The 10 Best Water Shad Lures (2022 reviews)
We consider a water shad lure to be a worthy investment in the long run.
In the following post, we will help you to select the best water shad lures.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Soft Plastic Fishing Lures, Best Water Lures and Best Soft Shad Lures for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Z-Man Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Red Drum: Buy: Bomber Lures Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Inshore Salt Water: Buy: Bass Assassin Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Weight: Buy: Qualyqualy Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Drop Shotting: Buy: Drfish Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Red Fish: Buy: Matrix Shad Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Sea Bass: Buy: Eliasvfishing Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Walleye: Buy: Orootl Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Crappie: Buy: Funzhan Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest For Saltwater Fishing: Buy: Darth Water Lures Water Shad Lure READ REVIEWBest Overall: Z-Man Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon The Z-Man Water Shad Lure's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. In addition, the z-man water shad lure is perfect for a great price and it is impressive. In addition, the lure is ideal for red drum, is perfect for tight lines and it is great for salt. Moreover, this allows for good action and it is great for perfect size. Finally, the z-man water shad lure looks amazing in red and is available in 7 other colors: black, blue laminate, green lantern, green lantern etc., so, it's likely one of your favorites is in the mix.Almost all buyers opine that the lure is perfect for a weedless presentation. Also, a few say that this one is a different color that looks good, but the coastal fish have not gone for it yet. Overall, many have used the lure for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.Why We Like This:
- This is suitable for bass fishing and it is designed to be worth every penny.
- Lifelike swimming actions at all retrieval speeds.
- Available in 4-, 5- and 7-inch sizes.
- This is available in 4- and it is tight.
Best For Red Drum: Bomber Lures Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Bomber Lures Water Shad Lure for regular usage. In addition, the bomber lures water shad lure is made with sharp hooks, It is ideal for saltwater species and has a body design. If it’s explosive topwater action you’re looking for, look no more. And, this is perfect for red drum and has a fishing style. Finally, the bomber lures water shad lure looks amazing in silver flash pink head/pink belly/chartreuse back color and is available in 6 other colors: red head flash, gold/black back orange belly, gold/black back orange belly etc.,.Almost all customers opine that the lure is easy to walk the dog. And, they say that the lure is made for anything bigger than 10lbs, especially trevally. In addition, a few also found that the lure can be used in both saltwater flats and freshwater below dams. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the lure suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- Technique: draws the attention of saltwater fish and triggers explosive strikes.
- This lure has produced the largest bluefish this year by far.
- No matter which pitch you choose, the panicked prey vibration will produce.
- The Manufacturer says: Our topwater badonk-a-donk’s 's eye-catching, headturning, jaw-dropping action is irresistible to fish.
Best For Inshore Salt Water: Bass Assassin Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon Bass Assassin is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist lure for people on the go, and its line of Bass Assassin Water Shad Lure definitely falls in line with that reputation. The bass assassin water shad lure is practical, it is highly effective and has a perfect design. The manufacturer says: Inshore, offshore, redfish, trout, snook, flounderm. We have got you covered. Furthermore, it features a solid shad body. The lure includes fish-attracting p-enzyme formula. And, the lure comes with a paddle tail for action. Above all, the bass assassin water shad lure is fat, it is worth the price and has a nice design.Most buyers found that the lure does a great job raising fish. And, a few also found that the lure is good bait for inshore salt water. And, a few strongly agree that the lure is also a wonderful lure for fluke. Therefore, customers were eager to recommend it to friends and families.Top Customer Quotes:
- This lure has great action in the water when used with the right jig.
- This is for the acid rain color only ... first, it catches fish.
- This has been making the world's best soft platics for 25 years.
- Enticing tail action appeals to a variety of fish.
Best For Weight: Qualyqualy Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon The Qualyqualy Water Shad Lure should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The qualyqualy water shad lure is very realistic, is more attractive, it is suitable for soft materials and has a body design. It brings extremely enticing swimming action to attract hungry fish. These soft baits are great for bass, trout, panfish, crappie, rockfish, mackerel, smallmouths and striper fishing. Finally, the qualyqualy water shad lure is made of high quality soft plastic, very well made lure for durability and flexability, does tear easily.Almost all buyers agree that the lure is used to make the lures, makes them feel almost life - like. In addition, they say that the lure can take a bit of punishment. Overall, many customers have used the qualyqualy watershad lure for more than a few months without any problems, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- Different color of the lures according to different fish species.
- Even the easiest rig will make it a bass killer.
- This looks real, it is also ideal for being weightless and has a great design.
- It looks great, is very soft, it is very nice and has a durable design.
