Saltwater fishing lures are versatile, offering nearly unlimited ways to target inshore and offshore species. From bays to beaches, offshore hard bottom to current-formed weed lines, the sea offers a diverse bounty of sport-fishing opportunities. Capitalizing on the briny bounty requires an equally diverse array of baits, both natural and artificial.
Saltwater fishing lures cover the gamut of cast-and-retrieve, vertical techniques and trolling presentations. Here’s a look at some of the best new lures for 2026.
Quick Look: Saltwater Fishing Lures
- Z-Man PrawnstarZ
- Z-Man PrawnstarZ LB
- Berkley Gulp! Nemesis Prawn Curl Tail
- D.O.A. Terroreyz 3X Super Strong Jig Head
- MirrOLure Paul Brown Soft-Dine
- Berkley Saltwater Slobberknocker
- Berkley Paddlin’ Power Stinger
- BOOYAH Flashpoint Jr.
- FishLab Bio Shad Indiana Tailspin
- Daiwa Laser Impact Lazy Fashad 100
- Islamorada Flyers Large Cotton Candy
- Iland Lures Ilander Flash-A-Boo Series
- Johnny Jigs Railer 330
- AFTCO Blue Fever Crossbreed
- Yo-Zuri Mag Popper
- Rapala CountDown Magnum Elite
- Shimano Ledge Runner
Soft-Plastic Inshore Fishing Lures
Fished on jig heads or weighted wide-gap hooks, drop-shot rigs or weightless, soft-plastic lures designed to imitate baitfish and crustaceans play integral roles in the shallow-water game.
Z-Man PrawnstarZ
Expanding on its original 3 1/2- and 5-inch designs, Z-Man added 2 1/2- (1/16-ounce) and 3-inch (1/8-ounce) versions of this realistic-looking, pre-rigged saltwater lure. Z-Man also introduced a loose body option of the original 3 1/2-inch PrawnstarZ, which is not pre-rigged, allowing anglers to present the bait however they wish.
Berkley Gulp! Nemesis Prawn Curl Tail
Conceived for maximum action at peppy or modest retrieves, this lure’s finely tuned curled tail delivers irresistible displays at any speed. Forward-facing spikes mimic a real shrimp’s head design, which teams with a faceted body for maximum turbulence. This design also helps disperse Berkley’s proven Gulp! scent/flavor formula, which is said to expand the strike zone 400x broader than other baits. Available in eight colors.
D.O.A. Terroreyz 3X Super Strong Jig Head
One of D.O.A.’s most versatile designs, the Terroreyz swimbait is a staple for snook, tarpon and other top-tier targets. Recently, this dependable saltwater lure got a boost in strength and stopping power by way of a lead head built on a stout 3X hook. Sporting that instantly recognizable oversized eye, this beefed-up version of the D.O.A. Terroreyz maintains a horizontal profile, even on a vertical drop, with an exposed hook that helps ensure effective connections. Built to handle extreme drag and strong braided lines, DOA’s new creation is available in 1/4- and 3/8-ounce sizes.
MirrOLure Paul Brown Soft-Dine
Trout, redfish and other inshore predators typically respond aggressively to small baitfish profiles, but winter months commonly see a downturn in aggression. When lighter bites render hard-body saltwater lures less effective, a soft form like the Paul Brown Soft-Dine can be the deal closer. Patterned after MirrOlure’s popular MirrODine hard twitchbait, the 2 5/8-inch, 3/8-ounce Soft-Dine features a built-in reflective foil insert for added realism and a sonic rattling chamber.
Hard-Bodied Inshore Saltwater Fishing Lures
Made for covering water and finding active fish, hard baits offer chuck-and-wind simplicity. These saltwater fishing lures take advantage of the aggressive nature of inshore predators to draw reaction strikes.
Berkley Saltwater Slobberknocker
Bladed jigs are all the rage on the freshwater scene, but their ability to mimic crabs and baitfish profiles also makes these flashy, vibration-heavy baits effective on redfish and snook. Berkley’s new Saltwater Slobberknocker fits this plan with a bold presence that predators can detect with their eyes and their lateral lines. Offered in 3/8- and 1/2-ounce sizes with eight colors, the Saltwater Slobberknocker pairs well with another new Berkley item, the PowerBait Saltwater Paddlin’ Powerstinger. This slim-profile swimbait features Berkley’s patented Honeycomb technology and Saltwater PowerBait scent for diverse sensory appeal. Offered in 3- and 4 1/4-inch sizes the Saltwater Paddlin’ Powerstinger comes in 10 colors.
BOOYAH Flashpoint Jr.
