Can I use lures when fishing in Hong Kong in winter?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Can I use lures when fishing in Hong Kong in winter?**

Yes — absolutely. Lures are your ally year‑round, and Hong Kong’s winter is still quite fishable compared to many other places. With a few tweaks to presentation, you can pull steady bites from estuaries, piers, and rocky shores even when the water isn’t boiling hot. Here’s how to dial it in:

- **Lure choices for HK winter**
  - *Soft plastics on light jigheads* (1/16–1/8 oz) are great for shallow mangrove creeks, piers, and nearshore flats. 
  - *Small jigging spoons or blade baits* (1/8–1/4 oz) excel around pylons, rocks, and drop-offs where predators hold.
  - *Crankbaits 2–3 inches* feed the shallows and along seawalls for quick hits when the sun pops out.
  - *Topwater lures* can surprise fish on warmer, sunny days — try small poppers around structures.
  - *Colors*: go natural in clear water (pearl, smoky baitfish), and switch to high‑contrast or bright tones (chartreuse, pink, orange) in murkier water or after rain.

- **Tactics and pace**
  - Winter fish can be slower to react, so use a *slow, controlled retrieve* with occasional pauses and short pops.
  - Cast close to structure (pylons, ledges, weedlines) and work the drop-offs edge by edge.
  - Vary depth: start shallow, then inch your lure deeper if you don’t get bites within a few minutes.
  - Keep a light but solid drag. Lure bites are often subtle in cooler water.

- **Gear basics**
  - Line: 6–12 lb main line with a 8–20 lb fluorocarbon leader helps with abrasion near structures.
  - Tackle: a medium-light rod and a reel with a smooth drag makes slow retrieves easier.

- **Weather and seasonal note**
  - Even though HK winter is mild, water temps cool the action a bit. On clearer, calmer days, lure work shines with natural tones; after rain or in muddy water, lean on brighter, high‑contrast colors and slower retrieves. If you’re thinking about early fall patterns, warming water tends to push fish shallower and more aggressively; in winter, target deeper pockets and shady structure with a deliberate pace.

- **Inspiration from HK videos**
  - [Hong Kong Lure Fishing, 羅非魚＆白條 (Hong Kong Lure Fishing, Sharpbelly and Tilapia, 香港ルアー釣り、ティラピア＆カワイワシ)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnqtpcsPQao)
  - [How to catch squid!!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyhjU9UMn0Y)
  - [Fishing in Hong Kong Winter fishing 🎣, Gerres fish,香港釣魚 #hongkongfishing #hongkong #shorts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkrTqYSvCm4)
  - [Fishing tackle shops abroad - mas mahal ba o mura?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Wu6MIEbfE)
  - [Squidding #squidgame #squid #squidfish #greatbarrierreef #ocean #popular](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsDHFt7csUE)

- **Winter lure kits and ideas** (handy concepts, not all HK‑specific)
  - [FishTrip Ice Fishing Jigs Kit, 30Pcs Glow Ice Fishing Lure Set](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLKQYHQF?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Ice Fishing Jigs Luminous Ice Fishing Lures Glowing Jig Gear](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFQY31L?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [LUCKYFISHING Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNMCP1TL?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [8pcs Ice Fishing Lures Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPKD2R7N?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [BASSDASH Ice Fishing Lure Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCR4RF6?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Dovesun Ice Fishing Jigs Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPSMYY4D?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Ice Fishing Jigs, 8pcs Set](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG8F6LJD?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [CWSDXM Glow Ice Fishing Jigs Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJF8TXYL?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

- **Bottom line**: Yes, lures work in HK winters — tailor color and pace to water clarity and fish mood, mix up depths, and target structure with steady, patient retrieves. Get out there and put some sticky-fingered memories in your winter season. Tight lines! 🎣

If you want, tell me what area you’ll be fishing (pier, estuary, or mangrove creek) and I’ll tailor a pinpoint setup and retrieve plan for that spot. Go get ’em! 💪🐟

🎣 Hong Kong

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