Fishing success starts with choosing the right lures for the season. Whether casting from a kayak, shore, or the surf, having the right tackle can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide takes you through the best saltwater fishing lures from March through December. Jon and Tyler here at The Saltwater Edge broke down their favorite lures for each month of the season. Lets get into it. Check out all the products Jon and Tyler picked out by clicking here. 

March: Transitioning to Spring

As the waters start to warm, smaller, subtle lures can be incredibly effective:

• 3-Inch Paddle Tails (Jyg Pro or NLBN): Soft plastics with great tail action work wonders.

• 5.25-Inch Zoom Flukes: Weightless or jig-head presentations excel in cold, finicky conditions.

• Finesse Fish: Great for targeting herring as they begin to show up mid-March.

Additional Tips:

• Try small Rapala x-raps and Mag Darters during low-light or after-dark conditions for consistent bites.

April: Herring Season Begins

April is prime time for herring-inspired lures:

• Hogy Originals (7-inch or 10-inch): Weightless or jig-head setups mimic herring movement perfectly.

• 7.5-Inch Slug-gos: Soft plastics that deliver bites day and night.

• Red Fin Swimmers: Especially effective during new moons.

Honorable Mention: The 7-inch K-Tail is a soft plastic that performs well in shallow waters.

May: Bunker Blitz

By mid-May, bunker (pogies) dominate the fishing scene:

• Nichols Magnum Spoons: Ideal for reaching bass in deep channels.

• The Doc: A must-have topwater bait for larger fish.

• Big Soft Plastics: Hogy Slappys and GT Eels are fantastic for deeper waters.

Pro Tip: Glide baits and pencil poppers are excellent for aggressive bass feeding near the surface.

June: Big Baits for Big Bass

As large bass populate boulder fields and bays, gear up with:

• Magic Swimmers: Perfect for burning across the top.

• SP Minnows: Reliable for slow, steady bites on tough nights.

• Tube and Worm Rigs: A kayak fishing staple for deeper waters.

Soft plastics like 8-inch paddle tails are also effective for reaching deeper-holding fish.

July: Dog Days of Summer

Night fishing becomes crucial as water temperatures rise:

• Big Soft Plastics on Jig Heads: Effective in fast currents.

• Metal Lips and Trollers: Dig deep and target big bass.

• The Doc: Always a summer staple for reefs and rocky outcroppings.

August: Hardtail Fever

By mid-August, hardtails like false albacore (albies) and bonito show up:

• Hogy Epoxy Minnows: Perfect for windy days.

• Albie Snax: White is a go-to color for this time of year.

• Hogy Surface Erasers: Excellent for long casts and turbulent conditions.

Jetty Fishing Tip: Focus on epoxy minnows and swimming plugs like the Crystal Minnow.

September: Mullet Madness

September means mullet migrations—a prime target for stripers:

• Pencil Poppers: Great for covering water during the day.

• Mag Darters: Excellent nighttime imitation for mullet.

• Hogy OG Swimmers: Ideal for shallower water.

Pro Tip: Include a fly teaser to target smaller baitfish schools.

October: Fall Feeding Frenzy

Bass and bonito fishing peak this month:

• Needle Fish: Essential for Block Island, especially darker nights.

• Epoxy Minnows & Surface Erasers: Great for hardtails and topwater action.

• Zoom Flukes: Skinny water staples as baitfish school up.

For Tog Enthusiasts: Jig heads paired with fish bites can deliver great results.

November & December: Closing Out the Year

Late fall and early winter demand a mix of finesse and traditional methods:

• Bucktails with Casting Eggs: Perfect for targeting fish close to rocky shorelines.

• Small Paddle Tails: Effective as fish become finicky.

• Floating Plugs: Inshore topwater lures like the Topknock Pencil excel near last light.

In December, switch to soft plastics and slow presentations to entice cold-water bites.

Final Thoughts

Success in saltwater fishing depends on understanding the seasonal patterns of baitfish and predators. With this month-by-month guide, you can stay ahead of the game and ensure your tackle box is always stocked with the right lures. Whether you're a kayak angler or a shore caster, these recommendations will help you make the most of your fishing.