Looking at cicada lures

It may seem weird to dedicate a whole post to cicada imitation lures, but when you see how many lures are made to resemble these noisey invertebrates, you’ll probably agree it’s worth delving into! The reason cicada imitations are so popular is because real cicadas are a common food source for predators all around the world, in fresh and saltwater! In Australia, species such as bass, bream, sooty grunter, jungle perch, trout, redfin, Murray cod, saratoga, estuary perch and more will happily snaffle a cicada that falls into their domain. So let’s see what all the fuss is about!

There are a few different configurations for cicada imitations, but the most common is a hardbody design with wings that allow the lure to paddle across the surface, and some modern designs have folding wings that allow for easy storage in the tackle box. Lures such as Chasebaits Ripple Cicada, Atomic Hardz Cicada 35 Surface Walker  match this description, and are great for imitating these winged critters.

Soft-shelled models such as the Tiemco Soft Shell Cicada Hard Body Lure have become popular in the last few years, and feature a soft body that encourages short-striking fish to come back for another go. The soft body makes the lure feel ‘real’!

Classic hardbody models with rigid wings still catch fish, and are worth having if you want to create a bigger profile for more aggressive fish!

To get the most out of cicada imitations, it makes sense to try and impart a cicada-like action when retrieving them. Upon landing, one little trick is to let the lure sit there until the rings dissipate, before gently shaking the rod tip, sending out small ripples, as if the cicada is trying to fly away. If a strike doesn’t occur by this stage, a gentle retrieve to get the lure paddling can often tempt lookers into striking.

Pausing during the retrieve, as with most topwater lures, can be extremely deadly, especially on species such as bass, bream, sooties and saratoga. The incredibly life-like modern cicada imitations look like the real thing, and giving the fish an opportunity to get a closer look isn’t such a bad idea sometimes!

If you want to up your topwater game, make sure you stock up on cicada imitations, and be ready for when their deafening ringing can be heard overhead. If you can hear them, the fish probably can too, and will be out looking for their next meal!