Best lures for Newport harbor

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FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Top lures for Newport Harbor (early winter)**

Newport Harbor in early winter is a bass-and-structure scene first thing in the morning, with cooler water and fish keying in on pilings, eelgrass edges, and any sun-warmed spots. Here are practical picks to cover SB Bass and a few harbor-friendly targets.

**Spotted Bay Bass (SB Bass) – main target in the harbor**
- **2.5–3.5 inch paddle-tail swimbaits on a light 1/8–1/4 oz jighead**. Color tips: ghost shad, pearl, or smoked bluegill for a natural chase. Retrieve with a slow roll just above structure.
- **Underspin setups with a small grub/slug**. A classic combo for tight, fast retrieves around pilings and eelgrass edges.
- **Small lipless/inline crank options** around 1.5–2.5 inches can trigger short, whippy bites when the bass are aggressive at first light.
- Quick reference videos on SB Bass tactics in Southern California: [Spotted bay bass. What’s the right tackle?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcoPFKFpKF8) • [Newport Harbor Dock Fishing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzrSCs2GYRs) • [Underspin / Slug Combo - Go To San Diego Bay fishing lure](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvL2YYg161Q) • [The Ultimate Guide to Catching Spotted Bay Bass: Essential Lures](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv1vDYBFwO0) • [Fishing Newport Harbor with A-Rigs and Swimbaits](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPLvwOdTlEE)

**Halibut and other in-harbor bites (seasonal)**
- In the harbor, halibut can show near sandy pockets and structure. Consider a heavier setup with soft plastics on a weaker jighead or a drop-shot rig applied with a larger bait. For shore/harbor halibut basics, check this guide: [How to Catch Halibut From Shore In Harbors With The Drop Shot](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl8_OA23218).

**General harbor tips for early winter**
- Focus on first light and last light windows; water is typically cooler and bites can be short but decisive.
- Structure is king: look for pilings, weed lines, and drop-offs around docks and jetties.
- Tackle and line: light braided line with a small fluorocarbon leader helps keep lures down and offers stealthy presentations in clear water.

**Amazon lures that fit Newport Harbor fishing today**
- [ReeMoo Fishing Lures for Bass, Topwater Fishing Lures, Multi Jointed Swimbaits](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C33JKN7J?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [A LIST LURES Collectible Trump Topwater Fishing Lure](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PB3MZM8?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Saltwater Fishing Lures Kit, 6pcs Surf Fishing Sriper Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QRFY9PY?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [6Pcs Fishing Lures for Freshwater and Saltwater with case, Slow Sinking Multi Jointed Swimbaits](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNC8XP75?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [OriGlam 10pcs Fishing Lures - Life-Like Swimbait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0874PT2Z6?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Weather note: in early winter, mornings are typically the window to capitalize on active SB Bass; afternoons can slow as water cools further. Dress in layers, bring a thermos, and stay mobile to stay ahead of the bite.

Hope you snag some fat spots and have a blast exploring the docks and pilings. Tight lines and good luck out there! 🎣💥

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