Justin Napier is a backcountry fishing guide based in the Florida Keys who specializes in artificial lure fishing and runs Backcountry Culture guide service. In this How 2 Tuesday episode, Justin reveals his simple approach to lure selection that has worked for snook, reds, tarpon, and trout across the backcountry. He breaks down why most anglers are overcomplicating their tackle boxes, shares the two lure types he relies on exclusively, and explains his color selection philosophy that reduces his entire arsenal to just two shades. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by lure choices or found yourself switching baits too quickly, this conversation will change how you approach artificial fishing.
What are the best lures for backcountry fishing in Florida?
Justin Napier recommends two primary lure types: jerkbaits and paddle tails. His go-to setup is a 3.75 inch Wise Guys Tackle Bada Bing in smoke color rigged on a one-sixteenth ounce Twist Lock for search situations, and a simple paddle tail on a one-eighth ounce jig head for steady retrieve presentations. He keeps color selection minimal, carrying only a light color like white or silver belly and a dark color like purple.
Who is Justin Napier?
Justin Napier is a backcountry fishing guide based in the Florida Keys who specializes in artificial lure fishing. He runs Backcountry Culture guide service and is known for his simple, effective approach to lure selection. He can be found on Instagram at captain.justinnapier and at backcountryculture.com.
This episode is presented by Star brite, the marine care products that backcountry guides like Justin rely on to keep their boats performing in harsh saltwater conditions. When you're fishing the Keys year-round, quality marine maintenance matters.
Keep It Simple: Two Lures for Everything
Justin gets asked constantly about lure selection because he's known for choosing artificial over live bait every time. His answer surprises most anglers who open their tackle boxes to find dozens of options. He believes you can catch every fish you want with just two lure styles: jerkbaits and paddle tails. The jerkbait's erratic side to side motion triggers reaction strikes even on tough days, while the paddle tail's subtle steady retrieve works magic when water temperatures cool down and fish become lethargic. Justin explains how he bases his choice on fish activity level and water conditions, with a specific strategy for summer versus winter patterns. His complete lure philosophy starts at 2:40.
The 3.75 Inch Search Bait That Does Everything
When Justin is looking for fish, he reaches for one specific setup every time. He rigged a 3.75 inch Wise Guys Tackle Bada Bing in smoke color on a one-sixteenth ounce Twist Lock, calling it his favorite search bait for mimicking pilchards and finger mullet. The setup skips incredibly well under mangroves and docks, and he reveals a weightless variation for super shallow water with spooky redfish. Justin shares stories of clients making underhand pitches to tailing reds, giving it one bump, and watching fish explode on it immediately. If he had to pick one lure to fish with forever, this is it. The complete rigging details and technique start at 3:42.
Hear Justin explain his exact rigging for spooky redfish in skinny water
Why Most Anglers Switch Lures Too Fast
Justin sees a pattern with anglers who struggle with artificial lures: they're fishing way too many varieties of jig heads and switching colors constantly without giving any lure enough time to work. He describes watching anglers cycle through three eighths ounce weights, quarter ounce weights, five inch paddle tails, three inch paddle tails, hard plastics, and topwaters all within minutes. The problem isn't the lure selection, it's the lack of commitment. Justin explains his philosophy of working a bank thoroughly, finding current and structure, and trusting the process before making changes. He also addresses the color obsession that plagues many artificial fishermen and why it matters far less than most people think. His complete take on the switching problem starts at 6:36.
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SubscribeThe Two-Color System That Covers Everything
While Justin admits he gets honed in on colors sometimes, his actual tackle box tells a different story: he carries just two colors. A light color, usually all white or silver belly with dark back and flake that mimics baitfish, and a dark color, with dark purple being his absolute favorite for tannic water. He reveals his favorite tarpon lure is actually a dark purple with purple flake, and that same color has produced some of his biggest snook and most beautiful backcountry redfish. Justin also mentions copper as a strong backcountry color, but his core philosophy remains simple: one light, one dark, maybe a pack of jig heads based on water depth. The one-eighth ounce is his preferred weight because it covers the one to four foot depth range he fishes most. His color selection philosophy and favorite tarpon lure details start at 7:47.
Key Takeaways
- Justin Napier's entire artificial lure system comes down to just two lure types and two colors, yet it produces snook, reds, tarpon, and trout consistently across Florida's backcountry
- The biggest mistake anglers make isn't choosing the wrong lure, it's switching too fast and fishing too many weight variations before giving any setup time to work
- A 3.75 inch jerkbait on a one-sixteenth ounce Twist Lock works as both a search bait and can be fished completely weightless for spooky fish in skinny water
- Paddle tails do all the work for you, making them perfect for anglers who aren't comfortable with artificial lures—just cast and maintain a steady retrieve
- Dark purple with purple flake is Justin's secret weapon in tannic water and his favorite tarpon lure, also producing his biggest snook
- Confidence in your go-to lure creates a barometer for reading water—when your proven setup doesn't produce, that tells you something about the spot, not the lure
- Multiple clients from the Tom Rowland Podcast have fished with Justin and reported back with consistently high marks about their experience
Final Thoughts from Tom
I really appreciate Justin's approach here because keeping it simple is something the best fishermen I know all have in common. They have a go-to setup that they trust completely, and that confidence allows them to read the water instead of constantly second-guessing their tackle choices.
What Justin describes about having a barometer is exactly right. When you know your go-to lure should produce if fish are present, you can make better decisions about whether to move, change your presentation speed, or try a different structure. That's way more valuable than having fifty lure options and no confidence in any of them.
The feedback I've gotten from listeners who've fished with Justin has been outstanding, and this episode shows exactly why. He's figured out what works, simplified it down to the essentials, and he can explain it clearly. If you're looking to improve your artificial lure game or just want to clean out your tackle box and focus on what matters, listen to the whole thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best all-around artificial lure for backcountry fishing?
According to Justin Napier, a 3.75 inch jerkbait in a light color like smoke or white, rigged on a one-sixteenth ounce Twist Lock, serves as the best search bait for mimicking pilchards and finger mullet. This setup works for snook, redfish, tarpon, and trout across various backcountry conditions.
How many lure colors do I really need?
Justin Napier carries only two colors: one light color that mimics baitfish like white or silver belly with dark back, and one dark color, preferably dark purple with purple flake for tannic water. This minimal system covers all his backcountry fishing needs from the Florida Keys.
What jig head weight is best for paddle tails in shallow water?
Justin recommends a one-eighth ounce jig head as his go-to weight because it effectively covers the one to four foot depth range common in backcountry fishing. His second choice is a quarter ounce for slightly deeper water or stronger current situations.
Should I use jerkbaits or paddle tails for cold water fishing?
Justin Napier prefers paddle tails when water cools down because the subtle steady retrieve with consistent vibration works better for lethargic cold-water fish. In contrast, jerkbaits with their erratic action excel during summer when fish are more active and aggressive.
What is the biggest mistake anglers make with artificial lures?
The biggest mistake is switching lures too quickly without giving them adequate time to work. Justin sees anglers cycling through multiple weights, sizes, colors, and lure types within minutes rather than committing to a proven setup and working it thoroughly around structure and current.
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Justin Napier
Justin Napier is a backcountry fishing guide based in the Florida Keys who specializes in artificial lure fishing. He runs Backcountry Culture guide service and has become known for his simple, effective approach to lure selection that produces consistent results for snook, redfish, tarpon, and trout. Multiple Tom Rowland Podcast listeners have fished with Justin and reported outstanding experiences. His philosophy centers on keeping tackle simple, building confidence in proven setups, and spending more time fishing than switching lures.
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