Jackson Bottom Magic Saltwater Lure

If you could only have ONE lure to catch as many fish as possible in as many different locations AND you didn't want to work too hard at it, our easy choice is the Bottom Magic 55mm Lure. Its small size, fast sink rate and unique action combine to make this lure an irresistible meal, and the best part is how easy they are to use. This little lure has caught a staggering number of species right around the country, everything from trout down south to barra up north and almost everything else in between, it's brilliant to say the least. You can get a 55mm Bottom Magic in any of the three models, but the best all-rounders and most versatile models are the original ones or the newer saltwater ones, their heavier weight is better for a wider range of conditions.

Bottom Magic Saltwater Lures

This model was designed specifically for the Australian market with extra sizes added to the lineup to suit a wider range of fishing environments. The saltwater version comes pre-rigged with two double hooks so it's not essential to change the hooks if you don't want to (we still do - see below - but that's personal preference). They also have a very different colour range which again suits Australian fishing conditions better.

The 55mm lures are fished exactly like the standard 55mm version, nothing has changed with these other than the hooks and the colours. So light estuary environments like fishing the flats, casting into structure, and drop-offs are perfect for these lures. That's not to say they don't work offshore, they just don't sink as quickly as the bigger models.

The 65mm Bottom Magics really don't change much other than their weight, so they can still be used effectively in estuary conditions but are also better for deeper waters, faster-moving currents, and casting into beach gutters or off the rocks. They're also great for use out of the boat or kayak on shallow reefs and rocky outcrops.

The bigger 75mm Bottom Magic lures were designed for much deeper waters and although they're not much longer, they are significantly heavier so they sink much faster than the others. These are more suited to offshore reefs with a bit of current, deeper inshore estuaries and rivers, and casting off the beach and rocks. They do work exactly the same though so there's no need to change up the technique that much at all.

We've tried almost all combinations of hooks, but the best we've used and now use all the time is having a small assist hook on the middle hook point, and a small treble on the rear hook point. Shinto Pro Micro Assist Hooks in the middle size (size 6) are the perfect fit for assist hooks and once the fish is hooked on the assist there's very little chance of losing it because they can't lever the hook out due to the flexible assist chord, plus they add a bit of flare and attraction with their holographic tinsel and rubber strands. Shinto Pro 1X Strong Treble in size 12 are the perfect small treble for the rear hook point on these, and they're incredibly sticky.

How To Use The Bottom Magic Lures

There are plenty of ways to work this lure depending on what you're chasing, but the most effective method and ironically the easiest has been this:

1. Cast the lure out and let it sink to the bottom
2. Wind in the slack line and give the lure 1 or 2 small twitches (making it 'hop' about anywhere up to 50cm off the ground)
3. Slowly wind in the slack line
4. Repeat the twitching every 1-2 seconds. A slight pause here and there can help with the more timid biters

This effectively makes the lure look like it's a small bottom-feeding fish that's hopping along the bottom, largely due to the angle they sit at. This technique has proven itself over and over, landing fish like nothing we've seen before, and it's SO EASY.

When drifting in a boat or kayak we've also found that it can be easier again. By casting behind you (so you're drifting further from the lure as you move), you can do the same small twitch as above without having to reel in, because as you drift the line picks the slack up. A handy tip: keep your bail arm open for an extra long time after you've cast out so that the lure is well and truly away from where your kayak/boat is, it makes a noticeable difference.

The Original Bottom Magic Lure

The original model that was first to come over from Japan was initially designed for use in Japanese trout farms that don't allow barbs on hooks, hence the two barbless single hooks. The weighted chin on the Bottom Magic lure gives the minnow a unique action that replicates a small bottom-feeding fish, so a slow retrieve with small twitches here and there to make the lure hop along the bottom works wonders. These lures are great for throwing around just about anywhere in creeks, estuaries, along break walls, off the beach, around piers, near moored boats and basically any other structure. They're incredibly easy to use and have proven themselves many times over on a crazy amount of different fish species. With a range of light and dark colours, these lures can be used in all water and light conditions. We recommend upgrading the hooks on these for a much better fish landing rate, but it's not essential.

Bottom Magic Light Tune Lures

Released shortly after the standard Bottom Magics, the Bottom Magic Light Tune Lures are simply a lighter and slower sinking version of the standard 55mm lures. Built for shallow estuary environments like trout streams, creeks and flats fishing, they come equipped with barbless singles like the standard model and can be fished for the same sorts of species. Upgrading the hooks is again recommended but not essential.