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 Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Pure Chrome

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Moldy Fruit

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Jointed Shad Rap 2" Glow Pink Squirrel

$8.99

Wide swimming jointed action with a loud rhythmic rattle mimics and exaggerates the action of a wounded baitfish. Suspending on pause just like the real thing, it is just too much for even the wariest fish to resist. Lightweight and durable plastic body...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Rave

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Shad Rap Elite 55 2 1/4" Gilded Night Aurora

$10.99

The Shad Rap Elite is built around the features of the popular and proven original Shad Rap. The Elite structure consists of premium balsa wood, a profile of a natural shad baitfish, and the swimming action of a wounded minnow. Equally effective cast or...

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MEPPS

Mepps Bucktail Jig 3/8oz Purple Pink

$2.99

The Mepps Bucktail Jig 3/8oz Purple Pink is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to catch a variety of fish species. Its durable VMC hook ensures that it can withstand even the toughest fishing conditions. The chip-resistant paint used on this jig...

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RAPALA

Rapala Shad Rap Elite 55 2 1/4" Gilded Firetiger

$10.99

The Shad Rap Elite is built around the features of the popular and proven original Shad Rap. The Elite structure consists of premium balsa wood, a profile of a natural shad baitfish, and the swimming action of a wounded minnow. Equally effective cast or...

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MEPPS

Mepps Bucktail Jig 3/8oz Orange Yellow

$2.99

The Mepps Bucktail Jig 3/8oz Orange Yellow is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to catch a variety of fish species. Its chip-resistant paint ensures that it will withstand the rigors of frequent use, while its durable VMC hook provides a secure...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Purple Meat Market

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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MEPPS

Mepps Bucktail Jig 3/8oz Black Purple

$2.99

The Mepps Bucktail Jig 3/8oz Black Purple is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract a wide range of fish species. Its chip-resistant paint ensures that it will withstand the rigors of frequent use, while the durable VMC hook provides added...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Purpledescent

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Ice Breaker

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Shad Rap Elite 55 2 1/4" Gilded Chartreuse UV

$10.99

The Shad Rap Elite is built around the features of the popular and proven original Shad Rap. The Elite structure consists of premium balsa wood, a profile of a natural shad baitfish, and the swimming action of a wounded minnow. Equally effective cast or...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Headspin

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Gold

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

Compare
RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Firetiger

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Clear

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Blue Eyes

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Chrome Blue Hot Tail

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

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RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Antifreeze Hot Steel

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

Compare
RAPALA

Rapala Gold Miner 30 3/4oz Antifreeze

$10.99

The Gold Miner quickly dives to depths of 30 feet. Made from durable plastic construction, the Gold Miner features a distinct rattle and a wide tail action to entice fish to bite in a variety of conditions. Troll it slow or fast, the Gold Miner is ready...

Compare
RAPALA

Rapala Crush City Bronco Bug 4" 6Pk Green Pumpkin

$6.99

The Rapala Crush City Bronco Bug 4" 6Pk Green Pumpkin is a highly effective and versatile fishing lure designed to tackle even the toughest fishing conditions. Its unique combination of color, flake, salt, and scent creates a perfect presentation that's...

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6TH SENSE

6th Sense Panorama 5 4K Shad

$7.99

The 6th Sense Panorama 5 4K Shad is a highly realistic soft plastic swimbait designed to mimic baitfish with natural movement and detailed paint schemes. Its ultra-realistic design makes it perfect for panfish and finesse applications, while its larger...

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RAPALA

Rapala Jigging Rap 1.25" 1/8oz Glow Blue Tiger

$7.49

Swimming in tantalizing circles under the ice or in open water for suspended game fish, the Jigging Rap features a balanced, weighted minnow profile. Single reversed hooks with center treble and eyelet, this bait can also be bottom bounced, yo-yo style...

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6TH SENSE

6th Sense Panorama 2 4K Shad

$7.99

The 6th Sense Panorama 2 4K Shad is a highly realistic soft plastic swimbait designed to mimic baitfish with natural movement and detailed paint schemes. Its ultra-realistic design makes it perfect for panfish and finesse applications, while its larger...

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ACME

Acme V-Rod Plumb Crazy 1/2oz

$7.49

Producing tight and robust vibrations that are irresistible to all species of gamefish, the Acme V Rod Bladebait features a stamped steel frame and lead injected body to create a hyper-realistic baitfish profile and provide extreme durability. Covered in...

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RAPALA

Rapala Jigging Rap Magnum 2.75" 1 1/8oz Legendary Perch

$9.99

Jigging Rap Magnum falls fast and true, designed for targeting individual fish when using forward-facing sonar. The heavy-weighted body makes it a great choice for casting, pitching or vertical jigging. Designed with the same Jigging Rap swimming action...

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6TH SENSE

6th Sense Panorama 3.5 Ghost Pro Shad

$9.99

The 6th Sense Panorama 3.5 Ghost Pro Shad is a highly realistic soft plastic swimbait designed to mimic baitfish with natural movement and detailed paint schemes. Its ultra-realistic design makes it an excellent choice for panfish and finesse...

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6TH SENSE

6th Sense Panorama 2.8 Ghost Pro Shad

$7.99

The 6th Sense Panorama 2.8 Ghost Pro Shad is a highly realistic soft plastic swimbait designed to mimic baitfish with natural movement and detailed paint schemes. Its ultra-realistic design makes it perfect for panfish and finesse applications, while its...

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6TH SENSE

6th Sense Panorama 9 Live Gizzard Shad

$7.99

The 6th Sense Panorama 9 Live Gizzard Shad is a highly realistic soft plastic bait designed to mimic the movement and appearance of a live gizzard shad. Its ultra-realistic design and detailed paint schemes make it nearly indistinguishable from the real...

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RAPALA

Rapala Jigging Rap 2.75" 5/8oz Wonder Tiger

$7.99

Swimming in tantalizing circles under the ice or in open water for suspended game fish, the Jigging Rap features a balanced, weighted minnow profile. Single reversed hooks with center treble and eyelet, this bait can also be bottom bounced, yo-yo style...

Compare
RAPALA

Rapala Jigging Rap 2.75" 5/8oz Pure Chrome

$7.99

Swimming in tantalizing circles under the ice or in open water for suspended game fish, the Jigging Rap features a balanced, weighted minnow profile. Single reversed hooks with center treble and eyelet, this bait can also be bottom bounced, yo-yo style...

Compare

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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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