G’day, anglers! If you’re keen to get stuck into some freshwater fishing across Australia, choosing the right gear is half the battle. We’ve got a ripper variety of fish out there, and knowing which freshwater fishing lures to chuck your line with can make the difference between a great day and a frustrating one. Let’s dive into some of the best options to have in your tackle box.
Key Takeaways
Spinnerbaits are brilliant for murky water and species like Murray Cod and Barramundi, thanks to their flash and vibration.
Soft plastics are super versatile and can imitate all sorts of bait, great for Flathead, Bream, and Snapper with different retrieves.
Crankbaits, with their diving bibs, are good all-rounders for many freshwater fish, offering a constant swimming action.
Blades and lipless crankbaits are easy to use and have rattles that attract fish from a distance, a top choice for beginners.
Topwater lures bring heaps of excitement, especially for Murray Cod and Barra, by mimicking distressed prey on the surface.
1. Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are a bit of a classic in the Aussie freshwater scene, and for good reason. They’re basically a piece of wire bent into shape, with a lead head and a few blades dangling off it. Think of them like a hybrid lure – part spinner, part jig, all rolled into one. They’re brilliant for targeting fish like Murray cod, yellowbelly, and Australian bass, especially when they’re a bit shy.
Types of Spinnerbaits
There are two main styles you’ll come across: long arm and short arm spinnerbaits. Long arm versions usually have a couple of blades and are great for working through heavy structure where you need a bit of resistance. Short arm ones, on the other hand, often have just one blade and are better for a more vertical presentation, or when you’re fishing down a steep bank.
Blades and Retrieves
The blades are where the magic happens. You’ve got your Colorado blades, which are shorter and rounder, creating a good thump and vibration. These are awesome when the fish are a bit sluggish, maybe because the water’s cooler, and you want a slower retrieve. Then there are willow blades – longer and thinner – which cut through the water better and are perfect for a faster retrieve when the fish are active. Some spinnerbaits even come with a mix of both, giving you the best of both worlds.
Customisation is Key
One of the best things about spinnerbaits is how customisable they are. You can swap out the skirts, change the blades, or even add a soft plastic trailer to the hook. This lets you fine-tune your lure to match the conditions or the mood of the fish on any given day. It’s like having a whole tackle box in one lure.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours and weights. What works one day might not work the next, so having a few options is always a good idea.
2. Soft Plastics
Soft plastics are a bit of a game-changer in the freshwater fishing scene, and for good reason. They’re incredibly versatile, meaning you can rig them up in so many ways to mimic all sorts of baitfish, crustaceans, or even aquatic insects. This huge variety means there’s pretty much always a soft plastic that can tempt a fish, no matter the conditions or what they’re feeding on. You’ve got everything from tiny grubs and wrigglers that are perfect for smaller species like yellowbelly, right up to big shads and swimbaits that Murray cod absolutely love.
Shads
Shads are a real workhorse in the soft plastic world. You can just wind them in slowly, give them a good yank, or even hop them along the bottom, and that tail action is usually enough to get a bite. For the big fellas like Murray cod, you’ll want to look at larger sizes, maybe 8 to 10 inches. Smaller versions of these can also work for yellowbelly, though they’re also happy with much smaller offerings.
Grubs and Wrigglers
These little rippers are fantastic for trout, especially when you want to imitate the water insects they naturally feed on. You can cast them into pools or riffles and work them with a slow retrieve, a bit of a hop, or a gentle jerk. The key with these, and most soft plastics really, is to use the right jighead. You don’t always need heavy lead; sometimes a lighter jighead that lets the plastic sink slowly keeps it in the strike zone for longer, which can really make a difference.
Minnows
Minnow-style plastics are another solid choice, particularly for species like redfin and estuary perch. They do a great job of imitating small baitfish. When you’re fishing with plastics, remember that the jighead you choose is just as important as the plastic itself. It’s not just about getting the lure down, but also about controlling its sink rate. A slow sink can often be the ticket to getting those hesitant fish to commit.
The sheer variety of soft plastics means you can adapt to almost any fishing situation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours, sizes, and retrieve styles to see what the fish are responding to on any given day. It’s this adaptability that makes them such a reliable option for anglers across Australia.
If you’re keen to explore the options, checking out a good range of soft plastics for Australian fishing is a great place to start. They really are a must-have in any tackle box.
3. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are a ripper choice for a lot of Aussie freshwater species, from barra to bass. Basically, if it’s got a bib and dives underwater, it’s a crankbait. They’re designed to be cast out and then retrieved with a steady, smooth action, which makes them dive to a certain depth and wobble like a little fish. You can get ‘em in sinking, suspending, or floating models, and they can be shallow or deep divers. This variety is handy because fish don’t always feed the same way. For instance, if you reckon the bass are hiding under a shady riverbank on a hot afternoon, a shallow-diving, sinking crankbait flicked to the edge and left to sink for a bit might just do the trick. Choosing the right crankbait for the situation is key to success.
