What Is The Difference Between Baits and Lures?

The main difference between baits and lures is that bait is a natural, typically living, option to put on a hook where lures are artificial meant to mimic the living baits. However, there are “artificial baits” which are mostly known as soft plastics, which can be an even more realistic mimicry of live bait than traditional lures.

What Bait Attracts The Most Fish?

When it comes to the best freshwater baits, you should use worms, minnows, crayfish, leeches, and even crickets. All these live baits have a soft plastic artificial bait counterpart you can use if you don’t want to use live bait.

What Is The Most Effective Lure For Fishing?

Typically soft plastics are considered highly effective since they can accurately imitate live baits shape and movement, additionally crank baits are seen as very effective as they can work in various water conditions and are very effective at resembling small bait fish.

Baits & Lures

Fishing lures like hard baits and soft plastics are quite possibly the most important part of your fishing gear. Bait and lures are what will trigger the fish to strike, because they will not just bite at a hook for no reason. At Fin Feather Fur Outfitters our online fishing lure store as the best selection of fishing lures, mostly geared towards bass, but we also have an excellent selection of baits and lures for walleye, bluegill, crappie, trout, pike, musky, steelhead and more!

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RAPALA

Rapala Dives To Crankbait Metal 20

$10.99

There are three key traits that make the Rapala Ike's Custom Ink DT-Series more natural and more fresh-to-the-fish than anything else with treble hooks and a bill. First, it's their purposefully muted colors. Before these baits came along, Ike used to...

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RAPALA

Rapala Dives To 14 Crankbait Lures

$8.99

Every tattoo tells a story. The "ink," as the street calls these permanent markings, are individual works of art, indeed. Artisan bass angler Mike "Ike" Iaconelli has offered his unique talents to assist in the development of a masterpiece series of...

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RAPALA

Rapala The Shad Rap 07

$9.99

The benchmark other crankbaits are measured by, the Shad Rap closely resembles baitfish found the world over. Constructed of premium balsa, it is equally effective cast or trolled, performing from ultra-slow presentations to super fast without fail. Its...

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VMC

VMC Swingin Rugby FL Straight Jigs

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.93 - $6.99

Built using the head design of the original VMC Rugby Jig, the VMC Swinging Rugby Head Straight Shank takes bottom-dwelling attraction to new heights. Made to give you favorite soft plastics more action than ever, the VMC Swinging Rugby Head Straight...

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ZOOM

Zoom Fat Albert Grubs

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.99 - $3.29

The Zoom Fat Albert Grub offers a chunky profile and high action tail, which make it a great choice as a beefed-up trailer for your jigs, buzzbaits or spinnerbaits. The curly tail generates a bass-calling, fluttering action as soon as it hits the water,...

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ZOOM

Zoom Magnum Finesse Worms

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.81 - $6.29

Beefy would be the best way to sum up the Magnum Finesse Worm from Zoom. This worm is about twice as thick as the standard Zoom Finesse Worm while only about a quarter inch longer. Effective year-around, it's great for standard applications or any others...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Hack Attack Fluorocarbon Flipping Jigs

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $6.99

Made for better hook penetration with fluorocarbon lines, the Strike King Hack Attack Fluorocarbon Flipping Jig is perfect for those times when you need the added stealth of fluorocarbon and a smaller presentation. Designed around a smaller diameter hook...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Mag Shroomz Weedless Jigheads

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $3.59 - $5.99

Delivering upsized Ned rig performance, the Z-Man Mag Shroomz Weedless gives anglers the opportunity to fish bigger soft plastics while in and around heavy cover with a Ned rig. Built around a custom 6/0 wide gap hook to accommodate larger soft plastics,...

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ZOOM

Zoom Tab Tail Grubs

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.79 - $3.29

Built to imitate the "dragging" effect of a crippled baitfish, the Zoom Tab Tail Grub employs an innovative tail design that alerts bass to an easy meal and incites powerful strikes. Built with a narrow, torpedo-shaped body, the Zoom Tab Tail Grub...

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BERKLEY

Berkley Gulp! Catfish Bait Chunks

$5.99

The Berkley Gulp! Catfish Chunks 12-Pack is a top choice among catfish anglers. These chunks disperse a potent blood scent that catfish find irresistible, making them a great addition to any fishing setup. With their durable construction, they can...

