Fishing lures are an essential part of fishing, and there are many different types available on the market. When kayaking, it is important to use the best lures for the situation in order to maximize your chances of catching fish. It is also important to consider the type of fish you are targeting, as different fish respond to different lures.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best fishing lures for kayaking. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the best lure for your needs, as well as how to use it effectively.

Best Fishing Lures for Kayaks
Fishing lures can make a big difference when kayaking. If you’re looking to catch more fish, you’ll want to use the best lures for the job. We’ve put together a list of eight of the best fishing lures for kayaking, so you can get started right away!
Original Dardevle Spoons
These iconic spoons have been around for over 100 years, and they’re just as effective now as they were back then. They’re great for kayak fishing because they can be cast a long distance and retrieved at a fast or slow speed. This fishing lure is perfect for targeting pike, muskie, walleye, and bass. It’s also great for trolling behind a kayak.
Features:
- Weighs 1 ounce
- Colors available in red and white
- Perfect for game fish, including pike, muskie, walleye, and bass
Mepps Aglia Spinners
These spinners are another old-school lure that’s still very effective today. They’re great for kayak fishing because they’re easy to use and can be fished at a variety of depths. Mepps Aglia Spinners come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, so you can find one that’s perfect for the fish you’re targeting.
Features:
- Has durable stainless steel shaft backbone
- Sharp treble hook
Rapala Original Floating Minnows
These lures are perfect for kayak fishing because they float just below the surface, making them easy to spot. They’re also great for catching a variety of fish, including bass, walleye, and trout.
Features:
- Constructed from Balsa wood
- Has black nickel hooks
- Stainless wire-constructed
Johnson Silver Minnow
This particular lure is perfect for kayak fishing because it’s small and compact, but it’s still very effective. It’s great for catching a variety of fish, including bass, walleye, and trout. Also, the silver color is perfect for reflecting light, which attracts fish.
Features:
- Has metal weed guard
- Color available in silver
- Features weedless spoon
Strike King Rage Swimmer
This soft plastic swimbait is perfect for kayak fishing because it can be fished at a variety of depths. It’s also great for catching bass, walleye, and trout. The Rage Swimmer is available in a wide variety of colors, so you can find one that’s perfect for the fish you’re targeting.
Features:
- Made of durable synthetic material
- Extremely versatile
- Perfect lure for fish like bass
Arbogast Jitterbug
The Arbogast Jitterbug is a topwater lure that is perfect for kayak fishing. It has a unique action that creates a lot of noise and vibration, which attracts fish. It is also very easy to use and is great for fishing in shallow waters. This lure is available in a wide range of colors, including black, white frog belly, white/redhead, and yellow, among many others.
Features:
- Has two hook design
- Suitable for targeting bass, muskie, and pike
- Has durable steel double-lobed lip
Rebel Pop-R
This topwater lure is best for targeting bass but can also be effective for other species like pike. It produces a lot of surface commotion and has a cupped plastic lip that causes it to “pop” when retrieved. This particular lure is great for fishing in shallower water or around vegetation.
Features:
- Produces two distinct sounds
- Can choose from different colors
Booyah Boo Jig
The Booyah Boo Jig is a versatile lure that can be effective for many different species of fish. It is best used in heavy cover, around rocks, or in deep water. This jig features a unique head design that helps it stand up straight when sitting on the bottom. It also has a sharp hook that is great for setting the hook in a thick cover.
Features:
- Has weed guard design
- Features 60 strands made of silicone skirt patterns
- Durable and tough
- One size
SXYL Soft Plastic Worm
The SXYL Soft Plastic Worm is a versatile lure that can be used for many different species of fish. It is best used in open water or around vegetation. This worm is made of soft plastic and features a ribbon tail that creates a lot of movement in the water.
Features:
- Perfect for bass, mackerel, jewfish, bream, etc.
- Versatile and durable
- Made of soft plastic
Smithwick Lures Devil’s Horse
The Smithwick Lures Devil’s Horse is a topwater lure that is best for targeting bass. It produces a lot of surface commotion and has a plastic body that creates a loud rattling noise. This lure is great for fishing in shallower water or around vegetation. You can also fish it in deeper water by using a heavier line.
Features:
- Durable propellers at the front and rear
- Suitable for fish like bass, crappie, walleye, etc.
- Comes in different colors
These are just a few of the best fishing lures for kayaking. What lure you use will ultimately depend on the type of fish you are targeting and the conditions you are fishing in. Be sure to experiment with different lures to find what works best for you.
