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Here is a list in no particular order of my top saltwater lures that didn’t crack the top five. This is just one man’s opinion.
Spoons
If you’re an old-timer or traditionalist, then you’re probably pulling your hair out here. They were my last bubble lure that didn’t quite make it.
Spoons are basically idiot proof. All you do is cast and reel. I’ve just never really seen much success with them and they catch a ton of grass. They work, they’re just not my favorites.
Spinnerbaits
You’ll see these guys in the freshwater edition of this blog too. Spinners bring together paddle tails as well as spoons for an awesome 1-2 punch.
However, I find these lures to be big, clunky and prone to snagging. I have certainly caught redfish with these, but I think that there are better options.
Spooltechs
Honestly, this was so close to making the top 5, but it was too hard to bump any of the other five. This is my go-to lure for wintertime snook. You can throw them a mile, when you hook a fish, the wire will deploy so you can use lighter leader!
This may seem gimmicky, but I promise you that it is nothing of the sort.
Because I only use them for wintertime snook, I had to push them out of the top five.
Gotcha
Gotcha! plugs are mackerel jigs that excel! In my opinion, there are few better lures to throw or pull for Spanish and king mackerel.
Their weight allows you to throw them a mile and sink fast. To fish these you want to rip this lure as fast as you can so the flash shimmers and draws mackerel reaction strikes.
Pompano Jigs
Despite their name, pompano jigs can actually be used to catch a variety of fish. Flounder, pompano, sheepshead, trout, whiting and many more can be taken on these small jigs.
Fish them in the surf by hopping them along the bottom creating little puffs of sand, or vertical jig with them inshore near bridges and passes. Tipping these lures with shrimp or sand fleas can help to increase bites.
Bonus: Flair Hawks
While primarily an east coast lure, they still see use in Tampa Bay as well. These heavy lures are often bounced along the bottom near passes, spillways and inlets for giant snook and grouper.
Note**: Because these lures are so heavy, expect to lose many to bottom structure. However, if you’re not getting hung up, then you’re not fishing these right!
In Conclusion
These are the top saltwater lures that didn’t quite make the top 5. These are in no particular order, that being said, I do like some of these more than others.
If you want to read the original article to see my top 5, click here.
Until next time, tight lines.