Updated: July 2025
You don’t need to spend £15+ per lure to catch big fish in the UK. Plenty of affordable lures — often under £5 each — can consistently land perch, pike, chub, and even zander. Whether you’re new to lure fishing or just want value without sacrificing results, this guide lists the best cheap lures that actually catch big fish in UK waters.
1. Savage Gear Cannibal Shad (6–10 cm)
- Price: ~£1.50 per lure (in multipacks)
- Species: Pike, perch, zander
- Why it works:
Realistic swim, durable, and available in multiple colours. Works well with jig heads from 5g to 15g depending on depth. Perfect for rivers and stillwaters.
Top tip: Try the perch or firetiger patterns in low-light conditions.
2. Mepps Aglia Spinner (Size 3–4)
- Price: ~£4
- Species: Chub, perch, trout, small pike
- Why it works:
A legendary lure — simple, flashy, and deadly in clear water. Casts well and works with a straight retrieve.
Top tip: Use silver in sunny weather, gold or black on overcast days.
3. Korum Snapper Floatex Creature Lures
- Price: ~£3 for a pack
- Species: Perch, zander
- Why it works:
Small crawfish-style soft lures with a lifelike look. Excellent on drop shot or light jig setups. The floating body adds extra motion when paused.
Top tip: Ideal for pressured fish in canals or slow-moving rivers.
4. Decathlon Caperlan WXM Lures
- Price: ~£3–5 per lure
- Species: Pike, perch, zander
- Why it works:
Decathlon’s house brand offers excellent quality at a fraction of the price of mainstream brands. Their crankbaits and spinnerbaits are surprisingly effective.
Top tip: Try the WXM CRK 50 or 65 series around structure or drop-offs.
5. Aliexpress Bladed Jigs or Spinners
- Price: £1–2 per lure (bulk orders)
- Species: Pike, perch
- Why it works:
Many Aliexpress spinners, crankbaits, and jig-heads are direct copies of expensive Western brands — but still work great if quality is checked.
Top tip: Always replace hooks with better-quality trebs for bigger fish.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a high-end tackle box to land big predators. These affordable lures have proven themselves on canals, rivers, and lakes across the UK. Paired with basic spinning gear and smart presentation, they’ll put you in the game — no matter your budget.
