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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VMC

VMC Swingin' Ned Rig Black #2 3/8oz

$5.49

The VMC Swingin' Ned Rig Black #2 3/8oz is a versatile fishing lure designed for effective presentations in various water conditions. Its articulated jig head design allows for a natural crawling action, making it an excellent choice for targeting...

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VMC

VMC Ned Rig Jig 4PK Black 3/16oz

$5.49

The VMC Ned Rig Jig 4PK Black 3/16oz is a versatile and effective tool for anglers. Its hybrid wider gap maximizes hook sets, while the hybrid bend provides extra strength. The forged construction ensures durability, and the chemically sharpened needle...

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HILDEBRANDT

Hilderbrant Premium Spinner Blade Nickel 3.5 Willow

$5.99

Simply the highest quality spinner blades on the market, the Hildebrandt Premium Replacement Willow Leaf Blades are the perfect way to enhance the action of your favorite spinnerbaits, refurbish old lures, or create your own custom baits. Covered in a...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig Orange Fire UV 1/32oz

$3.99

The oval-shaped head design of our BKJ Bucktail Jig provides added control and balance for a variety of techniques, while the bucktail hair of the lure maintains its shape offering a larger profile presentation.Specifications and Features: Premium Hi...

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HILDEBRANDT

Hilderbrant Premium Spinner Blade Nickel 4 Colorado

$5.99

Offering the best spinner blades on the market, the Hildebrandt Premium Replacement Colorado Blades will improve the performance and action of any spinnerbait to help you catch more fish. Made from a heavy gauge brass base material that is corrosion...

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VMC

VMC Tungsten Tubby Jig 2PK Glow Hot Perch 1/16oz

$4.99

The VMC Tungsten Tubby Jig 2PK Glow Hot Perch 1/16oz is designed for anglers seeking a compact and efficient presentation. Its high-density tungsten construction allows for the same weight as traditional lead at half the size, making it an ideal choice...

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HILDEBRANDT

Hilderbrant Premium Spinner Blade Nickel 5 Colorado

$5.99

Offering the best spinner blades on the market, the Hildebrandt Premium Replacement Colorado Blades will improve the performance and action of any spinnerbait to help you catch more fish. Made from a heavy gauge brass base material that is corrosion...

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HILDEBRANDT

Hilderbrant Premium Spinner Blade Gold 6 Colorado

$7.99

Offering the best spinner blades on the market, the Hildebrandt Premium Replacement Colorado Blades will improve the performance and action of any spinnerbait to help you catch more fish. Made from a heavy gauge brass base material that is corrosion...

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HILDEBRANDT

Hilderbrant Premium Spinner Blade Nickel 3.5 Indiana

$5.99

Offering the best spinner blades on the market, the Hildebrandt Premium Replacement Colorado Blades will improve the performance and action of any spinnerbait to help you catch more fish. Made from a heavy gauge brass base material that is corrosion...

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PAUTZKE

PAUTZKE FIRE GEL Fishing Scent Bass

$6.49

As a leader in the fishing industry for more than 85 years, Pautzke knows scent! Fire Gel uses what Pautzke learned for more than 8 decades and brings the longest lasting, most powerful and strongest fish catching scent to anglers. Simply apply Fire Gel...

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HILDEBRANDT

Hilderbrant Premium Spinner Blade Nickel 4 Indiana

$5.99

Offering the best spinner blades on the market, the Hildebrandt Premium Replacement Colorado Blades will improve the performance and action of any spinnerbait to help you catch more fish. Made from a heavy gauge brass base material that is corrosion...

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PAUTZKE

Pautzke Real Premium Trout Eggs 8oz

$10.99

Never stress about not having fresh trout again! Pautzke’s new Trout Eggs look, feel, smell and taste like real trout eggs, because they are just that – REAL TROUT EGGS! Trout Eggs are not intended for single egg use, rather best when tied in Atlas...

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PAUTZKE

PAUTZKE FIRE GEL Fishing Scent Shad

$6.49

As a leader in the fishing industry for more than 85 years, Pautzke knows scent! Fire Gel uses what Pautzke learned for more than 8 decades and brings the longest lasting, most powerful and strongest fish catching scent to anglers. Simply apply Fire Gel...

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HILDEBRANDT

Hilderbrant Premium Spinner Blade Gold 5 Willow

$7.99

Offering the best spinner blades on the market, the Hildebrandt Premium Replacement Colorado Blades will improve the performance and action of any spinnerbait to help you catch more fish. Made from a heavy gauge brass base material that is corrosion...

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VMC

VMC Ned Rig Jig 4PK Green Pumpkin 3/16oz

$5.49

The VMC Ned Rig Jig 4PK Green Pumpkin 3/16oz is a versatile and effective tool for anglers. Its hybrid wider gap maximizes hook sets, while the hybrid bend provides extra strength. The forged construction ensures durability, and the chemically sharpened...

