Most Common Types of Fishing Lures – All You Need to Know for 2025

Fishing enthusiasts heading out for deep sea fishing in Monterey CA this season are in for a treat! The waters are teeming with activity, and having the right lures can make all the difference between coming home with just a sunburn or a cooler full of impressive catches. Let’s dive into the must-have fishing lures for 2025, perfect for anyone planning a Monterey fishing adventure.

The Monterey Bay Fishing Scene in 2025

The Monterey fishing scene has evolved significantly in recent years. With increased fishing activity, the fish have gotten notably pickier about what they'll strike. This means smart lure selection has become more crucial than ever for successful deep sea fishing in Monterey CA.

When booking with experienced charter services, guests benefit from accessing top-quality gear and decades of local knowledge. Waypoint Sportfishing, a family-owned operation established in 1994, offers personalized trips aboard their custom 36-foot "Waypoint" vessel. Captain Blair and his son Cody bring over 50 years of combined fishing experience to every charter, accommodating up to six guests per trip.

Classic Lures Still Crushing It in 2025

1. Swimbaits: The Salmon Attractors

These realistic baitfish imitations continue to reign supreme for Monterey fishing, especially for salmon and rockfish. The latest models featuring enhanced tail action and holographic finishes have been producing consistent results throughout the bay.

For Monterey Bay salmon, the local pros typically recommend 5-6 inch swimbaits in anchovy patterns. When the side-scanning sonar on professional charter vessels marks schools of baitfish, that's the perfect moment to deploy these irresistible lures.

2. Jigs and Bucktails: The Versatility Champions

Is there anything these workhorses can't do? Jigs remain absolutely essential for deep sea fishing in Monterey CA, particularly when targeting rockfish. The newer eco-friendly versions made from biodegradable materials are gaining serious traction among conservation-minded anglers.

Word from local fishing guides suggests that butterfly jigs in the 4-6 oz range have been absolutely deadly for lingcod this season. That distinctive fluttering action on the drop seems to trigger predatory instincts like nothing else.

The 2025 Game-Changers

3. Smart Lures: Fishing Meets Tech

Okay, this sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie, but the new generation of programmable lures with embedded microchips that create specific vibration patterns based on water conditions? They're legitimate game-changers for Monterey fishing enthusiasts.

They're definitely an investment costing about $30-40 per lure, but for anglers serious about landing trophy-sized fish during deep sea fishing in Monterey CA, the results speak for themselves. It's like fishing with a tiny underwater robot designed specifically to drive fish crazy.

4. Scented Soft Plastics: Chemistry Class Pays Off

The technology behind scented lures has taken a quantum leap forward. Today's scented soft plastics don't just wash out after a few minutes underwater. The new formulations release attractants gradually, sometimes lasting hours. Perfect for those half-day charters out of Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.

The worm and grub styles work particularly well during those notorious mid-day lulls when the bite typically slows down. Inside tip: The ones infused with krill scent have been absolutely devastating for rockfish this season.

Eco-Friendly Options Making Waves

5. Biodegradable Lures: Fishing Green

Charter operations that have been navigating Monterey Bay since the mid-90s have seen the importance of ocean conservation firsthand. That's why many are now incorporating plant-based biodegradable lures into their arsenals. If accidentally lost, these break down naturally within a year, unlike traditional plastic lures that persist in the environment.

The amazing part? They work just as effectively as their plastic predecessors. Family-friendly charters often use these extensively, teaching younger generations about responsible fishing while still helping them catch plenty of fish.

6. Metal Lures: What's Old is New Again

Everything cycles back eventually! With the push toward sustainability, durable metal lures are experiencing a major renaissance. Spoons, diamond jigs, and metal swimbaits are perfect for the fast retrieves that trigger reaction strikes from salmon when they're actively feeding.

The durability factor can't be overstated. Quality metal lures might be the most cost-effective option in the long run, potentially landing hundreds of fish over multiple seasons.

Special Mention: Crab Snares

While not technically lures, the innovative crab snares being used on combination fishing/crabbing trips deserve recognition. These clever devices have revolutionized crabbing success rates, and they're particularly popular on charters that offer crabbing experiences. (Pulling up a pot full of Dungeness crabs never fails to elicit excited cheers from everyone onboard.)

The Bottom Line on Lures

The perfect lure always matches the conditions of the day: water clarity, temperature, what the fish are currently feeding on, and even their mood. That's where booking with experienced guides provides a serious advantage for Monterey fishing. Decades of experience means they've seen virtually every condition possible and know exactly what will work when.

For anglers looking to test these lures on their next deep sea fishing in Monterey CA, booking with a reputable charter service is the way to go. Waypoint Sportfishing offers not just expertise but comfort features including a heated cabin and Mc2 Gyro stabilizing system. Beyond fishing charters, they provide crabbing trips, scenic bay cruises, and burial at sea services—all from their base at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. Visit www.waypointsportfishing.com or call 559-301-0008 to learn more about their offerings.

Until next time, may your hooks stay sharp and your coolers stay full!