Imagine this: you’re standing on the flats, the sun warming your face, and you know the redfish and speckled trout are cruising nearby. But what lure do you tie on? It’s a question that can make even the most experienced angler pause. Choosing the perfect lure for these popular inshore game fish isn’t always easy. There are so many colors, shapes, and sizes, it can feel overwhelming and lead to frustrating days with no bites.
But what if you could cut through the confusion and confidently pick a lure that consistently attracts these hungry predators? That’s exactly what we’re going to help you do. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes certain lures work better than others for redfish and trout. We’ll explore the secrets behind effective lure selection, so you can spend less time guessing and more time reeling in fish.
Top Redfish And Trout Lures Recommendations
No. 1
Bomber Lures Mullet Slow-Sinking Twitch, Walking Saltwater Fishing Lure, Excellent for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Stripers and More, 3 1/2", 5/8 oz, Silver Mullet
- Slow-sinking twitch/walking lure with erratic action mimics prominent in-shore forage and catches all species of inshore game-fish, including speckled trout, redfish, striped bass and more.
- Can be fished quickly across the surface in a walk-the-dog fashion to catch active fish hitting the surface, but also can be walked slowly under the surface to catch more inactive fish.
- Strong, #2 saltwater grade hooks and durable corrosion-resistant body and hardware to handle the toughest conditions and even the toothiest fish.
- Features a unique super-slow-sinking action that catches fish with a variety of retrieves; Weighs 5/8-ounce and casts well even against the ever-present wind.
- Effective size and colors: At 3 ½-inches in length, the Mullet fits into the most-effective size category to appeal to all inshore fish; Available in 8 saltwater-specific color patterns that fish love.
$7.13
Buy on Amazon
No. 2
A.M. Fishing Curly Tail Jerkshad 4 Inch Soft Baits Garlic Infused,– 8 Pack – Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing Lures for Bass, Redfish, Snook, and Trout (Watermelon Red Chartreuse)
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Hybrid curly tail jerkshad with erratic action and nonstop movement, perfect for various fishing techniques including Texas/Carolina rigs, drop shot, wacky, Alabama, and tandem rigging.
- USA CRAFTED: Designed and manufactured in Harlingen, TX with durability in mind using a hard plastic formula that balances excellent action with long-lasting performance.
- GARLIC SCENTED: Infused with potent garlic scent to mask negative odors like sunscreen and provide fish with additional sensory attraction to hold onto your lure longer.
- UV REFLECTIVE: Features special pigments that reflect UV light rays, allowing fish to spot your lure from greater distances underwater, plus glow-in-the-dark features for low light conditions.
- All of our lures are infused with a potent garlic scent, this helps cover up negative scents like sunscreen & gives the fish a little extra something to hold onto & help them find your lure.
No. 3
6th Sense Party Paddle 4.3" Saltwater Series – Soft Plastic Swimbait – Inshore Fishing Lure for Redfish, Trout, Snook – 6 Pack (Shrimp Gold, 4.3in.)
- 4.3” Swimbait Profile – Ideal for jig heads, weighted hooks, or harness rigs
- Saltwater-Ready Durability – Formulated to withstand multiple fish without tearing
- Aggressive Paddle Tail – Hard-thumping action kicks naturally—even on slow retrieves
- Versatile Inshore Targeting – Designed for redfish, speckled trout, snook, and more
- 6 Baits Per Pack – Loaded with performance and value for your next salt trip
No. 4
Matrix Shad Original 3 Inch Fishing Lure for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Bass - Paddle Tail Swimbaits for Freshwater and Saltwater - Shrimp Creole - 8 Count Bag (Pack of 1)
- Package Content: 8 Pack of 3 inch "Shrimp Creole" color Matrix soft plastic fishing lures. The Matrix Shad “shrimp creole” color is a perfect match for clear water. The bait is clear sprinkled with glitter and a nice reflective coat. Of course the Matrix Shad “shrimp creole” features the classic paddle tail combined with an extremely tough bait to make the perfect mixture of durability and action. When the shrimp are in this is the go to bait.
- 🐟 Saltwater & Freshwater Lures: These lures work best for Bass, Speckled Trout, Red Fish, and Flounder. These are the original Matrix Shad paddletail swimbaits brought to you by the good folk of Matrix Shad deep down in Southern Louisiana. The Matrix Shad catches fish!
- 🎣 Different Colors For Different Environments: We have multiple colors available to fit every different environment. These colors have been tested and proven to work. Whether you like our popular Matrix Green Hornet color, Shrimp Creole, our glow-in-the-dark variations, or even a chartreuse swimbait color, we've got you covered.