Buying Guide: What you Need to Know
Fishing lures are one of the most important pieces of gear that you can own as a fisherman. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. But what exactly is a fishing lure, and what different types are there? Let’s explore!
What is a Fishing Lure?
A fishing lure is a type of artificial bait that is used to attract fish. Lures are typically made to resemble either prey fish or insects and are often brightly colored or fitted with reflective materials to make them more visible in the water.
Fishing lures are designed to mimic the movement of real fish or insects and can be simply cast and retrieved or more complexly worked through the water to give them a lifelike action.
Different Types of Fishing Lures for Kayaking
Fishing lures are important for catching fish, and there are many different types of lures that can be used while kayaking. Some of the best lures for kayaking include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastics, and more.
Minnow Lures
Minnow lures are designed to mimic the appearance and behavior of small fish. They’re one of the most popular types of fishing lures, and for a good reason! Minnow lures are highly effective at attracting fish, making them perfect for kayak fishing.
Crankbait Lures
Crankbait lures are another popular type of fishing lure. They’re designed for swimming in a jerky, erratic motion, which makes them ideal for attracting fish. Crankbait lures are perfect for kayak fishing, as they can be easily retrieved if you get snagged on a branch or other obstacle.
Spinnerbait Lures
Spinnerbait lures are designed to spin as they’re pulled through the water. This spinning motion creates a ‘blurring’ effect that can attract fish from long distances. Spinnerbait lures are particularly effective at attracting bass, making them a great choice for kayak fishing.
Buzzbait Lures
Buzzbait lures are designed to create a ‘buzzing’ sound as they’re pulled through the water. This sound is similar to that of a flying insect, which can attract fish from long distances. Buzzbait lures are particularly effective at attracting bass, making them another great choice for kayak fishing.
Jigging Lures
Jigging lures are designed to be jiggled up and down in the water. This jigging motion is similar to that of a baitfish, making it highly effective at attracting fish. Jigging lures are perfect for kayak fishing, as they can be easily retrieved if you get snagged on a branch or other obstacle.
Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are designed to float on the surface of the water. They’re often equipped with a propeller or other type of ‘noise maker’ that can attract fish from long distances. Topwater lures are particularly effective at attracting bass, making them another great choice for kayak fishing.
Soft Plastic Lures
Soft plastic lures are made of, you guessed it, soft plastic! They’re designed to resemble baitfish, making them highly effective at attracting fish. Soft plastic lures are perfect for kayak fishing, as they can be easily retrieved if you get snagged on a branch or other obstacle.
Fly Lures
Fly lures are designed to resemble flying insects. They’re often equipped with a small hook that can snag fish from long distances. Fly lures are particularly effective at attracting trout, making them another great choice for kayak fishing.
No matter what type of fish you’re looking to catch, we hope this list of the best fishing lures for kayaking has helped you narrow down your choices.
8 Tips on How to Choose the Best Lure for Your Needs
When it comes to fishing, lures are a fisherman’s best friend. They can make all the difference when it comes to catching that big one. But with so many different types and brands of lures on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on how to choose the best lure for your needs.
Consider the type of fish you’re targeting.
Different fish are attracted to different types of lures, so it’s important to choose one that is specifically designed for the fish you’re trying to catch. It’s also worth considering the time of year and the water conditions, as these can impact what type of lure will be most effective.
Think about the size of the lure.
Again, this will depend on the type of fish you’re targeting. Generally speaking, smaller lures are better for smaller fish, while larger lures are more effective for larger fish. You’ll also need to take into account the size of the fish you’re hoping to catch when choosing your lure.
Consider the action of the lure.
This is the way the lure moves through the water and can be a key factor in whether or not a fish will be attracted to it. Different fish are attracted to different types of action, so it’s important to choose a lure that has the right action for the type of fish you’re targeting.
Think about the color of the lure.
Believe it or not, fish can be quite picky when it comes to the color of their food! Different fish are attracted to different colors, so it’s important to choose a lure that is the right color for the type of fish you’re targeting.
Consider the budget.
Fishing lures can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. It’s important to consider your budget when choosing a lure, as you don’t want to spend more than you need to. However, it’s also worth remembering that the most expensive lure is not necessarily the best.
Choose the time of the year.
Different fish are more active at different times of the year, so it’s important to choose a lure that is designed for the time of year you’re fishing. It’s also worth considering the water conditions, as these can impact what type of lure will be most effective.
Consider the water conditions.
