What is a Stickbait? The Comprehensive Guide for Anglers!

Stickbaits Buyers Guide

Davos Tackle has stickbaits from top brands for Kingfish, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, GT's, Coral Trout, Tailor, Mackerel and more. Stickbaits are used to catch a variety of species ranging from bream and tailor to southern bluefin tuna.

The fundamental distinction between stick baits and other types of lure is that they lack built-in motion. Most lures have bibs, blades, skirts and other features to help create a swimming action when retrieved through the water. Stick baits, on the other hand, have minimal built-in motion. A stick bait will come back across the surface with little to no motion on a straight retrieve with no input from the angler. Some suspending/sinking "slider" and floating types of stickbait lures feature a modest movement when retrieved through the water column, mimicking an injured baitfish.

Stick bait fishing is entirely dependent on you putting the action into the lure. This may sound off putting, but you won't understand the full potential of a balanced stick bait until you put it in the water.

What is a stickbait lure?

Often referred to as jerkbaits, slashbaits, or minnow baits, the word "stickbait" refers to a class of versatile hard-body lures that need the angler to create the action of the lure. Surface stickbaits can be light lures compared to other fishing lures.

What is the difference between a stickbait and a popper lure?

A stickbait is intended to be swum and looks like a wounded baitfish. A popper works by tugging aggressively to create a huge splash that mimics a fleeing baitfish.

How do you use stickbaits when fishing in Australia?

Although stick bait lures can be cast and retrieved, most will benefit from some angler action to make the stickbait more effective and entice that strike. The most important thing is to provide the lure a movement that resembles a distressed or injured baitfish. It is critical to get the bait moving and attracting the attention of the target species. A long and slow draw or stroke of the floating lure parallel to the surface and fast wind  works extraordinarily well when using a floating stickbait, whereas a short sharp jerk, pause, and retrieve of the lure works well when using a sinking type stickbait. This causes the stick bait to sink and roll during the pause, giving the lure the movement of a wounded baitfish.

What size stickbait do I need?

Stickbaits can be among the largest casting lures available, and some of the larger stickbaits can produce unexpected results, such as Trevally, which can frequently hunt a giant baitfish. Smaller stickbaits are frequently used to "match the hatch" and are wonderful fun for light tackle or inshore anglers. 

Stickbaits are relatively heavy for their size, making it easier for the angler to make that long cast to the strike zone. Stickbaits have the advantage of covering a large amount of water with each retrieve because they can be ballasted forwards or backwards.