7 Best Bluefish Lures in 2024 – Tested

The bluefish goes by different names, and the most common ones are ‘Gators,’ ‘Choppers,’ and ‘Yello-Eyed Devils.’ They are the most aggressive fish and will bite whatever comes their way. So, for fish like these, which are not picky, any lure strong enough to handle their aggressive strikes will work in catching them.

Nevertheless, you chances of landing more fish is still better achieved by finding an appropriate lure to attract bluefish. In this guide, I am going to walk you through some of the best bluefish lures and their distinctive features.

I will also explain the buying guide in detail, providing insight into making the right purchase. Therefore, keep reading to find the lure that will significantly increase your chances of success.

Best Bluefish Lures

Fishing gear is such a large market, and especially with various lures available, finding the right one can be confusing and time-consuming. Hence, to narrow down your decision, I have compiled a list of some of the best bluefish lures, each with its own unique attributes. The following is the list of lures and their features in detail:

1. Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater Fishing Lure

The first on our list is the topwater fishing lure, which deserved the title of best overall. Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper is one of my personal favorite lures that I often use to catch bluefish. Trust me, this lure does wonders, and you will surely not be disappointed.

The Pencil Popper lure is available in 6 and 7-inch options, which is particularly excellent for targeting big fish. I use a 7-inch Pencil Popper lure, which works like a charm; I feel this size range is perfect for catching bluefish and other fish targets. Moreover, this lure offers a versatile design that I can use in various other fishing conditions.

Now, when it comes to durability, they are much better compared to other lures with the same price range. The Pencil Popper is constructed from robust materials since they are specifically designed to attract large fish. Simply put, they are good enough to withstand the aggressiveness and strength of Smallmouth Bass, stripers, musky, and redfish.

Another highlighting feature of the Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper lure is its weighted tail. This strategy of using weight at the end of the fishtail increases its ability to create more pronounced and vigorous movement in the water. This movement of the lure attracts the attention of the target prey, enticing them to strike.

Furthermore, the best thing about this lure is its versatility in retrieval speed and techniques. You can reel it in slowly with the ‘Walk the dog’ style or go fast for more splashing action. It’s great for anglers with little experience, as you don’t have to stick to the particular way of retrieving it to get bites, unlike some other topwater lures.

Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater is one of the best bluefish lures that offer excellent retrieval speed and amazing swimming action that entices the bluefish to strike aggressively. In addition, it comes at a pretty reasonable price.

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2. Diamond Jigs

Since bluefish are aggressive fish with sharp teeth that can effortlessly shred through lures, that’s why you need an excellent bluefish lure that can endure toothy assaults. Diamond Jigs are exceptional in handling this challenge. It features a forked tail that is divided into two sections.

The Diamond Jig split tail design helps increase the lure’s action in the water. What I love about this lure is definitely its non-stop action that creates life-like motion, which catches the attention of predatory fish. In terms of appearance, the Diamond Jig features a slim and slender profile that mimics the appearance of injured prey fish, especially sand eels and silverside, which bluefish usually feed on.

Moreover, it has a metallic shine, adding a reflective quality to its appearance. The reflective quality tends to imitate the reflective properties of scales on baitfish, increasing its overall appeal. Its ability to mimic baitfish and produce flutter action makes it versatile in terms of fishing techniques.

When using this lure, I have found it excels in deep-water vertical jigging, where its excellent swimming action is quite reliable in attracting bluefish. Furthermore, I successfully cast and retrieve it in shallower areas, offering a diverse approach that adapts well to various fishing conditions. Diamond Jigs work great in areas with sand eels.

To get the most strikes, reel them in quickly off the bottom, then let them fall for a fluttering motion. If nothing else works, then Diamond Jig lure is your best option, and every angler must have it in their tackle box.

The Diamond jig is your go-to fishing lure that excels in swimming action and mimics the appearance of injured baitfish, enticing bluefish to bite. Although they can be expensive, you are getting six lures in a pack, so it’s still worth it.

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3. Acme Kastmaster Fishing Lure

If you are looking for the best versatility fishing lure, then look no further than the Acme Kastmaster. It comes with a variety of vibrant colors, which can be quite useful in muddy water, where visibility is extremely low. Moreover, it comes in various sizes, catering to different fishing conditions, in addition to offering a range of colors.

The Kastmaster offers solid brass construction that adds credibility to its weight and durability. The weight helps in casting the lure over long distances, which helps me cover a wide range of areas. With its aerodynamic design, this lure can travel through the air smoothly with little air resistance during casting.

Moreover, the durable brass construction gives assurance that the lure has excellent resistance to corrosion or deterioration. Not only does it have corrosion resistance properties, but it also features robustness, which is helpful against bending or breaking. This durability is essential, especially against aggressive bluefish, which possess sharp teeth that can be detrimental to lures.