Shallow Divers
These are your go-to lures when the fish are holding closer to the surface or you’re fishing over structure like weed beds or submerged timber. They won’t dig too deep, meaning you can work them without getting snagged as often. They’re great for a steady retrieve, mimicking baitfish that are just cruising around.
Medium Divers
When you need to get down a bit further, maybe to the top of a weed line or just off the bottom in slightly deeper water, medium divers are the go. They offer a good balance between diving depth and castability. You can often vary your retrieve with these, giving them a bit of a twitch or pause to make them look like an injured baitfish.
Deep Divers
For those times when you know the fish are sitting down deep, perhaps in a dam or a wider river section, deep divers are essential. These lures have a bigger bib that pushes them down to their maximum depth. You’ll often find these are the ones you’ll want when targeting bigger predators like Murray Cod in deeper holes. Remember, the deeper they dive, the more effort it takes to cast and retrieve them, so make sure your gear can handle it. You can find a good range of freshwater hardbody lures that fit the bill.
Suspending Crankbaits
These are a bit special. When you stop retrieving a suspending crankbait, it just hangs there in the water column, like a wounded baitfish that’s about to give up. This pause can be deadly, especially if the fish are a bit hesitant. It gives them that extra moment to decide to have a go. They’re brilliant for targeting species like Australian Bass when they’re not actively chasing bait.
4. Blades and Lipless Crankbaits
Blades and lipless crankbaits are absolute rippers for getting into the Australian bass game, and honestly, they’re pretty straightforward to use too. If you’re just starting out, these are a solid choice. A lipless crankbait is basically a sinking lure with a flat side, and when you pull it through the water, it gives off this distinct wobble. Plus, most have a built-in rattle that can call in fish from a fair distance. You can work them at different speeds, even give them a bit of a hop, and they’ll still catch fish. It’s pretty amazing how much action these lures put out.
When you’re picking one out, think about the depth you want to fish. Some are designed to sink to a specific level, which is handy if you know where the fish are holding.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Action: Look for lures with a good wobble and vibration. This is what attracts the fish.
Rattles: The internal rattles can be a real fish-attractor, especially in murky water.
Retrieve Speed: Experiment with different speeds. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works, other times a faster pace is better.
Some popular options you might see are the Jackall TN60 and the Nomad Swimtex Vibe 66mm. They’re well-regarded for a reason. You can find a good selection of these lures at your local tackle shop, or check out a full range of blades and lipless crankbaits online.
These lures are fantastic for covering water quickly and finding active fish. Their vibration and sound can trigger strikes even when fish aren’t actively feeding.
5. Topwater Lures
There’s something special about watching a fish smash a lure right on the surface, isn’t there? Topwater lures are all about that visual excitement, and they’re fantastic for species like Murray Cod and Barramundi when they’re feeling aggressive. The trick is to make these lures mimic injured baitfish or insects struggling on the water. For Murray Cod, try casting near structure or in shallower areas, especially around dawn and dusk. Barramundi often respond well to quick jerks followed by pauses, making the lure look like it’s in trouble.
Poppers
Poppers are designed to ‘pop’ or ‘chug’ water as you retrieve them, creating a commotion that draws fish in. They’re great for imitating a wounded baitfish or a frog. Varying your retrieve speed and the intensity of your pops can make a big difference. Some days a fast, erratic retrieve works, while other days a slow, deliberate pop with pauses is the key.
Stickbaits
Stickbaits are typically long, slender lures that can be worked with a walk-the-dog action or a simple retrieve. They often imitate small baitfish. A side-to-side wobble or a darting action can be irresistible to predatory fish. Experiment with different retrieves to see what triggers a bite in your local waters. Remember, low light conditions are often best for surface action.
Frogs and Insects
If the local fish are feeding on frogs or insects, then lures that imitate these prey items are a no-brainer. These can range from realistic frog imitations to cicada or hopper patterns. The way you work these lures can vary, but often a twitch-and-pause retrieve works well, mimicking the natural movement of these creatures. It’s always a good idea to check what the fish are eating by looking at their stomach contents or observing the surface activity. You might find that a simple bent minnow can imitate a struggling insect quite effectively.
6. Spoons
Spoons have been around for ages, and honestly, they still catch a heap of fish, especially trout and redfin. They get their name because, well, some of them actually look a bit like a spoon, right? They can be made from plastic or metal and come in all sorts of weights, shapes, and sizes. The beauty of a spoon is its action. When you retrieve it steadily, it can wobble along like a little baitfish. But if you rip it or give it a good yank, it’ll dart around more erratically. Because they’re usually a bit heavier, spoons sink, so if you pause your retrieve, they’ll flutter down towards the bottom. This is a great trick because any fish following it might think it’s a wounded baitfish and have a go.
