Today, we are going to share five essential tips for fishing with hard body lures, especially smaller ones like this. These lures are incredibly effective for targeting species such as estuary perch, bream, flathead, trout, and Australian bass.
Hard body lures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, each suitable for different fishing conditions. For me, fishing with these lures—especially for estuary perch—is one of my favourite ways to fish.
1. Choosing the Right Rod and Reel Setup
When fishing with hard body lures, the rod and reel combination is crucial. For this type of fishing, I recommend a 6’10” extra-fast action finesse rod paired with a 2500 size reel or a similar rod and reel combo that is within your price range. The extra-fast action of the rod is essential because it allows you to quickly twitch the tip, which makes the lure move precisely as you intend. This is especially important when fishing with smaller hard body lures like this shad-style design.
Why extra-fast action? The fast tip action ensures that every twitch and pause you make is translated into sharp, realistic movements in the water. This is key for enticing fish to bite.
Gear used:
- Rod: 6’10” Extra-fast action finesse rod
- Reel: 2500 size spinning reel
2. Choosing the Right Lure Profile and Depth
There is a wide variety of hard body lures to choose from, and the profile and depth range of the lure should match the fishing conditions you’re targeting. For example, this shad-style hard body has a more compact, stout profile and a medium-sized bib, making it ideal for fishing at depths of around 1.5 to 2 meters.
- Shad-style lures: Great for medium depths (1.5m – 2m).
- Minnow-style lures: Longer and slimmer, usually with a shorter bib, these lures are excellent for shallower waters.
Understanding the size and action of your lure helps you fish more effectively in various water depths.
Tip: If you’re fishing in shallow waters, opt for a minnow-style lure that runs closer to the surface. In deeper waters, a shad-style or deeper-diving hard body will perform better.
3. Floating, Sinking, or Suspended Lures?
One of the unique aspects of hard body lures is their ability to float, sink, or suspend in the water. Knowing how your lure behaves is essential for fishing it correctly.
- Floating Lures: Ideal for surface fishing or when you want a slow retrieve near the top.
- Sinking Lures: These work well for deeper, faster-moving water or when fish are located at different depths.
- Suspending Lures: Perfect for maintaining a steady depth, especially when fish are holding at specific water levels.
By understanding the buoyancy and behavior of your lure, you can tailor your retrieve to get the best action and attract fish.
4. Line Selection: Why Braided Line Works Best
When fishing with hard body lures, especially smaller ones, I highly recommend using braided fishing line. I use 6lb braid, which is light enough to cast small lures efficiently while providing very little stretch. This means when I twitch the rod, the lure responds instantly, giving it a sharp, realistic action.
The lack of stretch in braided line is also crucial for detecting bites quickly. As soon as a fish grabs the lure, you’ll feel it through the rod immediately, allowing for a faster hookset.
Why braided line?
- Minimal stretch: Instant response for a more accurate twitch and better hook sets.
- Longer casting distance: The thin diameter allows you to cast lighter lures further.
Extra Tip: Use a fluorocarbon leader to improve the visibility of your lure in the water.
5. Using Lure Clips: Small and Light Is Key
When attaching your hard body lures, it’s essential to use the right type of lure clip. Larger clips can interfere with the action of the lure, making it swim unnaturally. For optimal performance, always opt for small, lightweight lure clips.
Why small clips?
- They won’t affect the lure’s natural movement.
- They prevent the lure from becoming too buoyant or heavy.
6. Setting Your Drag Correctly – Bonus tip
Before casting, ensure your drag is set properly for hard body lures. Many anglers overlook this, but it’s crucial. If your drag is too loose, you may not get a solid hookset, especially with jerkbaits or hard bodies, which have a tough plastic construction.
When a fish strikes, having a properly set drag ensures you can get the hooks into the fish. If the drag is too loose, the hooks might pull out as the fish fights. You can always loosen the drag once you’ve set the hooks to avoid breaking the line.
Tip: Set your drag tight enough to hook the fish, but not so tight that it risks breaking the line during a fight.
Final Thoughts
I hope these five tips help you when fishing with hard body lures. Whether you’re targeting estuary perch or other species, having the right gear and techniques can make a huge difference.
If you’d like to see more in-depth tips and examples of my favorite retrieves with hard body lures, be sure to visit the Lured Inn Fishing website and sign up for exclusive member content. You’ll find videos, techniques, and more.
Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up, share, and subscribe. Happy fishing, and good luck out there!