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BERKLEY

Berkley Gulp! Catfish Dough

$5.99

The Berkley Gulp Catfish Dough is a highly effective and versatile fishing bait designed specifically for catfish. Its unique formula allows it to outperform even live bait in head-to-head tests, making it a top choice among anglers. With its extreme...

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BERKLEY

Berkley Gulp! Alive! Floating Pinched Crawlers

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $5.99 - $6.99

Life like imitation of real night crawler that has been pinched off with the added benefit of Garlic Scent to attract fish. These baits are biodegradable with 400x's more scent dispersion and can be "recharged" by placing them back in the Gulp! Alive!...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Baby Sexy Frogs

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $7.49

The Strike King Baby Sexy Frog is a more compact, snack size version of the ever-popular Strike King KVD Sexy Frog. This hollow belly frog may be small, but it will pack a punch on those bass that are keying in on smaller forage or would prefer a finesse...

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ZOOM

Zoom Curly Tail Worms

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.81 - $4.99

Setting itself apart from other soft plastics with a sensational swimming action, the Zoom Curly Tail delivers a thin, finesse-focused profile that excels when fish are keyed-in on smaller forage. As the name implies, the Zoom Curly Tail is fitted with a...

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BERKLEY

Berkley Gulp Trout Dough

$6.99

Catch more trout with Berkley Gulp! Trout Dough. These irresistible nuggets, fortified with Gulp! flavor bits, have 400 times more scent dispersion than ordinary plastic bait. The extreme scent dispersion greatly expands the strike zone allowing you to...

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ZOOM

Zoom Finesse Worms Baits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.89 - $5.29

These little Finesse Worms from Zoom are just the thing when the bite gets a tough or you're fishing clear or pressured water. The Finesse Worm is a small version of the popular Zoom Trick Worm and can be rigged in a variety of ways, including wacky...

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ZOOM

Zoom Lizards Baits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.27 - $3.99

Zoom soft plastic baits are known throughout the bass fishing world as tough, dependable plastics that catch fish under every condition, and these lizards are no exception. The secret is in the consistency of the injected plastic - just soft enough for...

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KEITECH

Keitech FAT Swing Impact 3.8"

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $4.19 - $7.99

Please Note: French Pearl color does not include squid scent. The Keitech Swing Impact FAT offers anglers an extremely versatile bait that can be utilized with a number of techniques and in almost any scenario. The Keitech Swing Impact FAT is thicker...

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BERKLEY

Berkley Gulp! Minnows

$4.99

Gulp! has 400 times more scent dispersion than ordinary plastic bait. The extreme scent dispersion greatly expands the strike zone allowing you to catch more fish! Even more impressive, the natural formulation of Gulp! outfishes live bait in head to head...

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ZOOM

Zoom Mag UV Speed Craws

$5.79

Responding to the popular demand and the requests of the Zoom pro staff, the Zoom Magnum Ultra Vibe Speed Craw delivers the same superstar performance and utility as the original Speed Craw but now in a larger size to trigger bigger bites. More than 20%...

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ZOOM

Zoom Midsize Brush Hogs

$5.79

Adding to Zoom's legendary line-up of fishing catching baits, the Zoom Midsize Brush Hog splits the difference between the Baby Brush Hog and the Standard Brush Hog to give anglers the perfect size for almost all scenarios. Delivering an action and...

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ZOOM

Zoom Super Chunks

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.79 - $3.29

Plastic chunks are a great and inexpensive alternative to pork trailers for jigs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. The Zoom Super Chunk is a good looking chunk designed for lots of fluttering action. The body of the bait is tough, thick plastic that will stay...

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RAPALA

Rapala X-Rap Jointed Shad 13 Fishing Lures

$14.99

With its jointed body, the X-Rap Jointed Shad produces an exaggerated swimming motion, sometimes just the ticket to turn on sluggish fish. Cast or trolled, impressive action begins at your slowest speed. Run it fast with equally fantastic action...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Big Blade Chatterbaits

$12.99

The Z-Man Big Blade Chatterbait Black/Blue Candy 1/2 is a top-of-the-line bladed bait designed for maximum thump and vibration. Its oversized hex-shaped ChatterBlade is loaded with big bass attraction, making it perfect for fishing in dirty or stained...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Midwest Finesse Swim Jigs

$4.99

The Midwest Finesse Swim Jig from Z-Man is a precision-engineered lure designed for finesse fishing applications. Its compact size and StabilTrack head shape provide superior stability and snaglessness, making it ideal for catching fish in tough...

