With the arrival of 2025, anglers are gearing up for an exciting fishing season, and part of that preparation involves selecting the right lures. As we look ahead, certain baits stand out as essential for successful catches, whether you’re on a boat or fishing from the shore.
"When making an offshore run this season, make sure to have a few tuna poppers," said an industry insider. The tuna popper trend has soared in recent seasons, thanks to the thrill of surface-crashing tuna in Northeast waters. For instance, the 5-inch **Rapala Magnum Xplode** has been particularly effective for smaller yellowfin and bluefin. When targeting larger tuna, the 6 2/3-inch **Shimano Bomb Dip** will surely generate exciting strikes.
"When making an offshore run this season, make sure to have a few tuna poppers,"
As fishing styles evolve, so do the preferred lures. In 2024, surfcasters discovered the effectiveness of soft-plastic stickbaits, an age-old lure that has seen a resurgence. "Expecting this trend to continue, if you fish the surf, stock up on thicker, soft-plastic stickbaits like the **Slug-Go** and **Super Snax** this winter," advised a seasoned local angler.
"Expecting this trend to continue, if you fish the surf, stock up on thicker, soft-plastic stickbaits like the **Slug-Go** and **Super Snax** this winter,"
The **Slug-Go**, in particular, has gained a reputation among anglers for its eel-like qualities, enticing stripers consistently throughout the season. Meanwhile, for boat fishermen, rising eel costs and regulations surrounding circle hooks have prompted a search for viable alternatives. This has led to the growing popularity of **Gravity Tackle GT Eel** and **JoeBaggs Block Island Eel**. "Every year, more anglers are discovering they can catch plenty of big bass on these baits without getting their hands slimy," noted a tackle shop owner.
"Every year, more anglers are discovering they can catch plenty of big bass on these baits without getting their hands slimy,"
Current Season
The recent resurgence of the mullet run along the Northeast coast has been another front-rank topic among anglers. For those looking to match the bait, the **Z-Man Mulletron** has quickly come into favor. "A mirror image of a live mullet, it features a thumping tail that fishes well on both slow and high-speed retrieves," explained a knowledgeable guide. Following the successful mullet runs experienced last season, this lure will undeniably be a key item in tackle boxes come 2025.
"A mirror image of a live mullet, it features a thumping tail that fishes well on both slow and high-speed retrieves,"
In summary, as the fishing season looms, ensuring a supply of these standout lures is paramount for optimal success on the water. Each of these selections—from the efficient tuna poppers to innovative soft stickbaits and realistic mullet imitations—places anglers in a better position to catch plentiful fish. As expert recommendations suggest, planning ahead is key to overcoming obstacles that could arise once the season begins, including possible shortages at local tackle shops.
As we step into a promising new year, armed with the right lures, anglers can look forward to ample opportunities on the water. Whether at sea or on the shore, the excitement of fishing in 2025 awaits those prepared to stock up accordingly.