Casting and Retrieving
For rivers and smaller streams, you’ll want to stick to the lighter spoons, maybe around 5 grams. These are easier to cast accurately and won’t get snagged as easily. In bigger lakes, though, you can go heavier, like 10 grams or more. The extra weight lets you cast further, covering more water, which is often key when you’re trying to find where the fish are holding. The basic technique is pretty simple: cast it out and retrieve it slowly, maybe with a few pauses or little lifts of the rod tip.
Colour and Weight Choices
Like most lures, spoons come in a massive range of colours. It really pays to have a selection of different colours and weights in your tackle box. Some spoons that have proven popular include the Yakamito 5g and 10g, Zerek Twinkle, Blue Fox Matrixx, Nories Metal Wasaby 12g, Pegron Minnow, Strike Pro Bob ‘N’ Spoon, and the classic Luhr Jensen Krocodile.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours. What works in one lake might be different in another, so having a good variety is always a smart move.
7. Metal Slugs
Metal slugs, often called ‘sluggos’ or ‘metal jigs’, are another classic in the Aussie fishing tackle box. They’re brilliant for chucking a long way, which is super handy when you’re fishing from the beach or rocks and need to reach those distant gutters or structure. These lures are designed to mimic small baitfish, and their weight allows them to sink quickly, getting down to where the fish are holding, especially in deeper water or current. They’re particularly good for species like Australian salmon and tailor, which often feed on small, shiny baitfish. You can work them in a few ways: a steady retrieve, a jerky lift-and-drop, or even a slow wind with pauses. Experimenting with how you work them is key to finding what the fish want on any given day.
How to Use Metal Slugs
Casting and Retrieving: The most common method. Cast the slug out as far as you can, let it sink to your desired depth, and then retrieve it with a steady or erratic action. Try varying your retrieve speed and adding pauses to see what triggers a bite.
Jigging: For deeper water or when fish are holding tight to the bottom, try a vertical jigging approach. Drop the lure to the bottom and then use sharp upward jerks of your rod, letting the lure flutter back down on a semi-slack line.
Adding Scent: Sometimes, a bit of scent can make all the difference, especially if the fish are a bit shy. A quick dab of fish attractant can make your slug irresistible.
When to Use Metal Slugs
Beach and Rock Fishing: Their casting ability makes them ideal for covering a lot of water from shore.
Estuary and Bay Fishing: Smaller slugs can be effective for species like bream and flathead when worked slowly near the bottom.
Targeting Pelagics: When you see surface activity from species like bonito or kingfish, a fast-retrieved metal slug can often imitate fleeing baitfish and provoke a strike.
Metal slugs are fantastic all-rounders, especially when you need to cover distance or get down deep quickly. Don’t be afraid to try different colours and weights to match the conditions and the bait the fish are feeding on. They’re a simple lure, but incredibly effective when used correctly.
Metal slugs are a go-to for many anglers targeting Australian salmon, and for good reason. They’re simple to use and can produce some great results when you’re fishing from the shore. You can find a good range of these lures designed for Australian fishing conditions.
8. Jigs
Jigs
Jigs are absolute workhorses in the Aussie fishing scene, and for good reason. They’re super versatile and can be rigged up to catch a whole heap of different species, from snapper and flathead out in the salt to Australian bass in our freshwater lakes and rivers. The beauty of a jig is its simplicity – it’s basically a weighted hook, often with some sort of dressing like feathers or plastic, designed to sink quickly and mimic wounded baitfish or crustaceans.
The key to jigging effectively is all about the retrieve and matching the jig to the conditions. You want to get that jig down to where the fish are holding, whether that’s the bottom of a deep lake or near a submerged log. For heavier species like snapper, you’ll want a heavier jig, maybe with some bright or glow-in-the-dark colours to help it stand out in murky water. If you’re chasing Australian bass in freshwater, lighter, more agile jigs that can dart around and imitate smaller prey work a treat. It’s worth having a look at what baitfish or yabbies are common in the area you’re fishing, and trying to match your jig’s profile to those.
Here’s a quick rundown on how to get the most out of your jigs:
Weight Matters: Adjust your jig’s weight based on the depth and current. Deeper water or stronger currents mean you’ll need a heavier jig to get down quickly.
Action is Key: Experiment with your retrieve. A simple up-and-down jigging motion with your rod is often all that’s needed, but sometimes a slight twitch or a slow roll can make all the difference.
Dress it Up: Don’t be afraid to add a bit of extra scent or a small soft plastic trailer to your jig. This can give it more movement and make it more appealing to fish.
When you’re starting out, it’s a good idea to grab a few different types and sizes. You can find a decent range of jig fishing lures at places like Fishing Superstore to get you going. Don’t be afraid to experiment; sometimes the smallest change in how you work the lure can lead to a bite.
