Catching small fish is fun—but reeling in a big one? That’s the kind of thrill you never forget.
If you’re ready to step up your game and target larger fish, using the right lures can make a huge difference. Big fish don’t just eat anything—they look for prey that’s worth their effort. So, when it comes to landing giants like largemouth bass, pike, muskie, or saltwater bruisers like tuna and mahi-mahi, lure size and action matter.
Here’s a guide to help you choose the right lures for your big-fish adventures.
🐟 1. Large Swimbaits
These are big, realistic soft plastic lures that look like baitfish. Some come with jointed bodies for extra movement in the water.
🎯 Best for:
- Largemouth bass
- Pike
- Striped bass
👉 Tip: Use slow, steady retrieves in deeper water to imitate a wounded fish. Go for natural colors like silver, green, or brown.
🐟 2. Topwater Plugs (Large Size)
Big surface lures like poppers, walkers, and frogs create a splash that draws attention from afar—perfect for big, aggressive fish.
🎯 Best for:
- Pike
- Muskie
- Bass in warm, calm water
- Tuna or dorado in open saltwater
👉 Tip: Use at dawn or dusk for the most topwater action. Wait a second before setting the hook—it gives the fish time to fully bite.
🐟 3. Deep Diving Crankbaits
These lures dive down fast and rattle or wobble to mimic a panicked baitfish.
🎯 Best for:
- Big bass hiding in structure
- Walleye and muskie near drop-offs
- Large lake trout in deeper water
👉 Tip: Choose one with a strong bill that dives to the level where big fish feed—often deeper than you’d expect.
🐟 4. Big Jigs with Trailers
Heavy jigs with soft plastic trailers mimic crawfish or chunky baitfish and can be bounced along the bottom or worked through cover.
🎯 Best for:
- Largemouth bass
- Lake bass in colder months
- Deep-structure fishing
👉 Tip: Try dark-colored jigs in murky water and lighter tones in clear water. Match the size to the fish you’re targeting.
🐟 5. Large Spoons
These are metal lures that flash and wobble as they move through the water, drawing strikes from larger predatory fish.
🎯 Best for:
- Salmon
- Pike
- Lake trout
- Saltwater species like king mackerel or grouper
👉 Tip: Use a slow trolling motion for deeper fish or cast and retrieve with long pauses.
🐟 6. Oversized Soft Plastics
Big curly tail worms, paddle tails, or creature baits can be rigged on a heavy hook or jig head. They look like an easy, tempting meal.
🎯 Best for:
- Big bass
- Flathead catfish
- Inshore saltwater fish like redfish or snook
👉 Tip: Use these in weedy areas or when fish are feeding near structure like logs or docks.
🎒 Quick Gear Tips for Big Fish Lures
- Use stronger line (15–30 lb test or more depending on species)
- Upgrade to a medium-heavy or heavy action rod
- Sharpen your hooks regularly—big fish have tough jaws
- Always check your knots and tackle after each catch
🌊 Final Thought
Big fish aren’t just stronger—they’re smarter. They don’t strike just anything, which is why lure selection matters. Choosing the right size, shape, and action helps trigger the kind of bites that stories (and dinner!) are made of.
With the right lures and a little patience, you’ll be ready when a trophy fish takes the bait.