Targeting redfish, snook, or flounder? This guide reveals the 5 must-have inshore saltwater lures to maximize your catch rate. Saltwater inshore fishing offers some of the most exciting angling opportunities. The "inshore slam"—catching a redfish, snook, and flounder in the same day—is a celebrated achievement. But to succeed, you need the right tools. What are the best lures for inshore saltwater fishing? The answer lies in imitating the local food source. This guide will cover the five essential lures that consistently fool these popular gamefish. With these in your tackle box, you'll be ready for any inshore challenge.

1. The Soft Plastic Shrimp Lure: The Universal Inshore Snack

If you could only choose one lure for inshore fishing, a soft plastic shrimp would be a top contender. Shrimp are a primary food source for almost every inshore species. A realistic imitation is simply irresistible.

Why It's Irresistible to All Three Species

Redfish, snook, and flounder all feed heavily on shrimp. The natural presentation of a soft plastic shrimp lure is something these fish are programmed to eat. Its subtle action and scent (if added) make it a deadly choice year-round.

How to Rig It: The Classic Jig Head

The most common way to rig a shrimp lure is on a jig head. The weight of the jig head gets the lure down to the bottom. It also gives it a darting, hopping action when you twitch your rod. You can also use a weedless hook in grassy areas.

Our Top Pick for Realism and Value

For a lifelike presentation that won't break the bank, check out our Lure Bait Fake Shrimp. Its realistic design and built-in hook make it a ready-to-fish solution for targeting inshore predators.

2. The Paddle Tail Swimbait: Covering Water with Vibration

When you need to search for fish, a paddle tail swimbait is your best friend. This versatile lure can be fished in many ways. It is a staple for any serious inshore angler.

The Power of the "Thump"

The "paddle" on the tail of this swimbait kicks and vibrates as it moves through the water. This "thump" sends out vibrations that fish can feel with their lateral line. It calls them in from a distance, making it an excellent search bait.

Best For: Searching for Redfish on the Flats

A 3- to 4-inch paddle tail is one of the best lures for redfish on grass flats. You can cover large areas quickly. It's a simple and effective way to locate schools of feeding fish.

Retrieval Techniques: Slow Roll vs. Hopping

The most common technique is a "slow roll," or a steady retrieve. You can also let it sink to the bottom and hop it back to the boat. This imitates a wounded baitfish and can trigger aggressive strikes.

3. The Topwater Walking Bait: The Heart-Stopping Strike

There is nothing in fishing more exciting than a topwater explosion. A walking bait, often called a "walk-the-dog" lure, is designed to create this kind of surface action.

The "Walk-the-Dog" Action Explained

A walking bait has no action of its own. The angler creates the action by rhythmically twitching the rod tip. This makes the lure dart back and forth across the surface. This perfectly mimics a fleeing, panicked baitfish.

Best For: Explosive Snook and Redfish Bites

This is one of the premier snook fishing lures. Snook are ambush predators. They often hide under mangroves or docks. The surface disturbance of a walking bait will draw them out for a spectacular strike. Redfish will also aggressively attack these topwater lures.

When to Use It: Early Morning and Calm Conditions

Topwater lures work best in low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. They are also most effective when the water surface is calm. This allows the lure's action to be the main focus of attention.

4. The Gold Spoon: The Old School, All-Time Classic

The gold spoon is one of the oldest and most effective redfish lures ever created. Its simplicity is its genius. It catches fish today just as well as it did 50 years ago.

Why Gold? The Perfect Imitation of a Fleeing Crab

A gold spoon wobbles and flashes as it moves. This flash imitates a variety of baitfish. More importantly, its shape and color are a perfect imitation of a small crab fleeing along the bottom. This makes it a primary target for redfish.

Best For: Sight Fishing Redfish in Shallow Water

Most spoons designed for redfish are weedless. This allows you to cast them into shallow, grassy areas where redfish feed. It is a fantastic tool for sight fishing, where you cast directly to fish you can see.

A Simple Cast and Retrieve is All You Need

The beauty of a spoon is its ease of use. A simple, steady retrieve is all it takes. The lure's built-in wobble does all the work. It is a fantastic lure for beginners and experts alike.

5. The Bucktail Jig: The Do-It-All Flounder Pounder

The bucktail jig is a simple lure made of lead, a hook, and deer hair. It is incredibly versatile and is perhaps the single best flounder lure ever made.

The Pulsating Action of Natural Hair

The magic of a bucktail jig is the natural deer hair. In the water, it breathes and pulsates. This creates a subtle, lifelike movement that flatfish find irresistible. It's a classic choice for a reason.

Best For: Bouncing the Bottom for Flounder

Flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom. The best way to catch them is to bounce a lure right in front of their face. A bucktail jig is perfect for this technique. Its weight gets it to the bottom quickly.

Pro Tip: Add a Soft Plastic Trailer for More Scent

To make your bucktail jig even more effective, add a small soft plastic trailer to the hook. This adds scent and a little extra action. It can be the key to getting more bites from finicky flounder.

Pro Tips for Inshore Lure Selection

How do you choose the right lure on any given day? Keep these two factors in mind.

Pay Attention to the Tides

The tide is the single most important factor in inshore fishing. Moving water (either an incoming or outgoing tide) is almost always better. The current positions baitfish, and the predators will be there to ambush them.

Match Your Lure Color to the Water Clarity

In clear water, use natural colors like white, silver, or shrimp patterns. In stained or murky water, use brighter colors like chartreuse or darker colors like root beer to create a better silhouette.

Build Your Inshore Arsenal for Success

You don't need a giant tackle box for successful saltwater inshore fishing. These five lures are the foundation of a complete arsenal. They will allow you to catch redfish, snook, and flounder in a wide variety of conditions.

Ready to build your ultimate inshore tackle box? Explore our full range of saltwater lures now.

What is your go-to lure for inshore fishing? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Inshore Saltwater Lures

What is the single best all-around inshore saltwater lure?

A soft plastic shrimp lure rigged on a jig head is arguably the best all-around choice. Nearly every inshore species eats shrimp. It can be fished in a variety of ways and is effective in almost any condition.

Do I need a wire leader for snook and redfish?

For snook, it's a good idea, but not always necessary. Snook have a very abrasive mouth that can chafe through fluorocarbon. For redfish, a 20-30lb fluorocarbon leader is usually sufficient. A wire leader is not needed.

What size lure should I use for inshore fishing?

Most inshore lures are between 3 and 5 inches long. This size range effectively mimics the most common baitfish and shrimp. Match the size of your lure to the size of the bait you see in the water.

Can I use freshwater lures for saltwater fishing?

Yes, but you must take care of them. The hooks and split rings on freshwater lures will rust very quickly in salt. If you use them, be sure to rinse them thoroughly with fresh water after every trip and consider upgrading the hardware to saltwater-rated components. Finding the right fishing tackle is key.