Bluefish are aggressive and vicious predators that kill for the sheer pleasure of sinking their sharp teeth into prey.
The best bluefish lures are those designed to look like irresistible prey and imitate the swimming action of the baitfish these ferocious fish chase in the water.
Whether or not you pick a flashy lure, it is crucial to choose one that produces jerking actions because bluefish typically feed on small fish with these types of movements.
My favorite bluefish lure is the Kmucutie Bucktail Jig due to its lifelike features and erratic baitfish action.
It can be lots of fun catching the hard-fighting piranha of the ocean but only if you have the correct fishing gear.
So in this guide, I’ll be giving you some of the best lures for bluefish on the market. These options are great for a variety of fishing techniques, whether you prefer chasing down schools of bluefish, trolling, surf fishing, or jigging.
Best Bluefish Lures – Reviews & Buying Guide
Best Overall: Kmucutie Bucktail Jig
Product Overview
As an experienced angler, I can attest that Kmucutie’s Bucktail Jig lures are a game-changer for vertical jigging from a pier or boat. With their lifelike design and baitfish-like movement, these lures are highly responsive and effective for catching a wide variety of big predator fish.
Crafted with a lead head and colorful deer hair, these Bucktail Jigs weigh one ounce and are suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The bulging eyes and holographic finish make them highly attractive, while the deer hair enhances their undulating movement inside the water.
Featured Spec
- Color: Mixed color
- Material: Lead head, Colorful deer hair
- Weight: 1 ounce
Pros
- Bulging eyes and holographic finish
- Deer hair for highly attractive movement
- Targets a wide variety of big fish
- Glows in the dark
- Comes with an extremely sharp hook
Cons
- Slightly on the heavy side
Product Review
I particularly appreciate the oversized vivid eyes painted on hydrodynamic heads, which provide maximum attraction and visibility even in low-light conditions. Thanks to their glowing nature, these Bucktail Jigs are a top choice for night fishing for bluefish and other predator species.
Although they are slightly on the heavy side, these lures are designed to mimic the darting action of baitfish through water, making them highly effective for vertical jigging. While they can be used for nearly all fishing techniques, I would recommend opting for one of the other options on this list if you prefer to retrieve from the beach.
Overall, the Bucktail Jig is one of the best lures for striped bass and bluefish, commonly referred to as “striped bass and flounder candy.” Equipped with a super sharp Mustad Jig hook, these lures are perfect for targeting walleye, trout, crappie, cobia, snook, bass, and of course, bluefish.
I can confidently say that the Bucktail Jig is a top-quality lure that will draw plenty of strikes for lots of casts. Its color schemes are on point, the heads are durable, and the deer hair holds on firmly, making it an excellent investment for any angler looking to improve their catch rate.
Also Available From: Kmucutie Fishing Lure Store
Runner-Up: EliasVFishing Swim Shad
Product Overview
If you’re looking for exceptional swimming action in murky water, the expertly designed super soft Swim Shad from EliasVFishing is an excellent choice. Its simple yet effective design, which is 5.5 inches long and weighs just 7.3 ounces, produces unparalleled results.
With its paddletail design, it is no surprise that it easily triggers plenty of strikes from predators. Bluefish, stripers, and gray trout are highly attracted to this extremely effective lure with its tempting movement.
It comes in two packs of four, giving you eight lures in total. For its price, the Swim Shad is definitely one of the very best artificial lures for bluefish.
Featured Spec
- Color: Night Ops
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
Pros
- Super soft and thick body
- Incredible swimming action
- Suitable for most jig heads
- Ideal for saltwater fishing
- Simple, yet highly effective
Cons
- Too soft for some applications
- Not suitable for long distance casts
Product Review
I’ve had my fair share of experiences with different lures, and the EliasVFishing Swim Shad is definitely a top contender for the best artificial lure for bluefish and striped bass.
