The Xorus Asturie: A Complete Guide for Anglers
We all know and love the Xorus Patchinko range, but here in the UK we have not switched on the awesomeness of the Asturie, a lure that is in fact more popular in France than the Patchinko! Are many of you missing a trick here? I am hoping this quick blog will help answer some of the questions and hessitaions many have about using an Asturie.
Few lures have made as much of an impact among bass anglers as the Xorus Asturie. Known for its versatility, casting distance, and irresistible action, this lure has become a go-to choice for those targeting bass and other surface-feeding predators. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Asturie special, its available sizes, how to fish it effectively, and a handy cheat sheet on which sizes and colours to use depending on the time of day.
What is the Xorus Asturie?
The Asturie is a hybrid surface lure / stickbait designed to mimic prey fish. Its unique shape and weight distribution allow it to:
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Cast long distances — ideal for reaching fish from shore, cliffs, or when facing wind and surf.
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Walk the dog or long slide — producing a zig-zagging or meandering action across the surface.
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Dip below the surface - with rod-tip adjustments or more aggressive retrieves, offering versatility beyond standard topwater lures.
- Multi-Styles of use; When fish are feeding you should try using the lure with your rod tip high and make the lure "run" across the surface, tumbling and dipping, it looks wrong but the fish don't think so!
Available Sizes
The Asturie comes in several sizes, each with a role depending on conditions and fish behaviour:
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90 mm (11g) — Smaller profile, subtle action, perfect for calm water and shy fish in coves, backwaters and estuaries.
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110 mm (15 g) — The all-rounder. Versatile size with great casting even for 15g and subtle presentation.
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130 mm (27 g) — Larger profile, casts further, perfect for covering more water and drawing bigger fish.
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150 mm (32 g) — Heavy-duty. For rougher/choppy seas, windy conditions, or when targeting bigger predators.
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170 mm (Tropical Fishing) — Occasionally seen among anglers, offering an even bigger presence, deadly when targetting tropical fish and striped bass. This 170mm version is deadly when fishing for fast tropical fish!
Each size is fitted with quality Decoy treble hooks (apart from the 170mm, no hooks fitted), matched to the lure’s weight and profile.
Colour Choices
Asturies come in a wide range of finishes. Popular options include these below, but of course always use what suits the bait fish in your area and what colours you have confidence in.
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Natural Colours: like Smelt, 500g, Bait Fish (which is basically a 500G with a flash plate), Cabot, Mackerel, any Ghost pattern — best for clear water.
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High contrast finishes like Yellow Bone, Mat White, Nacre, Sun Sprat — excellent in cloudy or low-light conditions.
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Bright attractors like Pink/Red belly versions, Nacre, Chrome sided colours like French Wakasagi & Spring Minnow - stand out in rough and choppy seas.
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Dark silhouettes like Black Mullet, Smelt, Gizzard Shad, Aji — especially effective at dusk or night, but if there is some moonlight in the dark then feel free to use a white version! These are solid coloured lures, not clear sided.
How to Fish the Asturie
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Retrieve Styles:
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Walk the dog / long slide — smooth zig-zag across the surface on calmer days.
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Twitch–pause — subtle action with pauses to trigger strikes.
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Aggressive jerks — Tip of rod high, reel and twitch violently, this causes splashes, tumbles and dips under the surface when fish are active. Fantastic when you know the fish are feeding!
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Conditions & Positioning:
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Calm water = subtle action, smaller sizes.
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Wind or chop = heavier sizes for stability and distance.
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Low light (dawn, dusk, night) = darker or contrasting colours for strong silhouettes.
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Tackle Setup:
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Braided line for distance, fluorocarbon leader for stealth.
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Rods with enough tip action to “work” the lure smoothly.
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Keep hooks sharp for better hook-up rates.
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Tips Cheat Sheet: Sizes & Colours by Time of Day
Here’s a quick reference guide to help you choose the right Asturie for the conditions:
Dawn & Early Morning
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Sizes: 110–130 mm
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Colours: Smelt, Aji, Sun Sprat, White/Nacre
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Why: Subtle silhouettes trigger early feeders
Bright Midday / Clear Skies
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Sizes: 90–110 mm
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Colours: 500G, Cabot, Live Sandeel, any "Ghost" pattern
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Why: Natural looks work best in clear water
Overcast / Cloudy
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Sizes: 110–130 mm
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Colours: Matte White, Chartreuse back
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Why: Contrast helps lure stand out
Evening / Dusk
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Sizes: 110–150 mm
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Colours: Dark Mullet, Dark Sardine, Glow belly
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Why: Strong silhouettes in fading light
Rough Water / Windy
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Sizes: 130–150 mm
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Colours: Chartreuse, Belone, White in white waters
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Why: Bright, bigger lures grab attention in chop
Night
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Sizes: 110 mm or 110 Silent
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Colours: Black, Dark Mullet, Bone (if moonlit)
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Why: Dark silhouettes are easiest for fish to see
Quick Rule of Thumb
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Clear & Bright → natural, subtle, smaller
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Low Light / Rough → darker or brighter contrast, bigger
Final Thoughts
The Xorus Asturie isn’t just another lure — it’s a versatile tool that can adapt to almost any condition. With multiple sizes, a wide range of colours, and proven surface action, it has rightfully earned its place as a must-have in the lure box of serious bass anglers. The fact it casts miles, and be used in different scenarios with different retrieve techniques makes it a "must have" lure and it really can save the day.
Whether you’re stalking bass at dawn, faced with hungry feeding fish, battling chop on a windy headland, or chasing the magic of a night strike, the Asturie gives you the edge.