You can use various methods to retrieve the Acme Kastmaster, and the choice of strategy may vary depending on the fishing condition. The typical retrieve method is to slowly and steadily retrieve, with the rod tip facing downward towards the lure. This action evokes the aggressiveness of the school of fish and entices them to bite.

On the other hand, when dealing with the less active fish, I often use the erratic jigging retrieve, which is quite effective. I simply hold the fishing rod tip high, maintaining a steady retrieval pace, and periodically jerk the rod tip to mimic an injured baitfish, a tasty prey for the bluefish. I have yet to face any problem with the Acme Kastmaster lure; the only downside was that the hooks were not very sharp right out of the package.

The Acme Kastmaster offers a simple yet effective design that can help anglers catch almost any type of fish. Moreover, it comes at a budget-friendly price.

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4. Berkley PowerBait Power Minnow

Berkley is the most popular fishing lure manufacturer that has been producing quality fishing equipment for decades. I have used many lures from Berkley, so I can affirm that they are worth the investment. Berkley PowerBait Minnow offers an irresistible smell that drives the bluefish crazy and entices them to strike.

Their appearance resembles life-bait, showcasing meticulous attention given to details. It features 3D eyes that add depth and realism found in live baitfish’s eyes. The three-dimensional effect makes the lure look more realistic, creating the illusion of live bait that looks more convincing to predatory fish.

Its tail is divided into two sections, creating a forked appearance. This design greatly helps enhance the overall movement of the lure. I use this lure for white bass and bluefish, and trust me, it works wonders.

Its split tail design offers excellent action, mimicking the movement of injured prey, which is a tasty meal for bluefish. Moreover, the best thing about Berkley PowerBait Minnow is its irresistible smell that hooks the target fish and triggers them to strike.

Want to know something more exciting? This lure’s unique scent causes the target fish to hold onto it 18 times longer than with other bait. This extended time duration allows me to better sense and recognize when the fish has taken a bite.

In essence, Berkley PowerBait Power Minnow offers a unique scent that makes the target fish hold onto it 18 times longer, increasing the chances of a successful hookset when the angler senses the bite.

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5. Storm Wildeye Swim Shad

If you are searching for the most realistic lure that closely resembles the live bait, look no further than the Storm Wildeye Swim Shad fishing lure. This lure has a natural-looking design with realistic color schemes that further add to its credibility. In addition, the internal lead heads enhance casting accuracy and help the bait sink to a desired depth during retrieval.

I especially love the tail on these lures; it has quite an eye-catching color and excellent motion. The tail is infused with bio-salt to add a natural scent and taste, making the lure more attractive to the target fish. This is my favorite go-to lure when other lures are not working.

Storm Wildeye Swim Shad’s performance showed excellent performance and durability, enduring considerable abuse. Although the traditional jighead paired with a shad body offers more versatility, the Storm Shad is widely known for its user-friendly design. Simply put, overall, it’s an attractive product that you must have in your tackle box.

Storm Wildeye Swim Shad fishing lure is a durable and versatile lure that provides excellent performance and appeals to a variety of salt and freshwater game fish.

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6. Rapala X-Rap Saltwater

It’s impossible not to include Rapala in our list when mentioning the best lures. If you have tried Rapal’s lure, then you will know why they are considered the best. Rapala X-Rap Saltwater fishing lure is taking the lead when it comes to durability.

My initial impression of X-Rap was that it has an impressive construction and a unique torpedo-like profile. Unlike many Rapalas, the coloration was embedded beneath the robust plastic body rather than simply coated on top. Although this lure features scales, they appear less realistic than some rival products, as they weren’t spread out on the surface.

The best thing about Rapala X-Rap is that it is a breeze to cast, thanks to its special long cast system and weight. This system helps adjust weight during the cast, making it a breeze to cast the X-Rap easily and precisely. Moving on, there is a reason why Rapala X-Rap is labeled as ‘slash bait’ instead of a jerk bait.

This is because you can fish it in a way that makes it move aggressively from side to side, not just with a tight forward jerk like most jerk baits. You can reel it in steadily, give it a hard snap, or use sweeping motion. I mostly use the ‘snap’ method to retire the lure.

Trust me, this technique works wonders in shallower water, attracting nearby fishes with its eye-catching flashes. I have landed pretty big targets with this lure.

Rapala X-Rap Saltwater fishing lure offers aggressive and darting action that entices bluefish to take a bite. Moreover, it also comes at an affordable price.

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7. Z-MAN Mag Fishing Lure

Z-Man products, especially their ElaZtech material, are highly favored among anglers. Interestingly, this material can stretch up to 10 times its original length, meaning this lure can extend significantly without losing its form. Moreover, it is durable enough to withstand the aggressive strikes and powerful bites of bluefish.

It was my first time using this lure, and I must say I was amazed by its flexibility and stretchability. They sure do stretch quite well. In addition, they have a unique curved paddle tail design that enhances their swimming action.