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VMC

VMC HVJ Hover Jigs

$4.99

The VMC Hover Jig #2 4PK White is a versatile and effective fishing lure designed to catch a variety of fish species. Its built-in trailer hook loop allows for easy attachment of trailers or swimbaits, increasing the jig's overall appeal to predators...

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VMC

VMC Hover Jigs

$4.99

The VMC Hover Jig combines precision craftsmanship with effective design, featuring a built-in trailer hook loop for added versatility. The forged, premium high-carbon steel hook with a needle point ensures superior strength and sharpness for reliable...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Red Eye Shad Lipless Crankbaits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $10.99

The Strike King Red Eye Shad Lipless Crankbaits are a top-of-the-line choice for anglers seeking a versatile and effective lure. Designed by Strike King's national pro staff, these crankbaits offer a complete fish-catching package at an unbeatable price...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Dream Shot

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $5.99

The Strike King KVD Dream Shot is a highly effective drop shot bait designed by renowned angler Kevin VanDam. Its unique triangle hinged tail section creates a quivering and shaking motion that attracts fish even in calm waters. This bait has proven...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jigs

$12.99

The Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jig is a game-changer for anglers looking to add some extra realism to their presentations. Developed with the input of Strike King's pro-staff, this jig has been fine-tuned to produce a constant, hard-pulsing...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbaits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $12.99

The Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbaits are designed to mimic the erratic action of a baitfish, enticing shallow bass to strike. With its square bill design, this crankbait generates lively deflections off cover and reaches its desired depth quickly...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Jerkbaits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $9.29

The Strike King KVD Jerkbaits are a result of Kevin VanDam's meticulous design and testing process, which spanned nearly two years. These jerkbaits boast an unrivaled action, with a wide side-to-side travel on the jerk and erratic wiggling and darting...

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What To Know About Fishing Lures & Baits

With so many species and so many types of fishing lures it is important to know the right lures you need to make the fish strike. While live bait is great, many times the trip requires artificial baits and lures to trigger that reaction from your target species. Luckily the expert fishing lure team at Fin Feather Fur Outfitters has the answers for everything from swimbaits, soft plastics, hard baits, and more. Sign up for our newsletter to get information about the best deals on fishing lures for sale.

Types of Fishing Lures

Type of Lure	Best Used For	Popular Model Example
Swimbaits	Mimicking baitfish for bass, pike, and musky fishing in open water.	Strike King Shadalicious Swimbait
Poppers	Topwater fishing for bass, producing splashing action to trigger strikes.	Rebel Pop-R Topwater Lure
Hard Baits	Covering water quickly and imitating fleeing baitfish in freshwater or saltwater.	Rapala Original Floating Minnow
Spinner Baits	Fishing in murky or stained water; great for bass and northern pike.	Booyah Pond Magic Spinnerbait
Soft Plastics	Slow presentations in calm water; ideal for bass, crappie, and panfish.	Zoom Super Fluke Soft Plastic
Buzz Baits	Topwater action for aggressive strikes, especially during low light conditions.	Strike King Buzzbait
Jigs & Jig Heads	Bottom fishing for bass, walleye, or panfish; effective year-round.	Z-Man ChatterBait Original
Crank Baits	Diving lures for covering structure and finding suspended fish.	Strike King 6XD Crankbait
Fishing Spoons	Trolling or casting for trout, salmon, and pike; great flash in clear water.	Acme Kastmaster Spoon
Blade Baits	Vertical jigging for bass, walleye, and cold-water species.	Johnson Thinfisher Blade Bait
Flies	Fly fishing for trout, salmon, and panfish; mimicking insects or nymphs.	Elk Hair Caddis Fly
Jerk Baits	Suspending lures for cold-water bass or predator fish feeding on baitfish.	Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

Top Fishing Lure Brands

There are so many fishing lure brands on the market, however there are a few that stand above the rest with their proven excellence in high-performing baits and lures that bring in big fish.