Best For Drop Shotting: Drfish Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself confused about convenient and suitable lure, Drfish Water Shad Lure should be your first option for buying. Further, the drfish water shadlure features a hard-pounding paddle tail to create enticing kicks and wiggles to drive fish crazy, luring them to attack. Fishes won't be able to ignore this lure. Also, this is used for bigger fish and has a great design. Lastly, the drfish water shad lure is available in 8 colors: watermelon, coffee, blue etc.,.Almost all buyers found that the lure works well in the water. In addition, a few say that these bait were “absolutely slammed” by multiple species. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Why We Like This:
- Pack of 6;length: 2.76"/70mm; color: blue;material: high quality silicone.
- This is great for drop shotting.
- It is very soft, it is designed to worth every penny and has a tail design.
- Even the easiest rig will make it a bass magnet.
Best For Red Fish: Matrix Shad Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon The Matrix Shad Water Shad Lure's superior materials make sure that it ages well with use. Moreover, the matrix shad water shad lure is a natural style color and does a great job of mimicing glass minnows and shad, a common prey for flounder, speckled trout and bass. The manufacturer says: You can trust that our lures will last a long time and will help you catch many fish. These colors have been tested and proven to work. Above all, the matrix shad water shad lure is available in 6 attractive colors: lemon head, green hornet, pink champagne etc.,.Most customers found that the lure is a very popular bait here in southern Louisiana. Moreover, they strongly agree that the bait is made from a harder material so it will last longer through many casts as well as fish bites.Why We Like This:
- The Manufacturer says: we have multiple colors available to fit every different environment.
- You may have days with dozens of fish on one lure only.
- The manufacturer says: just search for matrix shad to see our other products.
- These lures work best for bass, speckled trout, red fish, and flounder.
Best For Sea Bass: Eliasvfishing Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon Eliasvfishing has been making great lure for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. The Eliasvfishing Water Shad Lure is unique, It has great swimming action and has a tail design. The eliasvfishing swimming shad is a new take on a classic bait. These aren't magical ponds or remote islands. Most importantly, the eliasvfishing watershad lure is great for soft body, does a good job, It is simple and has a unique design.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the lure is great for bass at night. Also, a few say that the lure has excellent action because they are soft. Further, they say that the lure held up nicely to multiple casts in very strong wind. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Why We Like This:
- It works well for good quality, It is very nice and has a thick design.
- can accommodate most jig heads up to 2 oz. With a thick body.
- This 5.5" shad hits the sweet spot for casting. And action for saltwater species.
- Ultra soft swim shad with un-paralleled swimming action.
Best For Walleye: Orootl Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon The Orootl Water Shad Lure's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The orootl water shadlure is flexible, is designed for widely fishing species and it comes with a sharp hook. Whether you are fishing reefs, estuaries, rivers, fresh or saltwater, the soft shad lures target bass, trout, walleye, pike snook, salmon, redfish and many more. The fish lure body is made of PVC material. The super - soft hand - poured body is eco - friendly, strong and bite resistant, and ready to take on multiple hits. The lure is super sharp and it is great for soft body. And, the lure is great for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, is a great tool for novice and experienced fishermen. Most importantly, the orootl water shad lure is sturdy, is ideal for soft plastic lures and it is eco-friendly.Obviously, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Why We Like This:
- Lot of satisfied buyers.
- Good brand reputation.
Best For Crappie: Funzhan Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase lure for their regular usage, but the Funzhan Water Shad Lure would be an anomoly. The funzhan water shad lure is best for black fish and it is perfect for lake fishing. The Manufacturer says: Our fishing soft baits lures kit box is very small and exquisite, so that you are very convenient when fishing outdoors. Also, the lure is perfect for freshwater and it is simple. Most importantly, the funzhan water shad lure is great for natural oils and it is portable.Why We Like This:
- This is the perfect meal size for bass and other general water.
- Good investment for the long term.
Best For Saltwater Fishing: Darth Water Lures Water Shad Lure
Buy on Amazon The Darth Water Lures Water Shad Lure is capable of outshining several other lure featured in this list in overall features for the price point. Also, this is great for soft body and it has glow stick information. Soft body fishing lure that illuminates with a (replaceable) glow stick. Lastly, the darth water lures water shad lure includes 4 shads (chartreuse color, 1.8” long) and 4 glow sticks.Why We Like This:
- Advantage: illuminates with glowstick. Pocket for adding fish attractant. Soft plastic body.
- When the fish bite is hot, you won’t need to re-charge with light.
- Includes: 4 soft body lures. 4 glowsticks. Hooks and fish scent/attractant are not included.
- Lures have an internal scent pocket for injecting your favorite fish attractant.