Sea fishing around the UK can be a rewarding experience for anglers of all levels. Depending on the location and season, different types of lures and baits can be used effectively. In this article, we focus on lures for targeting bass, pollock, wrasse, and cod.

Bass fishing is a popular pastime around the UK, and there are various types of lures that anglers use to target this species. One of the most popular lures is the soft plastic shad. Soft plastic shads can mimic the movement of a live baitfish, making them highly effective for targeting bass. They have a realistic swimming action that attracts predators, allowing anglers to hook into some great catches.

Another popular lure for bass fishing is the surface popper. Surface poppers create an attractive disturbance on the water’s surface, which can trigger aggressive strikes from bass, especially in the early morning or late evenings. These lures work best in calm, shallow waters where anglers can visually track the fish’s behaviour and react to their movements.

For deeper waters or rough surf, anglers often opt for metal lures or jigs for bass. Metal lures and jigs sink quickly to the bottom, where the bass often lurks and strikes prey. They usually have a flashy finish, mimicking small baitfish, and can be retrieved quickly or slowly to create a realistic swimming action.

When targeting pollock, anglers often use metal jigs. Metal jigs are ideal for targeting this species, as they can imitate the erratic, high-speed movement of sandeels. Pollock prefer fast-moving prey, and metal jigs can be retrieved quickly, making them highly effective for this species.

Wrasse are known for their tough, leathery mouths, making it difficult to hook. For wrasse fishing, anglers often use a range of bait and lure combinations. One popular lure for targeting wrasse is the small crab imitation lure. This lure mimics a crab scurrying along the sea bed, which is a favourite treat of the wrasse. Additionally, soft plastic shads can be effective in catching wrasse by imitating small baitfish.

For cod, one of the most popular lures is the leadhead jig, which can be tipped with bait or a soft plastic lure. Cod prefer baitfish, so using a jig that can mimic a small fish in open water can prove highly effective. Another popular lure for cod is the soft plastic worm. Soft plastic worms can be rigged weedless and can be fished in rocky areas without snagging up, where cod often lurk.

When choosing lures for sea fishing around the UK, it is essential to consider the conditions, season, and target species. For example, metal jigs may not be as effective for catching bass in shallow waters as soft plastic shads or surface poppers. Similarly, the time of day, tide, and water temperature should also be factored in when selecting lures.

Now let’s take a closer look at the different types of lures commonly used for sea fishing in the UK.

1. Soft Plastic Shads

Soft plastic shads are some of the most versatile lures for sea fishing around the UK. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colours and can be hopped, jerked, or swam through the water to imitate the movement of live baitfish. Soft plastic shads can be effective for bass, pollock, and wrasse, especially when fished in shallow or rocky areas.

2. Surface Poppers

Surface poppers create a disturbance on the water’s surface that can attract predators, including bass. They are ideal for fishing in calm waters, early mornings, or late evenings. Surface poppers can be retrieved slowly or quickly, creating a realistic swimming action that can trigger aggressive strikes.

3. Metal Lures and Jigs

Metal lures and jigs are ideal for targeting pollock and deep-water species like cod. They sink quickly to the bottom, where they can be retrieved quickly or slowly, imitating small baitfish’s movement. Metal lures and jigs have a flashy finish, which can provoke aggressive strikes from predators.

4. Leadhead Jigs

Leadhead jigs are another popular option for sea fishing around the UK. They can be tipped with bait or soft plastic lures, making them a versatile choice for targeting various species. Leadhead jigs can be used for fishing in rocky areas where there is a high likelihood of snags.

5. Soft Plastic Worms

Soft plastic worms are ideal for catching cod in rocky areas. They can be fished weedless and can imitate small fish trying to escape from predators. Soft plastic worms come in various sizes and colours and can be rigged with different weights depending on the water’s depth and current.

In conclusion, the type of lure you choose for sea fishing around the UK will depend on several factors, including the target species, conditions, and season. Soft plastic shads, surface poppers, metal lures and jigs, leadhead jigs, and soft plastic worms are some of the most popular lures for sea fishing in the UK. By understanding how these lures work and when to use them, anglers can increase their chances of landing that trophy fish.