Rapala :
Rapala may be one of the most iconic and well-known fishing lure brands. Knows for its precise manufacturing, and incredible swimming action, Rapala was names the “best topwater lures ever created” by Field & Stream in 2019 for the Rapala Original Floating Minnow.
Berkley :
Berkley lures are designed to mimic realistic prey in the water, made from high-quality materials, good action, and the iconic Berkley Gulp! Minnow changed the game with scented lures making Berkley a top fishing bait company among anglers.
Z-Man :
Z-Man baits is known for their superior action and long lifespan of their baits due to their proprietary material called ElaZtech, which is incredibly durable and soft helping attract hungry fish.
Keitech :
Keitech is a dominant name in the fishing lure industry, especially when it comes to their swimbait like the Swing Impact Fat. Known for their unique swimming action, versatile performance, and durability Keitech baits are an excellent choice in soft plastics.
Bandit :
Bandit hard baits and crank baits are best known for their durability. Specializing in jerk baits for walleye and other toothy fish, these durable hard baits get the job done in all seasons. The iconic Bandit Walleye Deep changed the game as one of the best fishing lures for walleye.

Tips for Choosing the Right Fishing Lure

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Choosing the right fishing lure can make all the difference between an average day on the water and landing a trophy catch. At Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, our team of seasoned anglers tests and selects lures that perform in real fishing conditions, from quiet farm ponds to deep reservoirs and coastal bays. The most effective lure depends on factors like water clarity, temperature, depth, and the species you’re targeting. In clear water, natural colors that imitate baitfish or crawfish tend to work best, while brighter colors help attract strikes in murky water. Topwater baits such as poppers or buzzbaits are ideal when fish are feeding near the surface, whereas crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs excel for mid to deep water. During warmer months, slower presentations with soft plastics can trigger bites from less active fish, while cooler conditions often call for faster-moving baits like swimbaits or jerkbaits that mimic fleeing prey. Whether you’re after bass, trout, or pike, matching your lure’s size, color, and movement to the fish’s natural forage will increase your success. With decades of outdoor retail experience and a wide selection of fishing baits and lures trusted by pros and weekend anglers alike, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters provides expert guidance to help you find the perfect lure for any water, season, or species.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Lures

What Is The Difference Between Baits and Lures?: The main difference between baits and lures is that bait is a natural, typically living, option to put on a hook where lures are artificial meant to mimic the living baits. However, there are “artificial baits” which are mostly known as soft plastics, which can be an even more realistic mimicry of live bait than traditional lures.
What Bait Attracts The Most Fish?: When it comes to the best freshwater baits, you should use worms, minnows, crayfish, leeches, and even crickets. All these live baits have a soft plastic artificial bait counterpart you can use if you don’t want to use live bait.
What Is The Most Effective Lure For Fishing?: Typically soft plastics are considered highly effective since they can accurately imitate live baits shape and movement, additionally crank baits are seen as very effective as they can work in various water conditions and are very effective at resembling small bait fish.

Pros and Cons of Fishing Lures

fishing lures, fishing baits, topwater baits, fishing lures for sale, fishing baits and lures, fishing bait and lures store online

Fishing lures offer anglers versatility and control, allowing you to target specific fish species with realistic action, reusable designs, and a wide range of styles for every water condition. They’re cleaner and easier to store than live bait, making them ideal for frequent fishing trips. However, lures can be less effective in cold or murky water where fish rely more on scent than sight, and they often require more skill and technique to use effectively. Understanding when and how to use lures helps you get the most out of their advantages while minimizing their limitations.

Pros Of Fishing Lures :

Durable & longer use
Further and more accurate casting
Better for catch and release
Easily interchangeable
More accurately target specific species

Cons Of Fishing Lures :

Lures are generally more expensive than bait
You must constantly move them to attract fish
There is more skill required in using lures
Lures can snag on underwater structures
Lures are less effective in cold weather

Buying Fishing Baits and Lures For Sale Online At Fin Feather Fur Outfitters

When you’re ready to stock up on high-quality fishing baits and lures, trust the outdoor experts at Fin Feather Fur Outfitters. With decades of hands-on experience outfitting anglers across the country, our team takes pride in offering a carefully curated selection of fishing lures for sale that deliver real results on the water. Whether you prefer the precision of hard baits, the versatility of soft plastics, or the flash of spinnerbaits and spoons, every product we carry is backed by our commitment to performance and reliability. Our knowledgeable staff includes seasoned anglers who understand what works, from choosing the right lure for your target species to matching the action and color to your local conditions. Shopping with Fin Feather Fur Outfitters means you’re not just buying tackle; you’re gaining the expertise, support, and product confidence that come from one of the most trusted names in outdoor retail. Visit us in-store or order online for fast shipping, dependable service, and the confidence that comes from gearing up with professionals who fish just as hard as you do.

fishing lures, fishing baits and lures, fishing lures for sale, fishing baits for sale online, fishing lures store

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