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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BANDIT

Bandit Walleye Shallow

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $6.99 - $7.49

The Bandit Walleye Shallow dives to almost 12 feet on a long cast and trolls a little deeper than that, making it perfect for walleye, zander and bass when they're holding in the medium depths.

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ARBOGAST

Arbogast Hula Poppers

$6.99

For more than 60 years anglers have testified that the Arbogast Hula Popper, with its pulsating skirt, is their insurance when all else fails morning, noon & night. Hula Poppers are deadly when "popped" over submerged timber, weed or grass beds. They...

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COTTON CORDELL

Lindy Little Nipper Jigs

$2.49

The Lindy Little Nipper Jigs are expertly hand-tied to provide a natural presentation on the water. These jigs feature quality painted heads that add a touch of realism, while the color-contrasting feather tails create a visually appealing contrast. The...

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REACTION INNOVATION

Reaction Innovations Little/Skinny Dipper Lures

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $4.89 - $6.25

The Reaction Innovations Little/Skinny Dipper Lure is a versatile and effective option for anglers seeking a finesse approach. Measuring three and a half inches in length, this bait excels in various applications, including drop shotting and behind a...

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RAPALA

Rapala Rattlin Rap Lipless Crankbaits

$6.29

The Rapala Rattlin Rap Lipless Crankbaits are a top choice among bass fishermen due to their high-quality construction and affordability. These crankbaits have been a staple in the Rapala lineup since the mid-nineties, offering excellent performance on...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Rage Bugs

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $7.99

The Strike King Rage Bug is a highly effective flip bait designed with the help of bass fishing legend Denny Brauer. Its streamlined body allows it to easily slip into tight spaces, making it perfect for targeting bass in heavy cover. The Rage Bug's...

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SPRO

Spro Dean Rojas Bronzeye Poppin' Frogs

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $7.99 - $8.99

The Spro Dean Rojas Bronzeye Poppin' Frogs is a topwater lure designed to entice bass from thick cover. Its smaller profile and subtle popping sound make it an effective choice for pressured fish. This lure can be used in various ways, including walking...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Lightening Shad

$2.99

The Strike King Lightening Shad is a versatile and effective lure designed to mimic the movement of a shad or shiner. Its 2-inch solid body allows for a natural swimming action that attracts a wide range of fish species. This lure can be used in various...

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YUM

Yum Craw Papi

$3.29

The Yum Craw Papi is a highly realistic crawfish imitation that has gained popularity among bass anglers. Its durable yet soft texture makes it an effective lure for catching largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. The oversized pinchers on this...

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SMITHWICK

Smithwick Suspending Rattlin Rogue

$6.99

The Smithwick Suspending Rattlin Rogue is a highly effective minnow lure designed to mimic the movement of a real baitfish. Its unique suspending action allows it to stay at the desired depth, making it an excellent choice for targeting various species...

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BLAKEMORE

Blakemore Road Runner

$3.99

The Blakemore Road Runner Panfish Jigs 4-Pack is designed for anglers seeking a reliable and effective way to catch panfish. These jigs feature barbed Road Runner heads that securely hold plastics in place, while the underspin blades create flash and...

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SPRO

Spro Phat Fly Jigs

$3.99

The SPRO Phat Fly Jigs are designed to excel in float-and-fly fishing, even in the most challenging conditions. These jigs have been crafted to catch large California trophy bass, making them a top choice for anglers seeking success. The colors of these...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Rodents

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $4.89

The Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Rodents are designed for flipping heavy cover and pitching mats. They offer a more compact presentation that can be the key to getting bites in clearer water situations or areas with a lot of fishing pressure. The Baby...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Rage Tail Craws

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $5.29 - $6.99

The Strike King Rage Tail Craws are a game-changer for anglers looking to add some excitement to their soft plastic presentations. These lures feature a unique and exclusive tail design that sets them apart from other soft plastics on the market. The...

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STORM LURES

Storm Wildeye Swim Shad Swim Baits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $3.49 - $4.99

The Storm Wildeye Swim Shad Swim Baits are designed to mimic the natural movement of a baitfish, making them an attractive option for gamefish in both fresh and saltwater environments. These swimbaits feature a sharp hook molded into a lead head, with a...

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STORM LURES

Storm Original Hot 'N Tot

$4.99

Why change something that works? With the genuine metal lip, classic molds and same erratic, side-to-side searching action this lure is legendary for, there is nothing new about this lure. There’s no reason there should be. It is still the go-to trolling...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Rage Tail Toad

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $7.99

The Strike King Rage Tail Toad is a game-changer in the world of soft plastics. Its unique and exclusive tail design sets it apart from other lures on the market. Engineered with high-grade plastics, this bait delivers superior action that's sure to...

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BERKLEY

Berkley Gulp Minnows

$5.99

The Berkley Gulp Minnows are a game-changer for anglers looking to upgrade their soft bait arsenal. These innovative lures have been proven to outfish live bait in head-to-head field tests, making them the next generation in soft bait technology. The...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King Rage Tail Chunk

$7.99

The Strike King Rage Tail Chunk is a game-changing soft plastic bait that's designed to mimic the action of a real baitfish. Its unique tail design and high-grade plastics give it a superior swimming motion, making it irresistible to predators. Whether...

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STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Perfect Plastics Shim E Stick

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $3.49 - $4.99

The Strike King KVD Perfect Plastics Shim E Stick is a game-changing soft plastic lure that mimics the natural movement and scent of baitfish. Its unique super soft and super salty plastic blend provides an irresistible "shimmy" action that bass can't...

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MISTER TWISTER

Mister Twister Grub Tails

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.49 - $4.99

The Mister Twister Grub Tails are a staple in many anglers' tackle boxes, offering a tried-and-true approach to reeling in the big ones. This lure's versatility has made it a favorite among fishermen for generations. Its unique design allows for a...

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BERKLEY

Berkley PowerBait Minnows

$4.99

Berkley PowerBait Minnows utilizes soft and supple plastic in a slender profile that fish cannot resist. This popular minnow features a split tail design that creates a subtle finesse presentation that works well on your favorite rig. Impregnated with...

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REACTION INNOVATION

Reaction Innovations Smallie/Sweet Beaver

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $4.69 - $5.99

Reaction Innovations' soft plastic baits have taken the bass fishing market by storm, and the Reaction Innovations Smallie/Sweet Beaver is one of their most popular offerings. This innovative lure features a unique two-tone pattern that creates a lot of...

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YUM

Yum Dinger

$3.29

The Yum Dinger is a versatile soft plastic bait designed for various fishing techniques, including Texas rigging, wacky style, and pitching into heavy cover. Its subtle life-like action makes it appealing to even the most pressured fish. The unique hook...

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EAGLE CLAW

Eagle Claw Catfish Rig

$1.99

The Eagle Claw Catfish Rig is a preassembled and ready-to-use catfish rig, ideal for bank fishing enthusiasts. Its compact size makes it easy to handle and store. This versatile rig can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments, providing...

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JOHNSON FISHING

Johnson Silver Minnow, SM1/16

$2.99

The Johnson Silver Minnow, SM1/16, is a highly effective fishing lure designed for long casts. Its brass blade provides a strong action in the water, making it an excellent choice for anglers seeking to catch a variety of fish species. The lure's plated...

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YUM

Yumbrella Flash Mob Tennessee Special

$19.99

Please Note: Baits and Jigheads not included. The Yumbrella Flash Mob features four willow leaf blades extending from the outer wire arms for additional flash and fish attraction. All five stainless steel Super Wire arms provide unmatched strength and...

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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

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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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