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HILDEBRANDT

Hilderbrant Premium Spinner Blade Nickel 4.5 Indiana

$5.99

Offering the best spinner blades on the market, the Hildebrandt Premium Replacement Colorado Blades will improve the performance and action of any spinnerbait to help you catch more fish. Made from a heavy gauge brass base material that is corrosion...

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PAUTZKE

PAUTZKE FIRE GEL Fishing Scent Crappie

$6.49

As a leader in the fishing industry for more than 85 years, Pautzke knows scent! Fire Gel uses what Pautzke learned for more than 8 decades and brings the longest lasting, most powerful and strongest fish catching scent to anglers. Simply apply Fire Gel...

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VMC

VMC Ned Rig Jig 4PK Chartreuse 3/16oz

$5.49

The VMC Ned Rig Jig 4PK Chartreuse 3/16oz is a versatile and effective tool for anglers. Its hybrid wider gap maximizes hook sets, while the hybrid bend provides extra strength. The forged construction ensures durability, and the chemically sharpened...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig Chartreuse White 1/16oz

$4.49

The VMC Bucktail Jig Chartreuse White 1/16oz is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract even the most finicky fish. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook is chemically sharpened for maximum effectiveness, and the needle point design ensures a...

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VENOM

Venom High Dollar Hair Jig Chartreuse Orange 1/2oz

$3.79

The Venom High Dollar Hair Jig Chartreuse Orange 1/2oz is designed to attract predatory game fish with its bright colors and flash. Constructed with high-quality components, this jig features premium, super sharp hooks that ensure a secure hold on the...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig Firetiger 1/32oz

$3.99

The VMC Bucktail Jig Firetiger 1/32oz is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract even the most discerning fish. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook is chemically sharpened for maximum effectiveness, and the needle point design ensures a secure...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig Purple Albino 1/32oz

$3.99

The VMC Bucktail Jig Purple Albino 1/32oz is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract even the most discerning fish. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook is chemically sharpened for maximum effectiveness, and the needle point design ensures a...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig Fathead 1/16oz

$4.49

The VMC Bucktail Jig Fathead 1/16oz is designed to entice even the most discerning fish. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook is chemically sharpened for optimal performance, while the bucktail with tinsel fibers creates an irresistible visual attraction...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig White 1/32oz

$3.99

The VMC Bucktail Jig White 1/32oz is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract even the most discerning fish. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook is chemically sharpened for maximum effectiveness, and the needle point design ensures a secure hold...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig Purple Albino 1/16oz

$4.49

The VMC Bucktail Jig Purple Albino 1/16oz is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract even the most discerning fish. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook is chemically sharpened for maximum effectiveness, while the bucktail with tinsel fibers...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Mr Crappie Sausage Head Grey 1/8oz

$3.99

The Strike King Mr Crappie Sausage Head Grey 1/8oz is a versatile and effective jig head designed to mimic the natural movement of a baitfish. Its unique sausage-shaped head allows for a more lifelike presentation, making it an excellent choice for...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig Firetiger 1oz

$7.99

The VMC Bucktail Jig Firetiger 1oz is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract even the most discerning fish. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook is chemically sharpened for maximum effectiveness, while the bucktail with tinsel fibers creates an...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig Black 1/16oz

$4.49

The VMC Bucktail Jig Black 1/16oz is a versatile fishing lure designed to attract a range of fish species. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook is chemically sharpened for optimal performance, while the bucktail with tinsel fibers creates a visually...

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VMC

VMC Bucktail Jig White 3/4oz

$6.99

The VMC Bucktail Jig White 3/4oz is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract even the most discerning fish. Its premium Hi Carbon Steel hook is chemically sharpened for maximum effectiveness, while the bucktail with tinsel fibers creates an...

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VMC

VMC Hard Ball Jig 4PK Bubble Gum 1/8oz

$3.99

The VMC Hard Ball Jig 4PK Bubble Gum 1/8oz is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to attract even the most finicky fish. Its premium hi-carbon steel hook provides exceptional strength and durability, while the black nickel finish adds a touch of...

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VMC

VMC Hard Ball Jig 4PK Fathead 1/8oz

$3.99

The VMC Hard Ball Jig 4PK Fathead 1/8oz is a versatile fishing lure designed to mimic the appearance of a small baitfish. Its traditional round ball head design allows for a natural presentation, making it an excellent choice for targeting various...

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VMC

VMC Hard Ball Jig 4PK Firetiger 1/8oz

$3.99

The VMC Hard Ball Jig is a versatile fishing tool designed to attract a variety of fish species. Its traditional round ball head design allows for easy casting and retrieval, while the built-in molded keeper ensures that your bait stays securely in place...

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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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