Posted 24th April 2025

Lure Fishing for Beginners

By Darren Weda

Most of the time, I find myself fishing with relatively experienced and competent anglers. However, there have been quite a few occasions where I’ve had to take a step back and think about how to teach absolute beginners the fundamentals of lure fishing.

Lure fishing, in general, involves a vast range of lures and techniques, many of which are highly specific to certain species and locations. On top of that, different types of retrieves can be used depending on the situation. No wonder it can feel daunting and even frustrating for beginners!

My journey into teaching lure fishing probably started a few years ago when I first had kids. They were always keen to come fishing with me, and while bait fishing was sometimes the easier option, I wanted them to experience the thrill of catching fish on lures. That got me thinking: what are the best lures and basic techniques to help beginners get into some fish?

The Best Beginner Technique: The Straight Retrieve

The simplest and most effective technique that comes to mind is the straight retrieve. This method involves casting the lure out, allowing it to sink (if it’s not a floating lure), and then steadily winding it back in—either slowly or, in some cases, at a faster pace.

This retrieve is by far the easiest for beginners to master, yet it remains highly effective across a wide range of scenarios. It works for:

* Slow-rolling spinnerbaits for Murray cod

*Retrieving small hardbody lures in a stream or lake for trout

*Using medium-sized paddletail plastics for big, shallow-water flathead

* A faster, mid-water retrieve for species like Australian salmon, tailor, and trevally

Because of its versatility, the straight retrieve is a great starting point for beginners. With that in mind, here are my top three beginner-friendly lures to use when targeting estuary fish.

1. Bait Junkie 3” Wave Minnow

The Daiwa Wave Minnow has become a staple in my small lure arsenal. Its super-thin curl tail creates an enticing action in the water, making it irresistible to most estuary species. It’s a fantastic choice for beginners because the lure does much of the work naturally, requiring minimal angler input.

How to Rig It:

I generally rig the Wave Minnow on a 1/12 oz, size 1 or 2 Bait Junkie jighead. You can go lighter, but lighter lures can sometimes be trickier for beginners to cast and control.

Beginner Technique:

Slow-roll the lure just above or along the bottom. This allows the natural action of the tail to attract fish with minimal effort.

2. Daiwa Spike 53SP

The Daiwa Spike 53SP is a favourite among tournament anglers, but fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest lures for beginners to use. This suspending diving hardbody lure reaches depths of around 1.5 meters and casts exceptionally well.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

Because it suspends in the water column, it remains in the strike zone longer, giving fish more time to react. It also has an attractive wobbling action even on a straight retrieve.

Beginner Technique:

Slow-roll along the bottom, allowing the lure to ‘grub’ through sand, rocks, or timber. The slight pauses and natural suspending action often entice strikes.

3. Bait Junkie 4.2” Minnow

This is my go-to larger bait when targeting bigger fish like flathead, Murray cod, and barramundi. It has a strong, lifelike action and moves a lot of water, making it ideal for attracting predatory fish.

How to Rig It:

I recommend using a 1/8 oz – 1/4 oz, size #4/0 Bait Junkie jighead, depending on water depth and current.

Beginner Technique:

Slow-roll the lure just above or along the bottom, imitating a wounded baitfish. The larger profile helps draw attention from bigger fish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re introducing someone to lure fishing for the first time, keeping it simple is key. The straight retrieve, combined with the right lure choice, can make the experience enjoyable while still being effective.

Next time you have an inexperienced angler keen to try lure fishing, tie on one of these lures and get them started with a simple, slow-rolled retrieve. They’ll be hooked in no time!