Maximizing Success: How to Choose the Perfect Lure for Offshore Fishing

Selecting the right lure can be the difference between a successful day offshore and heading home empty-handed.
With so many options on the market, understanding what makes a lure effective—and how to choose the best one for the conditions—can give you a significant edge.

1. Consider the Target Species

Every species has unique feeding habits, and your lure choice should mimic their natural prey:

  • Marlin: Large, aggressive lures with splash and action often work best.
  • Mahi-Mahi: Bright, flashy colors that imitate smaller baitfish catch their attention.
  • Tuna: Smaller, keel-weighted lures that track straight and true are ideal.

Each of my handcrafted lures is designed with specific species in mind, ensuring you can match the hatch and entice more strikes.

2. Understand Lure Shapes and Actions

The head shape of a trolling lure affects its action in the water:

  • Slant Heads: Create a popping action and leave a bubble trail, ideal for rougher seas.
  • Cupped Faces: Generate surface commotion, making them great for drawing attention in calm or moderate seas.
  • Bullets: Dive slightly and track steadily, making them perfect for high-speed trolling or targeting tuna.

By pairing the head shape with your trolling speed and water conditions, you can maximize the lure’s effectiveness.

3. Match Your Lure to Water Conditions

Visibility and water clarity also play a role:

  • Clear Water: Bright, vibrant colors like pink, green, or blue work well.
  • Murky Water: Darker colors like purple or black are more visible to fish.
  • Rough Seas: Heavy keel-weighted lures stay stable and perform consistently.

4. Personalize Your Lures for Better Results

One of the most unique aspects of Parrish Lures is the ability to add custom graphics and holographic eyes to your lure. These personalized details not only set your lure apart but can also make it more attractive to curious fish.

5. Build a Versatile Spread

Having a variety of lures in your spread allows you to adapt to changing conditions. Combine lures of different sizes, shapes, and colors to cover multiple depths and actions. By experimenting with placement and adjusting your spread throughout the day, you’ll be able to identify what works best.

Why Handmade Lures Make the Difference

As the sole craftsman behind Parrish Lures, I take pride in creating products that perform consistently and stand out from the crowd. Each lure is handcrafted with precision, from shaping the molds to adding custom finishes. When you choose a Parrish Lure, you’re investing in a product designed to improve your results and make every trip memorable.

Ready to Gear Up?

Whether you’re a seasoned offshore angler or just starting out, choosing the right lure is key to success. Explore my collection and find the perfect fit for your next adventure.