Salmon Lures?

[Windknot]

I'd say that most of us here on this site would probably be lure freaks. I know I am one. I love to buy bream lures and I don't very much care how much they cost. If I think they might give me an edge, or if they look particularly pretty, I'll buy 'em.

You can imagine how disappointed I was when I decided to update my meagre collection of surf casting lures recently. I imagined myself owning some of the very finest Japanese made lures that weren't only going to be a virtual feast for the eye, but natural 'killers' of salmon also. After a trip to my local tackle shop and speaking to our resident salmon expert, it turned out that the eye catching, expensive lures aren't all that good for salmon as they just can't be cast the distance required to catch the big 'green backed' salmon that lurk out the back. The lures of choice for the salmon devotees are the humble metal slice. How disappointing, as I do love a pretty well made lure and metals just don't cut it for me, I'm afraid. I will admit though, they are effective salmon getters.

I already owned a few Maria Japan Duplex lures in both 18 grams and 31 grams. These weighty bibbed lures look fantastic and they certainly work very well, but they don't cast particularly well, compared to all metal lures.

I also owned some Duel Adagio pencil lures that look very dandy, but they too don't cast particularly well compared to metal lures either and they're profile can be a little too large when salmon are eating small bait fish.

In addition to the above, I also have a few Jackson Pintail lures that weigh in at around 20 grams. These are also bibbed lures which are quite similar to my Duplex lures.

So, you see I'm basically a lure nut who is trying to apply bream lure attributes to salmon lures. Surely there must be some eye candy lures out there that are both very effective at catching salmon as well as looking pretty. Do you know of any that I've missed? What lures do you use and why?

[freshwater.adam]

I use the 40 gram knights lures from Kmart simply because they are only $4 and I occasionally cast them off if I get a bit excited when casting. I believe that if the salmon are there, you will get them. I don't believe they care what lure is infront of them. They move in schools so if they wanna eat they have to beat the next guy to the bait, regardless of what it looks like.

[Scissors]

The closest you are going to get is a large blade in my opinion.

Best to stick with what works though, a 40-85 gram metal is the most effective lure for salmon from the surf.

[boris]

Maybe the waxwing would be what your looking for.

[little_ash_25]

Strike pro blades and waxwing :-) they work for me

[vxcalais]

Originally Posted by little_ash_25

Strike pro blades and waxwing :-) they work for me

Strike Pro blades are crazy on the Salmon. The Big W $4 - $5 are excellent, as well as the Asari Mahi in a few sizes. Salmon are a true Pelagic with a eat first taste later policy.

[Windknot]

Thanks fellas. I forgot to mention that I bought a couple of Waxwings a while back, but I haven't given them a run yet. I also have a few very nice looking blades that I bought specifically for salmon a year or two back, which once again, I haven't tried yet. I'm just starting to get involved in this type of fishing again after a long absence from it.

I recently bought a selection of metal slices and slugs too. Hopefully, I'll have everything I'll need to land a few this weekend. Apparently salmon are very abundant along the Surf Coast at the moment and they should continue to provide some great action though out the winter months.

[seismicboy]

Check out GT Ice Creams Lures. I have been using them this year in our WA salmon season and have been awesome . They are like Richter Plugs but better range and quality. 1 1/2 oz has been the best casting on 20lb braid. I placed an order for 15 which was 5 in 3 different sizes and styles and with shipping from USA they were about $18 each.
Check out the web video too.
Cheers

[freshwater.adam]

Depending on how far you are keen to drive, wild dog creek has been a fish a cast for the last week

[manno]

I know what you want!!!

[distractor]

Function over form!
Why do they have to look good to you? The fish eat them regardless.
E.g - Halco Scorpions look fugly but they catch plenty.

[spork]

bit of clear placcy tube 3-4" long, couple of ball sinkers, ring and a hook.
casts a mile.
catches salmon.

may lack some bling...

[Windknot]

Originally Posted by freshwater.adam

Depending on how far you are keen to drive, wild dog creek has been a fish a cast for the last week

Thanks Adam, that's where I had in mind. I would have gone there last Sunday except for the fact that the Great Ocean Rd was closed for some sort of a race until 2pm. I'm keen to give Marengo a go too.

I just spent an enjoyable hour or so checking out some very blingy looking Japanese lures on-line. I could spend lots of money very quickly, but I wont just yet. For me, there's something very satisfying about catching fish on great looking lures, but I still like catching them on ugly ones too.

[little_ash_25]

Here is one caught on strike pro blade, not a big salmon but blade work

[twitchtwitch...]

http://duo-inc.co.jp/en/saltwater/pr...it-kamuy110hw/

I reckon these would dominate, they are a touch on the lighter side but I reckon the right outfit would cast them far enough.
A single hook is a bonus, nothing worse that having a good leaping salmon throw the treble hooks 15M from the sand.