Freshwater and saltwater anglers buy different lures for good reasons: water clarity, current, salinity and the species themselves all change what works. This guide explains the practical differences and suggests a stock mix for shops that serve both markets.
Corrosion is the first difference
Saltwater attacks hooks, split rings and paint far faster than freshwater. Saltwater ranges need anti-rust hook coatings, corrosion-resistant hardware and paint systems that survive repeated soaking and rinsing. If you sell into coastal markets, always confirm the salt-spray test standard with your supplier.
Freshwater: finesse and reaction
- Bass and perch: soft plastics on EWG hooks, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater frogs around weed and structure.
- Pike and musky: larger swimbaits, spoons and heavy leaders.
- Trout and panfish: micro spoons, spinners and small soft baits.
- Snakehead and catfish: weedless frogs, chatterbaits and durable soft plastics.
Saltwater: distance, depth and strength
- Shore and rock fishing: long-cast sinking pencils, minnows and metal jigs from 20 g to 60 g.
- Boat and vertical jigging: metal jigs from 60 g to 400 g with heavy assist hooks.
- Surface fishing: poppers and walking baits with strong trebles or single-hook conversions.
- Species to plan for: sea bass, GT, yellowtail, mackerel, hairtail and reef species.
What to stock if you serve both markets
- A core range of soft plastics in three sizes and six to eight colours.
- Metal jigs in a 20 / 40 / 60 / 100 g spread with anti-rust hooks.
- Surface lures - one popper and one walking bait per size class.
- Hooks and split rings in matched sizes so customers can upgrade hardware.
- A small luminous or UV range for low-light and deep-water selling.
Sizing and colour choices that sell
Match the forage: baitfish patterns in silver, shad and holographic finishes for open water, natural craw and worm colours for structure, and bright chartreuse, pink or orange when water is stained. In saltwater, luminous and striped patterns sell best for night and deep work.
Wholesale terms
Stock models start at 500 pcs per model and colour and custom OEM designs at 1,000 pcs per design. Stock items ship in 7-15 working days; OEM production takes 30-45 working days. We quote FOB Guangzhou / Shenzhen / Ningbo, CIF or DDP and ship by express, air and sea.
Browse our saltwater metal jig series, soft plastics or full catalogue, then send a wholesale inquiry with your target species and quantities.