Best lures for Mangrove Jacks

Mangrove Jacks are among Australia’s most aggressive and hard-hitting sport fish. Their powerful strikes and relentless fights make them a bucket-list catch for all anglers. When targeting these beasts, having the right lure can be the difference between catching none and bagging out. Here’s a breakdown of the best soft plastics and hardbodies to target Jacks.

1. Hardbody Lures

Hardbody lures are a staple for Mangrove Jacks. Their swimming action, rattle noise, and durable design make them essential for targeting these powerful predators. The key is using lures that can dive into the strike zone and withstand the powerful jaws of a Jack. Here are some top picks:

• Aim for lures in the 60-120mm range. Brands like Zerek Tango Shad, Rapala X-Rap, and Jackall Squirrel are excellent choices for targeting Jacks.

• Topwater hardbodies, such as the underrated Fish Inc. Scrum Half 140mm Surface Popper or the Halco Roosta Popper, work wonders. These reduce snags and make for a fun fishing session.

Note: Jacks love the color red. Whether you're shopping for soft plastics or hardbodies, aim for colors like scarlet red, orange, or gold for the best results. This applies to all types of lures.

2. Soft Plastics

Soft plastics offer versatility and can be rigged in different ways, making them a popular choice for Mangrove Jacks. Their lifelike movement and subtle action are irresistible to Jacks.

• Aim for prawn imitations like the ZMan 3” ShrimpZ or paddle-tail plastics like the Berkley Gulp Minnow and Squidgy Fish, in sizes between 3-5 inches.

• Vibe lures are another excellent choice for targeting larger Jacks and are more durable than other plastics. I personally recommend the Samaki Vibelicious Thumper 70mm Soft Vibe in Turbo Mullet or Brown Trout colors. The only downside to vibe lures is that they are prone to snags, especially around mangroves and rock walls, so cast with caution.

• The Pro Lure Clone Prawn Soft Plastic, 92mm in Motor Oil color, works wonders for Jacks. Rig this on a size 6/0 weedless worm hook for the best results.

3. Rig Setups

Hardbody and Topwater Lures:
For these lures, use a 7-8ft medium-action rod with a 3000-4000 size spinning reel. Pair this with 20-30lb braid and a 30-50lb fluorocarbon leader or wire trace.

Soft Plastics:
Rig your soft plastics on a weedless hook or a 1/8oz to 1/4oz jighead, depending on the depth and current. A finesse rod around 6-7ft with a 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15lb braid, and a 20-30lb leader should do the trick.

For larger presentations like swimbaits, glidebaits, and large vibe lures, opt for a heavier rod (7-8ft, medium-heavy) with a 4000 size reel and 30-50lb braid. Jacks hit swimbaits hard, so you’ll need a rod with enough backbone to turn their head before they dive into structure.

Mangrove Jacks are arguably one of the best sportfish Australia has to offer, and they are a must-catch species for all anglers. With these lures in your arsenal, you're sure to land an absolute monster Jack this season. Good luck, enjoy the fight, and happy fishing!