The type of water you’re fishing in can impact the type of lure you should use. Different lures work better in different types of water, so it’s important to choose one that is designed for the type of water you’re fishing in.
Ask for advice.
If you’re still not sure which lure is right for you, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from a professional. They will be able to help you choose the best lure for your needs and ensure that you have the best possible chance of catching that big one!
There you have it, our 8 top tips on how to choose the best lure for your needs. Fishing lures can make all the difference when it comes to catching fish, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job.
How to Use a Fishing Lure Effectively
Fishing lures can be used in a variety of different ways to increase your chances of catching a fish. You can use them as bait, or you can use them to attract fish to a certain spot. You can also use them to imitate the movements of a fish or to create noise underwater that will attract fish.
Using a fishing lure as bait
This is probably the most common way to use a fishing lure. You can simply tie it onto your line and cast it into the water. The lure will then sink to the bottom and attract fish with its movement and/or color. If a fish bites the lure, you can then reel it in and hopefully catch the fish.
Attracting fish to a certain spot
You can also use a fishing lure to attract fish to a specific spot. For example, if you see a fish swimming near the surface, you can cast your lure so that it sinks down to the fish’s level. The fish will then be more likely to see the lure and bite it.
Imitating the movements of a fish
Another way to use a fishing lure is to imitate the movements of a real fish. This can be done by using a lure that has a lot of action, such as a spinnerbait. The spinning blades on the lure will mimic the movement of a real fish in the water and attract fish to the bait.
Creating noise underwater
Some fishing lures also create noise underwater, which can attract fish to the bait. This is especially effective in murky or deep water, where fish may not be able to see the bait as well.
Using a fishing lure as a decoy
You can also use a fishing lure as a decoy to attract fish to a specific area. For example, if you are fishing in an area where there are a lot of other fish, you can use a lure that looks like a small fish. This will attract the attention of the other fish and hopefully bring them to your area.
Using a fishing lure to catch baitfish
You can also use a fishing lure to catch baitfish, which you can then use as bait for larger fish. This is especially effective if you are fishing in an area where baitfish are abundant.
Using a fishing lure to attract predators
You can also use a fishing lure to attract predators, such as largemouth bass or pike. These fish will often strike at anything that moves, so using a fishing lure that has a lot of action can be very effective.
Using a fishing lure to attract bottom-dwelling fish
You can also use a fishing lure to attract bottom-dwelling fish, such as catfish or trout. These fish are often attracted to lures that sink to the bottom of the water and create a lot of noise.
There are many different ways to use a fishing lure, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Experiment with different techniques and find the ones that work best for you.
Which Fishing Lure Is the Best?
All the kayak fishing lures that we have mentioned above are good choices. However, we would recommend Original Dardevle Spoons as the best fishing lure for kayaking. They are versatile, can be used in both freshwater and saltwater, and have a long history of success.
If you want to try something different, then go for the Johnson Silver Minnow. It is also versatile and has a bright finish that fish find irresistible. Whichever lure you choose, you are sure to have a great time kayak fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions on Fishing Lures for Kayaking
What type of lure should I use for kayaking?
Kayakers should use a lure that will stay in place and not move around a lot. A heavy jighead or spoon is ideal for this. The heftier the lure, the more action it will have in the water, which is perfect for attracting fish. Spoons and jigs are also less likely to get tangled in kayak paddles or fishing lines.
Some kayakers prefer to use live bait when fishing from their kayaks. Minnows are a good choice for live bait, as they are small and easy to keep alive in a bait bucket. Worms can also be used, although they may not stay on the hook as well as minnows.
What is the best time to go fishing for bass?
The best time to go fishing for bass is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The water is coolest during these times, and bass is more likely to be active. However, bass can be caught at any time of day, so don’t limit your fishing to just these times.
How do I use a spinner bait?
To use a spinner bait, you’ll need to attach it to your line. Some fishermen like to use a light wire leader to help prevent the bait from becoming tangled in the weeds. Cast the spinnerbait out into the water and let it sink a bit before starting to reel it in.
Remember to keep your rod parallel to the water so you can feel when a fish bites. As you reel, the blades on the spinner bait will spin and create a flashing effect that is irresistible to many types of fish.
How do I choose the right fishing lure for my needs?
When choosing a fishing lure, it’s important to consider the species of fish you’re targeting, the body of water you’ll be fishing in, and the size and color of the lure. Some lures work better in certain situations than others, so it’s important to do your research before heading out on the water.