Must-Have Lures for African Predator Fishing

By zainab loonat
2 min read

Must-Have Lures for African Predator Fishing

Predator fishing in Africa is explosive. Whether you’re chasing tigerfish on the Zambezi, largemouth bass in Gauteng, or monster catfish in the Vaal River, your success often comes down to one thing: your lure.

Here’s a breakdown of the most effective lures for African predator species and where to use them.

1. Inline Spinners (Mepps, Blue Fox, etc.)

Target species: Tigerfish, bass, yellowfish, catfish
Why it works: High flash and vibration trigger reaction strikes. Great in stained water.
Best size: #2 to #4 for bass/yellowfish; #4 to #6 for tigerfish
Retrieve tip: Steady or fast with occasional pauses.

2. Crankbaits & Shallow Diving Plugs

Target species: Bass, tigerfish, catfish
Why it works: Realistic baitfish imitation. Perfect for structure and rock edges.
Top picks: Rapala X-Rap, Salmo Hornet, Strike King Squarebills
Retrieve tip: Stop-and-go or twitch on the pause.

3. Soft Plastics (Swimbaits, Jerkbaits, Grubs)

Target species: Bass, catfish, tigerfish
Why it works: Super versatile and lifelike action. Can be rigged weedless or weighted.
Top styles: Paddle tails (like Keitech or Zoom), Flukes, Craws
Best colours: White, watermelon, junebug, baitfish silver

4. Topwater Lures (Poppers, Frogs, Walking Baits)

Target species: Bass, tigerfish, barbel (catfish)
Why it works: Surface commotion triggers aggressive strikes, especially at dawn/dusk.
Use during: Warm mornings, calm conditions, or over vegetation.
Pro tip: Use a soft rod tip for better hookup ratios.

5. Spoons & Blade Baits

Target species: Tigerfish, barbel, saltwater species
Why it works: Heavy flash and vibration. Can be cast far and retrieved at various depths.
Best uses: River mouths, drop-offs, and during high current.
Top options: Kastmaster, Abu Garcia Toby, homemade hammered spoons

6. Fly Fishing Streamers

Target species: Tigerfish, yellowfish, bass
Why it works: Large streamers mimic baitfish, dragonflies, or prawns. Deadly in clear water.
Top patterns: River Prawn, Deceiver, Clouser Minnow, Whistler

Bonus: Live Target or Hollow Body Swimbaits

Target species: Bass and big tigerfish
Why it works: Incredibly realistic swimming motion with soft body feel.
Where to throw: Clear water, structure edges, under overhangs.

Final Tips for Lure Success in Africa

  • Always carry a steel trace when tigerfishing – their teeth will cut braid or mono instantly.

  • Match size to water clarity: Bigger lures in dirty water, smaller in clear.

  • Change up colours during low-light, cloud cover, or heavy pressure.

  • Check your hooks often and replace with high-carbon steel where possible.

Shop Predator Lures at Western Accessories

We carry South Africa’s top predator lures for all species and water types. From tiger-ready spinners to premium bass plastics, find what you need online or in-store.

👉 Browse predator lure selection

Coming Soon:

  • Best Rod & Reel Combos for Tigerfish

  • African Bass Fishing Techniques for Summer

  • Lure Colour Guide for Southern African Waters