One of the things that sets this lure apart is its ultra-soft body, which is thick enough to allow predators to bite and hold on firmly, making it easier to set the hook. The paddletail design of the Swim Shad creates a remarkably realistic swimming action that effectively triggers strikes from predators.
To get the best results with this lure, I highly recommend using it in murky water conditions. The dark “Night Ops” color makes it an excellent lure for these types of waters. It also works well on overcast or cloudy days. If you plan on fishing in clear waters, the Ghost Mullet or Sea-Monkey hue variations can also be effective.
One of the great things about the Swim Shad is its versatile design, which allows it to work well with most jig heads of up to 2 ounces. It’s a “plug & play” lure that doesn’t require any complicated rigging or special skills to use. For maximum durability, I suggest using a jig head with double barbs.
Overall, I highly recommend the EliasVFishing Swim Shad to any angler looking for a soft baitfish lure that can effectively attract bluefish and striped bass. Its realistic swimming action, soft body, and versatility make it a must-have in any tackle box.
Also Available From: EliasVFishing
Alternative: Dr.Fish Casting Jigs Assortment Kit
Product Overview
If you’re searching for the best surf fishing lures to catch bluefish, look no further than this set of five lures from Dr.Fish.
Each metal jig is a vertical jigging spoon lure designed for surf fishing and trolling both in freshwater and saltwater. The brightly colored lures are equipped with plenty of features to make them trigger strikes from predator fish, such as mackerel, striper, and bluefish.
Available colors include blue, green, silver, red, and yellow so you can choose the most appropriate lure for different fishing conditions.
Featured Spec
- Color: Multi-color
- Material: Metal
- Weight: 0.88 ounces
Pros
- Solid and stable construction for long casting
- Lifelike appearance
- Corrosion resistant properties
- Yellow jig glows in the dark
- Includes extremely sharp feathered treble hook
Cons
- Weak hooks
- Made of lead material
Product Review
As an experienced angler, I’ve tried countless lures for bluefish, but the Casting Jigs from Dr.Fish are truly impressive. What’s not to like about these small metal jigs? They come in a stunning holographic design with an exceptional level of detail in the laser printing. The 3D eyes look remarkably realistic, especially underwater, giving off a fish-attracting flash that predator fish simply can’t resist.
One of the things that make these jigs stand out is their slim profile, which produces an erratic action when jigged and ripped through the water. And when you combine that with a feathered treble hook that simulates the flow of baitfish, bluefish, stripers, and other predator fish will find it difficult to resist.
The metal jigs are expertly designed to offer maximum casting distance, and they feature hyper wire split rings and hooks with barbed needle points, making them perfect for casting and jigging presentations in freshwater and saltwater.
One common issue with metal lures is their susceptibility to rust and corrosion, but these fishing spoons come with an extra corrosion-resistant coating, which makes them perfect for use in saltwater conditions.
Dr.Fish Casting Jigs come in five bright colors, each designed to grab the attention of bluefish. But perhaps the most fascinating metal jigging spoon in the pack is the yellow or gold lure. It comes with a dual-skin design, with one side appearing white in bright light and glowing in the dark, making it a standout choice in low light conditions.
Overall, the solid and holographic construction, combined with the erratic action and feather treble hooks, makes Casting Jigs an essential addition to any angler’s tackle box. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, you won’t regret trying these jigs out on your next fishing trip.
Also Available From: Dr Fish
Alternative: Bearded Buzzbait Bucktail Jigs
Product Overview
Regular bucktails can’t match the effectiveness of the Bearded Buzzbait Bucktail Jig when it comes to attracting flounders. So, if you’re targeting inshore species such as bluefish, bass, or walleye, it’s worth considering this lure.
It comes in a pack of four with bright colors, vivid heads, realistic-looking eyes, and good-quality skirts designed to entice fish and increase the strike rate.
Measuring 5 inches from head to tongue board, the lures weigh 1.42 ounces, making them great for casting. They are also great for slow jigging and rank high among the best surf fishing lures for bluefish.