- 🐟 Durable Soft Plastic: The Matrix Shad swim baits are the most durable soft plastic lures on the market. You can trust that our lures will last a long time and will help you catch many fish. The plastic that we use which really makes this lure great, it's very durable, it's very tough. The Matrix paddle tail is a saltwater grade plastic. You may have days with dozens of fish on one lure only. We recommend pairing with the Matrix Goldeneye jig heads for fishing around Louisiana and beyond.
- 🎣 Check Out The Rest Of The Matrix Lineup - Matrix Shad provides some of the best soft lures, fishing line, floats, jig heads, craws, and gear out there. Created by the good folk down at Matrix Shad and DockSide TV in Southern Louisiana to make sure you keep reelin' in those table fare keepers. Just search for Matrix Shad to see our other products.
No. 5
Strike King Redfish Magic Spinnerbait 1/4oz Electric Chicken Chartreuse Head (RMG14-860)
- Large 3D eyes
- Oversized saltwater black nickel needlepoint hook
- Gold plated swivel and split rings
- Heavy gauge gold plated stainless steel "R" bend wire
- 24k gold 4 Colorado blade
$4.97
Buy on Amazon
No. 6
A.M. Fishing Curly Tail Jerkshad 5.5 Inch Soft Baits Garlic Infused,– 6 Pack – Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing Lures for Bass, Redfish, Snook, and Trout (Watermelon Red Chartreuse)
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Hybrid curly tail jerkshad with erratic action and nonstop movement, perfect for various fishing techniques including Texas/Carolina rigs, drop shot, wacky, Alabama, and tandem rigging.
- USA CRAFTED: Designed and manufactured in Harlingen, TX with durability in mind using a hard plastic formula that balances excellent action with long-lasting performance.
- GARLIC SCENTED: Infused with potent garlic scent to mask negative odors like sunscreen and provide fish with additional sensory attraction to hold onto your lure longer.
- UV REFLECTIVE: Features special pigments that reflect UV light rays, allowing fish to spot your lure from greater distances underwater, plus glow-in-the-dark features for low light conditions.
- All of our lures are infused with a potent garlic scent, this helps cover up negative scents like sunscreen & gives the fish a little extra something to hold onto & help them find your lure.
No. 7
CASTSTRIKE 3PCS Shrimp Fishing Lures Soft Plastic Saltwater Freshwater Set
- READY-TO-FISH PRE-RIGGED DESIGN: CASTSTRIKE shrimp lures come fully rigged with sharp jig hooks and weighted hook system for instant use. No extra rigging needed, perfect for quick setups in saltwater or freshwater fishing.
- ULTRA-REALISTIC SWIMMING ACTION WITH LIFELIKE DETAIL: Segmented body and flexible limbs create smooth, natural motion at both slow and fast retrieves. Textured surface and leg movement mimic real shrimp to trigger predator strikes.
- DURABLE SILICONE BODY FOR MULTIPLE STRIKES: Made of ultra-tough soft silicone, this lure resists tearing and holds up to repeated bites from bass, trout, redfish, flounder, crappie, snook, and walleye.
- GLOWING EYES ATTRACT FISH IN DARK WATERS: Integrated glow-in-the-dark eyes simulate real shrimp and trigger strikes in low-light or muddy water. Excellent for night fishing or early morning casts when visibility is low.
- IDEAL GIFT FOR ANGLERS: A versatile fishing accessory that makes a practical and appreciated gift for fishing enthusiasts in any season.
No. 8
Nomad Design Live Ops Tideline Shrimp 3.5” Pre-Rigged Soft Bait Lure, 1/4 oz Weighted Shrimp with BKK Hook, Reactor-UV with Tracer Scent, 2 Pack, for Trout & Redfish
- PRE-RIGGED & READY TO FISH – Fully rigged with a premium BKK hook & internal 1/4 oz weight for instant confidence straight out the pack
- NATURAL LEVEL FALL & LIFELIKE ACTION – Perfectly balanced design delivers a natural sink and realistic movement with minimal rod input
- SCULPTED SHRIMP DETAILING – Legs & tail pulse & flick on the retrieve to imitate a fleeing shrimp that pressured fish can’t ignore
- DURABLE TITAN-RX TPE ELASTOMER – Built to withstand repeated strikes while maintaining action and profile through multiple sessions
- TARGET SPECIES – - Speckled Trout – Slow rolled or twitched along grass edges and potholes - Redfish (Red Drum) – Cast to marsh lines, oyster bars, and flooded grass - Snook – Worked around mangroves, docks, and shadow lines - Flounder – Slow dragged or lightly hopped along sandy bottom - Sheepshead – Presented tight to pilings and rocky structure - Black Drum – Crawled along mud and shell bottom - Bonefish – Glided across shallow sand flats with subtle twitches
Catch More Redfish and Trout: Your Ultimate Lure Buying Guide
Redfish and trout are popular targets for anglers, and the right lure can make all the difference between a great day on the water and a frustrating one. This guide will help you choose the best lures to land those prized catches.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for redfish and trout lures, keep these important features in mind.
