)

The Savage gear sandeel is also a lifelike versatile and durable lure, good for attracting predatory fish near the shoreline.

Features

Realistic Design: Its realistic design with holographic eyes and lifelike appearance would make it a tempting target for any large game fish.

Versatile Rigging: You can use it in many surf fishing scenarios easily, it comes with two tie points, allowing you to perfect fishing in both shallow and deep environments.

Durable: With 5X hooks, an upgraded bait keeper, and a robust jig cover.

Lifelike Action: This fishing lure features a unique paddle tail design that imparts a realistic, full-body action in the water. The lifelike swimming motion mimics that of an actual sand eel, triggering aggressive strikes from hungry fish.

When to Use this lure?

The Savage Gear Sandeel is great for attracting predatory fish near the shoreline. Whether you’re targeting bass or halibut, this lure’s lifelike action and durability make it a valuable addition to your tackle box.

8)Strike King Redfish Magic Spinnerbait (Flashy and Attractive to Redfish)

This lure is a proven performer in surf fishing, especially if you are targeting redfish or if you are targeting other saltwater species. This magic lure comes with a 1/8oz size and the best features. Whether you are casting or spinning, this low-budget lure should be in your tackle.

Features

Realistic: With 3D eyes and a lifelike appearance, it is an attractive meal for predatory fish with an avocado/redhead color combination.

High-Quality: This lure is fitted with an oversized saltwater black nickel needlepoint hook, gold-plated swivel and split rings, and heavy gauge gold-plated stainless steel “R” bend wire. This ensures durability reliability and saltwater conditions.

Better Action: 24k gold #4 Colorado blade adds flash and vibration to attract fish from a distance, its action creates additional movement and sound underwater and increases its allure to hungry predators.

When to Use this lure?

Redfish or other saltwater species, if you are surf fishing or in shallow water go with this lure.

9)Shimano Shimano (best lure for Surf dwelling Species)

This lure is great for attracting surf-dwelling species with its lifelike action, if you are targeting crappie, Trout, or Panfish this lure should be in your mind.

Features

Durable: This lure is made with high-quality materials, durable and usable even after repeated use in challenging surf conditions.

Realistic: The Coltsniper Jerkbait 140F has a lifelike appearance, mimicking the natural movement of baitfish in the surf. In short, this lure is irresistible for a wide range of predatory fish.

Versatile: Its versatile and responsive action so if you’re targeting crappie, trout, panfish, or other surf-dwelling species, the Shimano Coltsniper Jerkbait 140F is up to the task.

When to Use this lure?

if you are casting from the shore or wading in the surf, this lure is ideal for you, you can target crappie, trout, panfish, or other surf-dwelling species.

10)Z-Man Scented PaddlerZ (Durable and Scent-Infused)

The Z-Man lure is great for both saltwater and freshwater conditions, with its unique construction and enticing scent, it’s a favorite among anglers targeting a variety of species.

Features

Durable: Constructed with 10X Tough ElaZtech material, the Scented PaddlerZ offers extreme durability, making it resilient in harsh saltwater conditions.

Impregnated with Scent: Comes with 100% natural Pro-Cure Mullet Super Gel.

Versatile Rigging: The segmented body and thin paddle tail of the PaddlerZ allow for various rigging options. Whether Rigged with a jighead, weighted swimbait hook, or used for topwater, it delivers a subtle wobble and side-to-side wiggle that entices a wide range of fish species.

When to Use this lure?

The Z-Man Scented PaddlerZ is highly effective for inshore saltwater fishing and freshwater applications alike. Whether you’re targeting redfish, trout, or other species, this lure’s versatility, durability, and enticing scent make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.

Rig it according to your preferred fishing technique, and let it’s natural movement and scent do the rest to attract bites.

11)Heddon Super Spook (Topwater Action for Explosive Strikes)

The Heddon Super Spook Jr. is a compact yet powerful lure designed to attract aggressive strikes from a variety of saltwater and freshwater species. With its durable construction and enticing action, it’s a top choice for anglers targeting hard-charging predators.

Features

Super-Sharp Hooks: Fitted with two super-sharp hooks, the Super Spook Jr. is designed to fight with the aggressive strikes of hard-charging species like striper. The hooks assure solid hooksets, increasing your chances of landing your target fish.

Versatile: Featuring a super-stout hardware system, including line ties and hooks, the Super Spook Jr. is made to resist the most voracious species.

Strong and Durable: Crafted from tough materials, it’s built to withstand the rigors of harsh fishing environments. Its rugged construction provides longevity and performance, even after repeated use.

Effective Size and Colors: With a length of 3 1/2 inches and a weight of 1/2 ounce, this lure is optimized for topwater fishing.

Fishing Technique: The “Walk the Dog” cast and retrieve technique, combined with its erratic action, simulates the movements of a wounded baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from nearby predators.

When to Use this lure?

For anglers pursuing thrilling topwater action in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Whether you are targeting redfish, trout, snook, or other predatory species.

12)Spro Bucktail Jig (Versatile and Effective in Various Conditions)

This lure comes with a natural gliding action and premium construction, It is versatile, and designed for a wide range of gamefish species. The weight is 0.5 Ounces, but I have a question Are you targeting fluke, weakfish, or other saltwater species? Go with the Spro Bucktail Jig.

Features

Natural Gliding Action: This lure shows a natural gliding action in the water, mimicking the movement of prey and attracting the attention of predatory fish.

Stays Parallel: Unlike traditional bucktails, the Spro Bucktail Jig stays parallel in the water.

Great Jigging Action: This lure provides excellent jigging action that appeals to a variety of saltwater gamefish.

Premium Gamakatsu Hook: Provided with a premium Gamakatsu hook, this jig ensures secure hooksets and reliable performance when battling trophy fish.

Catches All Species of Gamefish: From weakfish to fluke and beyond, the Spro Bucktail Jig can attract and catch a diverse array of gamefish species.

Unique Design: The unique shape of the head and placement of the eyelet contribute to the lifelike action of the lure.

When to Use this lure?

Ideal for targeting fluke, weakfish, or other saltwater species.

13)D.O.A. TZR14-304 (Soft Plastic with a Lifelike Appearance)

This D.O.A lure is a snag-proof design and is perfect for fishing in rocky areas where other lures might get stuck. This is great for aggressive fish like bass, trout, etc.

Feature

Holographic Eyes: Holographic eyes that make eye contact with fish, emitting flashes of reflected light that trigger aggressive strikes.

Hidden Lead Head Hook: This lure swims correctly every time.

Snag-Proof Design: Covered in a super-strong soft plastic vinyl body, the lead head hook remains snag-proof, letting the lure bounce off rocks and submerged structures without losing its effectiveness.

When to Use this lure?

• In rocky areas where another lure might not work
• Near docks, pilings, or other underwater structures
• Aggressive fish species, including bass, trout, and more.

Conclusion

To choose the best surf fishing lures, and look for your target, the Acme Kastmaster Lure is also a great option on a good budget. Strike King Redfish Magic is available in more lower budget but you need to choose according to your own setup, I provided you with all the necessary information.

It’s advisable to make sure everything is by yourself (do your research) before making a decision. If you are confused about rods go to my guide of 11 Best Surf Fishing Rods in 2024 or here is the reels guide of 9 Best Surf Fishing Reels in 2024.

I have also covered many topics in surf fishing that you can benefit from like 11 Best Waders for Surf Fishing in 2024, Visit my blog Fisher Mania Hub for more. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me. Good Luck!