The super combination of ElaZtech material and paddle tail offers realistic swimming action, imitating the motion of real prey in the water, making it more appealing to bite. During both slow and fast retrieves, Z-MAN Mag offers side-to-side wiggle, meaning that it maintains its realistic action. I have successfully landed bluefish, stripers, and sea bass with this stretchy lure.

Z-MAN Mag is your best choice when every other lure has failed you. It offers versatility and flexibility, making it an ideal option for various fishing conditions and techniques.

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Ultimate Buying Guide: Factors To Consider Best Bluefish Lures

You cannot just randomly barge into the market and buy the first lure that you see without considering its suitability, now can you? Purchasing a lure requires serious consideration, and there are multiple factors that you must keep in mind to find the appropriate lure. This buying guide will help you consider these factors and provide you insight into making informed decisions.

What Do Bluefish Eat?

The first thing that must come to your mind when buying a lure is the eating habits of the type of fish you are going to catch. So, ask yourself questions like, what type of prey do they feed on? And in which season they are active?

The best thing about fishing bluefish is that they are not picky and are big eaters, devouring anything they can catch. Bluefish have super razor-sharp teeth and a strong jaw, allowing them to eat sizable prey and expand the range of prey they can tackle. In addition, their favorites include squid and fish, especially menhaden, and smaller prey like silversides.

Furthermore, they travel in schools, so snagging one often means there are more to be caught. Additionally, they are skilled fighters and may even leap out of the water. Bluefish are commonly found near structures like rocks and underwater features.

Therefore, in such a case, select a lure that can navigate around structures without getting stuck. Look for lures that can dive or swim smoothly in these areas. Before planning to catch bluefish, you must understand their habitat and the type of food they love to eat.

Lure Size

The size of the lure is very important in determining your success in catching fish. Remember one thing: lures need the perfect combination of weight, hook sizes, and colors to successfully attract the specific type of fish you wish to aim for. Generally, anglers use lures in the range of 4-7 inches for bluefish.

Since bluefish are pretty aggressive fish, using a slightly larger lure to tackle them can be pretty effective. Lures in the 4-7 inches range can imitate the size of common fish prey, such as mullet and menhaden, which are a part of the bluefish diest. Or you can also use small lures that make quiet entry into the water but generate a big splash of noise once submerged, which is effective in attracting the attention of bluefish.

Lure Material and Color

Durability is the most important factor to consider when buying a lure, especially when planning to catch bluefish. Bluefish are popularly known for their aggressive strikes and bites, which can quickly wear down less sturdy lures. Lures with less durability will only last you one fishing trip, which can be a waste of money.

Therefore, buy an expensive lure with excellent quality so that it can withstand the aggression of bluefish and continue to perform effectively over multiple fishing sessions. Look for lures that are made from robust materials, such as tough plastic or metal, to ensure longevity. For best durability, you can go for the Rapala X-Wrap Saltwater fishing lure, and its price is also reasonable.

Lures come in a variety of colors, from bright and flashy to subtle ones. These colors are not only for aesthetic purposes but also play a very crucial role in attracting the target fish species. As you know, different water conditions can impact your fishing, and this is where the lure colors come into play.

The most vibrant color lures are good for cloudy or muddy water, where visibility is extremely low so bright colors can attract fish’s attention more effectively in such a situation. Meanwhile, using more natural and translucent colors is recommended in clear water. While natural color is undoubtedly a good choice, adding a subtle contrast can still make the lure stand out.

Types of Lure

There are various lures with different shapes, each suited for different fishing conditions and types of fish. The go-to lure for bluefish undoubtedly includes a silver spoon. They not only reel in bluefish but also attract other fish that go for small baitfish.

A spoon lure is typically crafted from shiny metal shaped like a spoon bowl. With its reflective surface and the movement it creates in the water, it helps to attract fish. Another is spinnerbait, which usually has a hook with a lead head, although it can be made from other materials.

A wire extends from the head with beads and spinner blades, and the head is often covered with a skirt. Other types of lures include crankbaits, jigs, soft plastic baits, and more. The choice of lure depends on your preferred fishing style, target species, and water conditions.

Review

Reviews clearly discuss the product value in terms of features, performance, and overall user satisfaction. Therefore, before buying Lure, read reviews from reputable websites to gain valuable insight and make an informed purchasing decision.

Ending Lines

Finding the appropriate lure can be troublesome with myriads of options available in the market. So, if you wish to find the best bluefish lures, you can select the lures mentioned in this guide; each offers unique, distinctive features that guarantee success. Let me recommend you my top three best bluefish lures:

• The Acme Kastmaster fishing lure is your best bet, as it offers a versatile design that will help you catch any type of fish.
• The Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater is a well-rounded lure that is the most effective in catching bluefish.
• The Rapala X-Rap Saltwater offers durable construction that can withstand the aggressive strikes of bluefish.