🐟 Best Plug Lures for Sea Bass in the UK: Top Picks & Fishing Tips

Sea bass are one of the UK’s most sought-after saltwater species — and plug lures (also known as hard baits or crank baits) are among the most effective ways to catch them.

In this guide, you’ll learn why plug lures work, how to fish them, and which models consistently catch bass on UK shores.


🌊 Why Plug Lures Catch Sea Bass

Hard baits have a lifelike swimming action that triggers bass into striking.

  • Diving lips control depth, perfect for shallow surf or deeper rock marks
  • Built-in rattles (on some models) attract fish in murky water
  • Durability — they can handle repeated strikes and rough conditions

💡 When worked correctly, a plug lure can out fish soft plastic lures or metal jigs.


🐠 When & Where to Use Plug Lures for Bass

  • Shallow estuaries & surf beaches – Floating or shallow divers excel here.
  • Rocky coastlines – Use suspending lures around structure.
  • Dawn, dusk, and night – Bass feed aggressively in low light, making these times ideal.

👉 For choosing lures by season, check out our Sea Lure Finder Tool.(Currently under development)


🎣 How to Fish Hard Baits

  • Steady retrieve – Works for most bass situations.
  • Stop-and-go – Pauses make the lure look like a wounded fish.
  • Twitching – Short jerks trigger reaction strikes.

💡 Use a fluorocarbon leader to improve presentation and reduce visibility.


🏆 Best Plug Lures for Sea Bass

These proven hard baits consistently produce bass around the UK coast:

LureTypeBuy
Shimano Exsence Silent AssassinLong-cast, shallow diving lureView on Amazon*
IMA Komomo IIShallow diving plugView on Amazon*
Rapala X-Rap SaltwaterSuspending jerkbaitView on Amazon*
Duo Tide Minnow SlimSlim-profile bass lureView on Amazon*
Xorus – PatchinkoTopwater lure for sea bass.View on Amazon*

🪝 Tips for Choosing the Right Hard Bait

  • Match depth to location – Shallow divers for surf, deeper plugs for rocky ledges.
  • Choose natural colours – Clear water: silver/white; Murky: chartreuse.
  • Upgrade split rings/hooks if targeting bigger fish in rough conditions.

🔗 Related Reading


✅ Final Thoughts

Plug lures are a must-have for any bass angler. Their versatility and proven effectiveness make them a top choice along the UK coastline.

🔥 Want to start catching more bass?
👉 See the latest Plug Lure Deals on Amazon UK*


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💡 * All links are evergreen search links, providing up-to-date prices and stock levels at a glance. They are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission from purchases — at no extra cost to you. For more information, please see our Affiliate Disclosure page.