This 4-inch jerkbait is marketed as a freshwater lure, but it has gained respect among saltwater anglers targeting speckled trout, bluefish and others. A prominent metal blade sonically welded atop the bait’s head emits attention-getting flashes, while also creating stronger sonar returns so you can see it in real time on live sonar. Made to suspend at a 45-degree angle, the Flashpoint Jr. dives 4 to 6 feet and comes in 12 colors.
FishLab Bio Shad Indiana Tailspin
Another crossover bait, the Bio Shad Indiana Tailspin is a fishing lure designed for freshwater multi-species use, but this compact attention-getter with a prominent blade and a single treble hook offers strategic saltwater application, especially when trout and redfish need deep-water coaxing during the temperature extremes of summer and winter. Combining the thump and vibration of a Colorado blade with the flash and speed stability of a willow-leaf blade, FishLab Bio Shad Indiana Tailspin presents an irresistible profile, even at high retrieve speeds. Offered in 1/8-, 1/6-, and 1/4-ounce sizes, the lure comes in eight colors.
Daiwa Laser Impact Lazy Fashad 100
Daiwa has introduced a larger, slow-sinking version of its edgy twitchbait. Accented with pyramid-shaped polyhedrons and a built-in mirror reflector, this saltwater fishing lure emits intense flashes to attract predator attention. An internal weight transfer system maximizes casting distance, while a small fin on the head creates a rolling action and a slalom-style swimming motion. Made with realistic eyeballs, gills and mouthparts, this 4-inch lure comes in five colors.
Trolling Lures for Large Saltwater Fish
Sailfish, marlin, dolphin, wahoo, and tuna all respond to a spread of surface-running lures that mimic their offshore forage. Trolling lures are built strong to hold up in battle with big-game species.
Islamorada Flyers Large Cotton Candy
Designed to run clean at trolling speeds with enticing display, the Islamorada Flyer now comes in an eye-catching Cotton Candy color pattern. This 6.5-inch, double-skirted bait will raise fish and bend the rods.
Iland Lures Ilander Flash-A-Boo Series
Dressing up this high-speed trolling lure’s skirt with shiny synthetic fibers adds fish-tempting glimmer to the spread. Ideally paired with a big ballyhoo, Ilander Flash-A-Boo lures come in five color options.
Saltwater Lures for Jigging
The fluttering, darting, spiraling presentation of a keeled hunk of metal will tempt a variety of reef, wreck and pelagic species. Jigs are hot right now in the world of saltwater fishing lures, and allowing the bait to fall on a slack line is key.
Johnny Jigs Railer 330
AFTCO Blue Fever Crossbreed
Center-weighted for an enticing fall, the Blue Fever Crossbreed is built with oversized split rings and 4x treble hooks. This lure comes in five colors with 2-, 2 3/4-, 3 1/2- and 4 1/8-ounce sizes.
Hard Lures for Offshore Fishing
Whether it’s yellowfin tuna, wahoo, or king mackerel, mimicking wounded or otherwise vulnerable baitfish can yield unbelievably aggressive strikes. These hard baits get the job done with aggressive saltwater game fish.
Yo-Zuri Mag Popper
This 4-inch, 1-ounce surface lure features a magnetic weight transfer system for long, accurate casts and loud, splashing action that creates fish-calling disturbances. A precisely balanced body delivers aggressive popping action, while also facilitating smooth walking presentations that appeal to inshore and offshore species. Dressed in Yo-Zuri’s signature realism, the Mag Popper comes in eight color options.
Rapala CountDown Magnum Elite
Built tough with an Abachi wood body, this saltwater fishing lure withstands the brutal impact of big bites from big fish when casting or trolling. Rapala’s new lure features slightly flatter sides than the standard CountDown, a trait that helps it track better at speeds of up to 10 knots. Assembled with premium hardware, including 3X VMC ultra-sharp saltwater hooks, the CountDown Magnum Elite swims true, whether cast or trolled. Offered in 5 3/4- and 7-inch sizes that run 15 to 18 feet deep and 18 to 21 feet, respectively, this lure’s available in 10 colors.
Shimano Ledge Runner
This new trolling lure integrates two exclusive Shimano technologies for optimal performance. First is ADR (Adjustable Depth Range), which allows anglers to quickly modify trolling depth as conditions or target species change. Next, the lure’s HCW (Hydro Control Wing) stabilizes its posture by optimizing water flow along the body to ensure a straight, consistent track at any speed. The Ledge Runner’s 3mm-thick solid-plate design bolsters durability and longevity. Offered in a 160F size with 4/0 treble hooks and a 200F with 11/0 singles.