Jigs are fantastic for getting down to the bottom where a lot of predatory fish like to hang out. They’re not fancy, but they get the job done, especially when the fish are a bit shut down and not chasing faster lures.
9. Minnow Lures
Minnow Lures
Minnow lures, often called hardbody minnows, are a classic for a reason. They’re designed to mimic small baitfish, which is a favourite snack for many Aussie freshwater fish like trout and even some bass. These lures usually have a realistic profile and come in floating, suspending, or sinking models, so you can pick one that suits the depth you’re fishing. The action they put out in the water can really trigger a predatory response.
When you’re picking one out, think about the water you’re in. Shallower streams might call for a lighter, floating minnow, while deeper lakes could need something a bit heavier that sinks or suspends. The key is getting that lure down to where the fish are holding.
Rapala Countdown series: These are a go-to for many anglers. They sink at a controlled rate, letting you present the lure at a specific depth. Colours like spotted dog and light minnow are usually a good bet.
Daiwa DR Joint Minnows: The jointed body gives these lures a really lifelike swimming action that can be irresistible to fish.
Jackall Colt Minnow 65: A solid choice for shallower water, this one is known for its ability to attract fish even when worked slowly.
The real trick with minnow lures is often in the retrieve. Don’t just wind them in steadily. Try giving them a few twitches or pauses to make them look like an injured baitfish. That’s usually when you get the most aggressive strikes.
Some popular choices you might want to check out include:
Rapala Countdown series (CD5 Spotted Dog, Light Minnows, Floating Minnows)
Daiwa DR Joint Minnows
Daiwa Presso Minnows
Jackall Colt Minnow 65
Bullet Lures 5-0 Minnow
10. Poppers
Poppers are a type of surface lure that create a “popping” or “chugging” sound when worked. This commotion on the water’s surface can be incredibly effective at attracting predatory fish, especially in calmer conditions. They’re particularly good for species like Australian bass, bream, and even some estuary perch when they’re feeding near the surface. The key is to impart a rhythmic twitch or pull of the rod tip to make the lure dance and splash, mimicking an injured baitfish or an insect struggling on the water.
When choosing a popper, consider the size and profile. Smaller poppers work well when baitfish or insects are small, while larger ones can attract bigger, more aggressive fish. The colour can also play a role, with brighter colours often visible in clearer water and darker colours better in murky conditions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different retrieve speeds and pauses; sometimes a slow, deliberate action is what gets the bite, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is needed.
Work the lure with a series of sharp twitches or pulls.
Experiment with retrieve speeds and pauses to find what the fish want.
Match the popper’s size and colour to the local baitfish or insect activity.
The sound and splash a popper makes is its main attraction. It’s all about creating that disturbance on the water to get a reaction strike. Sometimes, just letting it sit after a pop is all it takes.
Wrapping Up Your Lure Game
So, there you have it, a fair dinkum look at some top lures for our Aussie lakes and rivers. Remember, picking the right lure is only half the battle; knowing how to work it is the other. Don’t be afraid to try different things, have a yarn with the local tackle shop blokes, and see what’s working for them. Every fishing trip is a chance to learn something new, and the more you experiment, the better you’ll get. Happy fishing, and may your lines always be tight!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lures for beach fishing in Australia?
For Australian salmon and tailor, metal slugs and poppers are ripper choices, especially from the beach. They’re good for chucking a long way and can handle the rough stuff. Soft plastics in natural colours work well too, particularly for flathead and whiting closer to shore.
What are the best lures for Australian fishing?
Spinnerbaits and soft plastics are top picks for Aussie waters, working a treat on heaps of fish like bass, trout, and barra. They do a great job of looking like little fish or crustaceans, which makes them super tempting for hungry predators.
Which lures attract which fish?
Soft plastics are brilliant for flathead and snapper. Spinnerbaits and topwater lures are spot on for Australian bass and Murray cod. If you’re after salmon or tailor, metal spoons and spinners are your go-to, as they look like the small baitfish these fish love to eat.
What are the best lures for Australian bass?
For Australian bass, try surface lures like poppers and stickbaits, especially early morning or late evening. Spinnerbaits and soft plastics are also winners, particularly around snags where bass like to hang out. It’s all about making them look like the natural tucker for bass in their home.
What lure to use for Australian salmon?
Metal slugs or spoons are really effective for Australian salmon, especially when you’re casting from the beach or rocks. These lures copy the small baitfish that salmon gobble up, making them strike hard. Soft plastic lures can also do the job nicely, offering a more subtle approach.
What is the most popular fishing lure?
The most popular lure worldwide is probably the plastic worm, especially for bass fishing. Over here in Australia, though, soft plastic lures and minnow imitations are super popular for catching barramundi and Murray cod. They’re popular because they’re so versatile and give off a realistic swimming action.