- Action: This is how the lure moves in the water. Some lures wiggle, some dart, and others flutter. Think about where you’re fishing and what the fish might be attracted to.
- Color: Different colors work better in different water conditions. Bright colors can grab attention in murky water. Natural colors often fool fish in clear water.
- Size: The size of your lure should match the size of the baitfish or crustaceans the redfish and trout are eating. Small lures for small bait, bigger lures for bigger bait.
- Durability: You want lures that can withstand a few fish bites. Strong hooks and tough bodies are important.
Important Materials
The materials used to make a lure affect how it looks, acts, and lasts.
- Soft Plastics: These are very popular. They often mimic shrimp, baitfish, or worms. They are flexible and can have a very natural movement.
- Hard Plastics/Body Lures: These include crankbaits and topwater lures. They are rigid and often have internal rattles or diving lips.
- Metal: Spoons and jigs often use metal. Metal lures can flash brightly in the water, attracting fish from a distance.
- Feathers and Skirts: These add movement and color, making the lure look more alive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all lures are created equal. Here’s what makes a good lure stand out.
What Makes a Lure Better?
- Sharp Hooks: Good lures come with sharp hooks that help you set the hook firmly when a fish bites.
- Realistic Details: Lures that look like real baitfish or shrimp are often more effective. This includes good paint jobs and lifelike shapes.
- Strong Hardware: Split rings and swivels should be strong and not break easily.
- Consistent Action: A quality lure will have a predictable and appealing action every time you retrieve it.
What Makes a Lure Worse?
- Dull Hooks: Dull hooks make it harder to catch fish.
- Flimsy Plastic: Soft plastic lures that tear easily after one or two fish are frustrating.
- Cheap Components: Weak split rings or swivels can lead to lost fish.
- Poor Action: Lures that don’t move correctly in the water will scare fish away.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your lures and what kind of fishing you’ll be doing.
Fishing in Different Environments
- Shallow Water: For shallow areas, topwater lures or weedless soft plastics work well. These help you avoid getting snagged.
- Deeper Water: In deeper water, jigs or crankbaits that can dive deeper are good choices.
- Salty vs. Fresh: While this guide focuses on redfish and trout (often in saltwater or brackish water), some lure types can work in both. Always check if a lure is designed for saltwater if that’s where you’re fishing.
Popular Lure Types for Redfish and Trout
- Soft Plastic Shrimp/Crab Imitations: Redfish and trout love to eat shrimp and crabs. These lures are very effective, especially when fished slowly near the bottom.
- Soft Plastic Jerkbaits/Paddle Tails: These mimic baitfish. Their wiggling tails create a lot of action that attracts predators.
- Spoons: Metal spoons flash and wobble, mimicking injured baitfish. They are great for covering a lot of water.
- Topwater Lures: These make a commotion on the surface, exciting fish to strike. They are fun to use on calm mornings or evenings.
- Jigs: Jigs are versatile and can be rigged with soft plastic trailers. They are good for fishing at various depths.
Redfish and Trout Lures: Your Top Questions Answered
Here are some common questions about choosing and using lures for redfish and trout.
Q: What are the most important features to look for in a redfish and trout lure?
A: The most important features are the lure’s action, color, size, and durability. These help you match what the fish are eating and where you are fishing.
Q: What are the best materials for redfish and trout lures?
A: Soft plastics are very popular because they are lifelike. Hard plastics, metal, and materials like feathers and skirts also make effective lures.
Q: Does the color of the lure really matter?
A: Yes, color is very important. Bright colors work well in murky water, while natural colors are better for clear water.
Q: How does the action of a lure affect fishing?
A: The action is how the lure moves. Different movements attract fish in different ways. Some fish like a fast wiggle, while others prefer a slow dart.
Q: Are expensive lures always better?
A: Not always. While quality components can improve a lure, many affordable lures work very well. It’s more about matching the lure to the conditions and the fish.
Q: When should I use soft plastic lures?
A: Soft plastic lures are great for imitating shrimp, crabs, or baitfish. They work well when fished slowly near the bottom or in areas where you might get snagged.
Q: What is a good lure for catching redfish in shallow water?
A: For shallow water, try topwater lures that make noise on the surface or weedless soft plastics that won’t get stuck on grass.
Q: How do I know what size lure to use?
A: Match your lure size to the size of the baitfish or crustaceans that redfish and trout are currently eating in the area.
Q: Can I use the same lures in saltwater and freshwater?
A: Some lures can work in both, but it’s best to use lures specifically designed for saltwater if you are fishing in the ocean or brackish estuaries.
Q: What makes a lure low quality?
A: Low quality lures often have dull hooks, flimsy plastic that tears easily, or weak hardware that can break.