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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STRIKE KING

Strike King Finesse Worms

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.50 - $7.49

The secret of these Strike King Worms is the unique space age plastic that is used in the construction. This recent development in softbait technology makes these worms almost indestructible. Take a 3X worm by the head and tail and give it a stretch. You...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Pro Shroomz

$5.99

The Z-Man Pro Shroomz is just the jighead you need to bring those soft baits to life! The mushroom style head shape allows for a more animated rocking motion, giving your bait an enticing presentation. A small welded wire keeper helps hold your soft...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Big TRD

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.49 - $4.99

Kicking it up a notch? You better bring the Z-Man Big TRD! It features the same effective stickbait profile, dimpled body, and irresistible action as its smaller brother, the Z-Man Finesse TRD soft bait, but is larger to trigger the bigger trophy fish...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man TT Lures NedlockZ EWG Jig Heads

$7.99

Z-Man TT Lures NedlockZ EWG Jig Heads combine the familiar mushroom-shaped head and a weedless EWG hook to crank your soft baits through heavy cover when setup Ned Rig style. You'll find that the VMC heavy-duty and extra-wide-gap hook size does not...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Trick Shotz

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.29 - $4.49

The Z-Man Trick Shotz is designed specifically for the drop shot technique. To accurately imitate a variety of forage, the buoyant Trick Shotz will create a natural, tail-up position that won't sink to the bottom. These lures feature flexible, ribbed...

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BERKLEY

Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnows

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $5.99 - $9.99

Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnows provide more attractant and better action than other minnows on the market. They feature a realistic profile and split tail to entice and trigger strikes from panfish and trout. These minnows are packaged in Berkley's "Magic...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man TRD Ticklerz

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $4.49 - $4.99

With years in the making, the Z-Man TRD Ticklerz have come ready to work. This soft bait is designed for a finesse style but is versatile enough for use with multiple different rigging styles. The material is a Buoyant ElaZtech, which makes this bait...

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ZOOM

Zoom Trick Worm

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $3.19 - $5.99

Zoom Trick Worm is a straight tailed worm that is salt-impregnated to achieve a better sink rate. In the past, the segmented Zoom floating worm executed a stealthy approach when twitched or dead-sticked weightless for bass in shallow water. However, a...

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ZOOM

Zoom Magnum Trick Worm

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $5.99 - $6.29

A Zoom Magnum Trick Worm is the tenderloin that tempts the biggest bass in the lake! When you want a slightly beefier package in a straight-tailed worm, the weighty 7 inches long Zoom Mag Trick Worm delivers its salt-impregnated meaty heft best when set...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Pro CrawZ Soft Bait

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.49 - $4.99

The Z-Man Pro CrawZ Soft Bait is such a natural imitation of crayfish that even the real animal might be fooled! Like its inch-shorter TRD CrawZ cousin, the 3 1/2 inch Pro CrawZ is fronted by super buoyant claws that, when at rest, rise naturally to...

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ZOOM

Zoom Super Chunk

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.79 - $3.29

The Zoom Super Chunk is a chunk-style trailer with hard-pumping flapping claws for enticing fish to strike. The bulk of the Zoom Super Chunk is perfect for attracting bass, which is generally tempted by bigger and high-calorie meals. This soft plastic...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Mr. Crappie Slab Slangers

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.00 - $2.99

Strike King Mr. Crappie Slab Slangers are one of the top crappie killer baits available. These baits are designed with a spade-shaped tail that has a secret pocket so you can add your favorite crappie scent (sold separately). The body is constructed of...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Hard Knock KVD Square Bill Crankbait

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $7.99 - $9.99

The Strike King Hard Knock KVD Square Bill Crankbait series was designed to meet the demands of Bassmaster Classic Champion Kevin VanDam and will entice strikes from even the wariest bruisers in shallow waters. The square bill form deflects easily off...

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RAPALA

Rapala Shad Rap

$9.99

Rapala Shad Raps are the standard all other cranks are measured by. Shad rap lures closely resemble the sizes, actions, and colors of common baitfish and forage found worldwide. With a premium balsa wood construction, these lures are equally effective...

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VMC

VMC Twitchin' Jig

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $5.49 - $5.99

A VMC Twitchin' Jig gets the fish that need bright colors to create a strike and locks them down! The jig is a multi-species attractor made with a premium rabbit hair body and strip tail that dance under the various jigging, swimming, twitching, and...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Ocho Stick Worms

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $7.49

The Strike King Ocho Stick Worms are constructed from the world's best plastic material and have a unique eight-sided design. This design allows the baits to move with a smooth wavelike motion, especially during the fall. This all-action soft bait can be...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man SMH Jig Heads

$5.99

The Z-Man SMH Jig Heads specialized design brings out the most in your shaky head style worm fishing approach. Designed with Z-Man pro Brian Latimer, the head is easy to skip and made with a recessed hook eye to be snag-resistant. SMH (Shaking My Head)...