Featured Spec
- Color: Red, Yellow, Blue-White, Yellow-White, Black-Red
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 1.45 ounces
Pros
- Removable worm hook with two extra hooks
- Excellent diving and rolling action
- Two different eyelets for tying leader line
- Great for vertical and horizontal jigging
- Good deal for the price
Cons
- Not suitable for areas with plenty of snags
- Contains lead
Product Review
As an experienced angler, I can confidently say that the Bearded Buzzbait Bucktail is an outstanding bluefish lure that can significantly increase your catch rate. The level of craftsmanship in its design is simply remarkable.
One of the most impressive features of this set of four jigs is the colorful and lifelike heads. They are fitted with 3D eyes that are highly attractive to fish, making them a great choice for catching bluefish. The heads also help to prevent the lure from getting snagged in underwater structures, which can be a common issue with other lures.
The Bearded Buzzbait Bucktail is also unique because it comes with two eyelets on the head, which allows you to tie the leader line in two different positions. This feature makes it possible to use the lure for both vertical and horizontal jigging, depending on the situation. In addition, the lure is fitted with three different hooks, including a removable antirust worm hook and two additional hooks, which significantly increases your chances of catching fish.
One of the most impressive features of this lure is the realistic 3D eyes that glow brightly underwater, especially in the dark. Combined with the rolling and diving action that closely mimics the movement of baitfish, the Bearded Buzzbait Bucktail is highly effective in attracting predator fish.
The lures are also fitted with highly durable and convenient combine rings, and the skirts cleverly hide extremely sharp hooks that are hand-tied to the lure. With a rated diving depth of 50 feet, the Bearded Buzzbait Bucktail Jigs are perfect for jigging off the bottom for a wide variety of predator fish. As an experienced angler, I highly recommend this lure to anyone looking for a top-quality bluefish lure.
Alternative: Dr.Fish Fishing Spoon
Product Overview
If you’re looking for a bluefish lure that’s perfect for long casting, you should definitely consider buying these Dr. Fish Fishing Spoon Lures. Not only are they an excellent choice for bluefish, but it’s also highly effective at catching other species such as perch, salmon, walleye, and striped bass.
These set of five metal fishing spoons tend to have a quicker retrieve owing to their streamlined shapes. Although they are light at only 0.5 ounces each, they are heavy enough to maintain great balance in mid-air during casts.
Featured Spec
- Color: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Silver
- Material: Metal
- Weight: 0.5 ounces
Pros
- Low price point
- Attracts fish from afar
- Can produce a variety of actions in water
- Great for long and accurate casts
- Streamlined shape for quicker retrieve
Cons
- Colored stickers might come off easily
- Might have loose loops
Product Review
My last review is the set of metal fishing spoons I have had the opportunity to use from Dr.Fish.
This pack of five lures is an affordable, simple, and lightweight option that delivers impressive results when casting or trolling for bluefish.
Although they lack the realistic features of other lures on this list, these spoons have a high-reflective ratio belly that helps to attract predator fish from far away. The streamlined profile and solid metal construction allow for a fast diving action when retrieved from the bottom at medium speed. The lure will swim back at an S route, which can generate different actions depending on the retrieve speed.
These spoons are perfect for long and precise casting, thanks to their 2-1/2-inch size and aerodynamic design. Plus, the lures remain stable even on windy days, allowing for accurate casts.
One thing to keep in mind is that the color of each lure is achieved through a sticker pasted on the surface. These stickers may come off after a few fishing trips. Nevertheless, each spoon comes equipped with extremely sharp treble hooks that can easily snag onto bluefish or other predator fish.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and effective bluefish lure for long casting, the Dr.Fish Fishing Spoons are definitely worth considering.
Also Available From: Dr Fish
Bluefish Lures FAQ
What’s the best bait to catch bluefish?
You’ll need plenty of bait to catch bluefish owing to their sharp teeth and reputation for being ravenous eaters. Usually, these fish species aren’t very picky about their food but they prefer to strike at certain types of baits more than others.
