What are hard body lures?

Hard body lures are artificial baits made from durable materials like plastic, wood, or metal. Unlike soft plastic lures, which are flexible, hard bodied lures are rigid and designed to mimic live bait, giving the appearance and movement of various prey species. These classic lures come in many shapes, sizes and colours, each tailored to attract specific types of fish.

Understanding the different aspects of hard body lures will help you pick the right lure for your next catch. Here are the key factors to consider: 

Lure type

• Stickbaits — These long, slender lures can be either floating or sinking. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of retrieval techniques, including a walk-the-dog action that creates a side-to-side movement on the surface. Stickbaits are great for targeting species like tuna and barramundi.
• Crankbaits — Designed to dive into the water when retrieved, crankbaits can be lipless or have a lip to control their diving depth. They come in shallow, medium, and deep-running models to target fish at different water levels. Crankbaits are effective for catching species such as perch and bream.
• Jerkbaits — Known for their erratic, darting action when jerked or twitched. Jerkbaits can be floating, suspending, or sinking, allowing for varied presentations and depths. They are perfect for enticing species like bass and barramundi.

Buoyancy

• Floating lures — These stay on or near the surface, making them ideal for topwater fishing and creating surface disturbances that attract fish.
• Suspending lures — These stay at a specific depth when paused during retrieval. They are effective for enticing strikes from fish that follow but don’t initially bite.
• Sinking lures — Designed to sink to the desired depth, these are perfect for targeting fish that are holding deeper in the water column.

Depth range

• Shallow running — Suitable for fishing in shallow waters or near the surface. These lures are great for species that feed close to the surface or in shallow habitats.
• Medium running — These dive to intermediate depths, making them versatile for targeting fish in the mid-water column.
• Deep running — Designed to reach greater depths, these lures are ideal for fishing in deeper waters where fish may be holding.

Action

• Walk-the-dog — A zig-zagging surface action that mimics a fleeing baitfish, often used with stickbaits.
• Wobbling/rattling — A side-to-side wobbling motion that creates vibrations and noise, typically found in crankbaits.
• Darting — An erratic, darting movement that can trigger predatory strikes, common in jerkbaits.

Different fish species have different feeding habits and preferences. Research the fish you're targeting and choose a lure that mimics their natural prey. For example, targeting bream and flathead in lakes and rivers may require different lures than targeting tuna in open water.

At Hot Tackle, we know that choosing the right hard body lure can be tricky. That's why our knowledgeable staff are always ready to offer expert advice and recommendations. Whether you're fishing in local lakes and rivers or heading out to the open ocean, we've got the lures you need. Come visit us in Warners Bay or Morisset and let us help you gear up for your next fishing adventure. Happy fishing!

FAQs about hard body fishing lures

What is the difference between floating, suspending, and sinking lures?

Floating lures stay on or near the surface. They’re ideal for topwater fishing and creating surface disturbances. Suspending lures remain at a specific depth when paused, which is useful for targeting fish that follow the lure. Sinking lures sink to the desired depth, perfect for reaching fish in deeper water.

How do crankbaits work?

Crankbaits are designed to dive into the water when retrieved, imitating the swimming action of small fish. They come in various types, such as:

• Lipless crankbaits — These lack a diving lip and can be fished at different depths. They produce a rattling sound that attracts fish.
• Medium running crankbaits — These dive to intermediate depths and are versatile for mid-water column fishing.
• Chubby shallow crankbaits — Bulky lures that stay near the surface, ideal for shallow water.
• Suspending crankbaits — Stay at a certain depth when paused, perfect for enticing wary fish.

What makes jerkbaits unique?

Jerkbaits are characterised by their erratic, darting action when jerked or twitched, mimicking the movement of distressed prey. They come in different types, including:

• Double clutch jerkbaits — Known for their sharp darting action.
• Shallow jerkbaits — Run just below the surface, great for shallow waters.
• Shallow running suspension jerkbaits — Stay at a shallow depth and suspend when paused.

What size hard body lure should I use?

The size of the lure should match the size of the fish you're targeting. Smaller lures are better for smaller species, while larger lures are ideal for bigger fish. Research the typical prey size for your target species to select the appropriate lure size.

How should I retrieve hard body lures?

The retrieval technique can vary based on the type of lure and the fish you're targeting. Experiment with different speeds and actions:

• Stickbaits — Use a walk-the-dog technique or a steady retrieve.
• Crankbaits — A steady, medium-paced retrieve works well. For lipless crankbaits, try a stop-and-go technique.
• Jerkbaits — Use sharp, quick jerks to create a darting action, pausing occasionally to allow the lure to suspend or sink.

Why are some hard body lures more expensive than others?

The price of hard body lures can vary based on materials, craftsmanship and brand. High-quality lures often feature realistic finishes, durable construction and advanced design features that enhance their performance and longevity.

Can I customise hard body lures?

Yes, many anglers customise their hard body lures by changing hooks, tuning bibs, adding feathers or skirts, or even repainting them to better match the local baitfish. Customising can help improve the lure's effectiveness in specific fishing conditions.

Shop online or visit us in-store and pick up a quality hard body fishing lure today