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RAPALA

Rapala Jointed Shallow Shad Rap

$8.99

A Rapala Jointed Shallow Shad Rap gives bass anglers a lively, wounded-baitfish presentation with a shallow lip and articulated body that wiggles, wobbles, and pulses even at slow speeds, making it effective around shoreline wood, grass edges, and riprap...

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BERKLEY

Berkley PowerBait Crappie Nibbles

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $4.29 - $4.99

Berkley PowerBait Crappie Nibbles are the perfect size for your favorite crappie hook or smaller lure. They are incredibly easy to use and can be applied to jigs or bare hooks with no mess! These unique little baits dissolve slowly in the water, creating...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Football NedZ Jig Heads

$5.99

Z-Man Football NedZ Jig Heads are compact, oblong-shaped jigheads that are suited perfectly for dragging finesse baits along rocky bottoms. Precision-cut NedZ football jig heads pivot, slide over and activate your finesse bait as it contacts obstructions...

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ZOOM

Zoom Baby Brush Hog

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.89 - $5.29

The Zoom Baby Brush Hog is well-known as a versatile creature bait, perfect for flipping and pitching into heavy covers and always creating action! This Zoom bait is a mashup of a crawfish, lizard, and worm with a thin body and multiple appendages to...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Chatterbait Mini Max

$9.99

Z-Man Chatterbait Mini Max puts every effort to get on the same wavelength as the bass you're after. Z-Man's exclusive ChatterBait direct head-to-blade connection combined with a downsized hex-shaped ChatterBlade emits a subtle but potent jig vibration...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Denny Brauer Structure Jig

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $6.99

The Strike King Denny Brauer Structure Jig thrives in challenging environments where bass are known to hide, offering you the edge needed to fish confidently around structure. This jig features the innovative Cobra Head design, which enhances sensitivity...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Tungsten ChatterBait Elite EVO

$16.99

The Z-Man Tungsten ChatterBait Elite EVO sets a new standard in bladed jig performance with its 96% pure tungsten construction. It delivers a compact, dense profile for faster sink rates and deeper water coverage. This low-profile design, combined with...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Micro Finesse ShroomZ Jig Heads

$4.99

The Z-Man Micro Finesse ShroomZ jighead takes its cue from the traditional Z-Man mushroom design but in a miniature size configured to pair with Z-Man Micro Finesse ElaZtech BaitZ. The Micro finesse style mushroom jighead has a welded wire keeper that...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man LarvaZ

$4.99

A Z-Man LarvaZ micro finesse bait mimics various creatures that fish routinely eat. The LarvaZ features a ribbed body, bulbous eyes, wispy legs, and a segmented stinger tail. The highly detailed invertebrate imitation catches everything from crappie,...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Mr. Crappie Lightning Shad Soft Bait

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.00 - $4.49

Strike King Mr. Crappie Lightning Shad is an excellent soft plastic bait for crappie as well as other panfish. The Lightning Shad features a standard shad style body with a slender tapered tail. The body offers an excellent baitfish profile while the...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Micro Shad Headz

$5.49

The Z-Man Micro Shad Headz jig head, specifically designed to match Z-Man Micro Finesse series baits, adds realism with a highly detailed minnow shape. The Z-man jighead displays lifelike 3D eyes for added appeal and chip-resistant finishes in Glow,...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Mr. Crappie ShadPole Soft Baits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.00 - $4.49

Strike King Mr. Crappie ShadPole Soft Baits are great soft baits that are designed with the darting action of a threadfin shad and a wiggling tail like a tadpole. These baits are are made with the highest quality materials and systems control to make...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man StingerZ

$4.99

The Z-Man StingerZ, a member of the company's Micro Finesse BaitZ line, carries a thick shad or baby panfish body, a hook slot for easy rigging, and a segmented straight tail with a bulbous stinger that undulates and quivers in continual swim action...

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Z-MAN

Z-Man Shadtron LT Swimbait 4 1/2"

$14.99

The Z-Man Shadtron LT Swimbait's wedge-shaped tail effectively mimics the natural movement of a shad, attracting strikes even during slow retrieves. This 4.5-inch soft swimbait features an innovative over/under line-through harness, enabling anglers to...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Mr. Crappie Crappie Thunder Soft Bait

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.59 - $4.49

Strike King Mr. Crappie Crappie Thunder Soft Bait is an excellent soft plastic bait that provides lots of movement. The Crappie Thunder features a tail similar to that of tube baits that undulates with very little movement and "swims" when jigged. The...

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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

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

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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