The best artificial lures for bluefish will work most of the time, but it is usually better if you can use live bait. Some excellent options include eels and other oily fish. Strips of squid and cut bait such as fish will also encourage bluefish to take more bites. Also, consider using small chunks or placing whole dead minnows on your hook.
In any case, bluefish are very attracted to just about any baitfish. The bottom line is to have plenty of whatever bait you want to use. That’s because bluefish usually feed in schools, so if one gets drawn to your bait, you can expect a feeding frenzy!
How do you catch bluefish from shore?
Bluefish are not difficult to catch, if they are anywhere around in the water, you’ll probably catch them with the right lure or natural bait and proper fishing tools.
A more effective way to catch this fish species from the shore is to place the hook far back on your bait. Bluefish usually prefer to strike at the rear of your bait. The fish will jump once it gets hooked, so keep the line tight throughout.
However, you may have to give a little when the fish is hooked if you are already using a very tight line. If you don’t, the fish might break you off.
You want to be careful when unhooking a bluefish. It is best to use pliers to take the hooks out of the tough mouth of bluefish. Remember that they typically bite hard and one mistake can result in an unfortunate accident. You could also be at risk of getting the hook in your hand if you don’t use pliers.
To make things easy, consider using single hooks instead of treble hooks. Single hooks are not as complicated to unhook from the mouths of bluefish.
What is the best month to catch bluefish?
The best month to catch bluefish will depend on their migration behavior. In colder months, these species tend to travel south, and in warmer months, they usually go north.
Bluefish can go as far as the coast of the Carolinas in the southern areas while they can head north up to Maine.
It is normal for bluefish fishing to slow down a bit during the colder months, especially when the water temperature goes below 66oF during winter.
For the best results, consider fishing bluefish from mid to late summer to early fall. But to increase your chances of a bountiful catch here’s a quick rundown of the best months and seasons to target bluefish based on region:
- June through September – Above Cape Cod
- May through November – New Jersey to Cape Cod
- November through December, March through April – North Carolina
- Spring through fall – North of Cape Hatteras, Southern Atlantic States
- Spring through summer – Gulf States
- Winter – East and South Florida
Keep in mind that storms can impact the fishing experience. Weather changes can alter the temperature and pressure of the water, and this can, in turn, stimulate a change of activity or behavior in the fish.
Can you catch bluefish at night?
Yes, you can catch bluefish at night. The best times to target bluefish are from late evening to the wee hours of the morning. This is particularly true during late summer and fall.
Usually, you can find bluefish at around 90-feet or deeper in the water during late evenings, nights, and early mornings. However, they tend to float closer to the surface under the moonlight.
Keep in mind that water temperature affects the activities of bluefish just like it does to most other species. These ferocious feeders prefer water temperatures of about 66oF to 73oF, although they can still be found in slightly colder waters.
Novice anglers can leverage the nighttime to target bluefish, provided they use stout fishing rods and strong fishing reels. A light tackle is a poor match for these hard-fighting species. Armed with the right type of fishing lures and baits, you can get bluefish to bite at night and start the frenzy going. This can be an intense yet exciting and fun fishing experience even though it is at night.
Conclusion
Finding the best lure for bluefish might seem easy until you are faced with an overwhelming number of options when you go searching online.
Fortunately, this guide has narrowed your choices to five of the highly effective lures so you can pick the one that best suits your fishing preferences.
Keep in mind that the best artificial lures for bluefish will vary depending on whether you are surf fishing, trolling, jigging, or casting. However, regardless of fishing technique, all of the options on this list are great, easy to use, and will increase the strike rate.
That being said, I recommend our best overall pick if you want a highly responsive bluefish lure. You can use the lure in all seasons and for both freshwater and saltwater applications. But if you want something thick, extremely soft, with unparallel swimming action, consider the Swim Shad with its highly effective paddletail design.
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