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!

Grid

List

ZOOM

Zoom Finesse Worms Baits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.89 - $5.99

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...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Lizards Baits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.27 - $5.99

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...

Compare
KEITECH

Keitech FAT Swing Impact 3.8"

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $4.19 - $8.59

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...

Compare
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...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Mag UV Speed Craws

$6.59

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%...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Midsize Brush Hogs

$6.29

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...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Super Chunks

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.79 - $3.99

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...

Compare
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...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Brush Craws

$5.99

The Zoom Brush Craw Green Pumpkin 5.5" is a versatile creature bait designed to mimic the appearance of a crawfish. Its solid body and multiple appendages create a realistic profile that can be fished on a variety of rigs, including jigs, Texas-rigs, and...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Uni-Toads

$6.99

The Zoom Uni Toad Swimbait Black 4" is a versatile soft plastic lure designed to mimic a swimming toad. Its unique single paddle tail allows for a strong kicking motion, making it an attractive option for bass. This lure is perfect for anglers looking to...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Zlinky Stick Worms

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $5.29 - $5.99

The Zoom Zlinky Stick Worm Green Pumpkin/Purple 5" is a versatile soft plastic lure designed to mimic the movement and appearance of a real worm. Its super-soft yet durable construction allows it to withstand multiple fish catches, making it an excellent...

Compare
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...

Compare
Z-MAN

Z-Man Turbo Fattyz

$5.99

The Z-Man Turbo Fattyz - 6in - Green Pumpkin Green Pumpkin is a robust and buoyant swimming worm designed to mimic the natural movement of a baitfish. Its curved paddletail design allows for a unique action in the water, making it an attractive option...

Compare
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...

Compare
BERKLEY

Berkley Swamp Lord Frogs

MSRP:

Was: $9.99

Now: $8.99 - $9.99

The Berkley Swamp Lord Hollow Body Frog Bone is a top-of-the-line fishing lure designed to dominate the swamp. Its optimized system increases the hook-up ratio, giving anglers a better chance at landing the big catch. The ultra-soft body and design allow...

Compare
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...

Compare
BERKLEY

Berkley Clickin' Frittsides

$10.99

The Berkley Clickin' Frittside 2.5" Black Chartreuse is a versatile crankbait designed for fishing in stained or dirty water conditions. Its unique sound profile, achieved through the addition of a single ceramic ball, helps to attract fish from a...

Compare
RAPALA

Rapala The Shad Rap 06

$9.99

The Rapala Shad Rap Crankbait 2.5" Black Wonderbread is a highly effective fishing lure that has set the standard for other crankbaits. Its natural baitfish profile makes it a versatile choice for various fishing conditions, from slow to fast...

Compare
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...

Compare
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...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Dream Shot

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $7.49

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...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Jigs

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $12.99 - $13.99

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...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbaits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $14.99

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...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King KVD Jerkbaits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $12.99

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...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King Pro Model Series 6 Crankbaits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $9.99

The Strike King Pro Model Series 6 Crankbaits are designed for deep water fishing, with a large body and zero degree diving plane that allows them to cast extreme distances. These crankbaits are perfect for systematic flat areas where larger shockwaves...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King Pro Model Series 5 Crankbaits

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.99 - $8.99

The Strike King Pro Model Series 5 Crankbaits are designed for anglers who need a versatile and effective lure for various fishing conditions. With its medium-sized body, the Series 5 features a medium wobble and medium buoyancy, making it ideal for...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King Rage Swimmer Swimbaits

$7.99

The Strike King Rage Swimmer Swimbaits are designed to provide anglers with a versatile and effective fishing experience. These swimbaits feature an innovative rib design that improves texture and vibration, making them more attractive to fish. With a...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King Tour Grade Ned Jig Heads

$5.99

The Strike King Tour Grade Ned Jig Head is designed specifically for Ned Rig enthusiasts. This versatile jig head can be paired with a variety of soft plastic baits to create an effective fishing combination. Available in multiple sizes and colors, the...

Compare
BERKLEY

Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flatnose Jerk Shad

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $4.19 - $6.99

Featuring a compressed flat nose, the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flatnose Jerk Shad provides you with an incredible hook-up ratio on a drop shot rig. When you're using finesse applications, the jerk shad's lifelike split tail mimics the motions of easy...

Compare
STRIKE KING

Strike King Bleeding Bait Mini-King Spinnerbait

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $3.99 - $5.49

The Strike King Bleeding Bait Mini-King Spinnerbait begins with the most popular multi-species spinnerbaits on the market, the Strike King Mini-King, and added a blood trail skirt. This unique spinnerbait is outfitted with a red hook, bleeding skirt...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Horny Toad

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $2.79 - $5.99

The Zoom Horny Toad mimics the body of a toad and is the perfect bait for hefty predatory fish! Salt-impregnated Horny Toads are highly effective in waters with heavy cover. Pairing the soft plastic buzz toad with a weedless hook penetrates lily pads,...

Compare
ZOOM

Zoom Dead Ringer

MSRP:

Was:

Now: $1.33 - $4.99

The Zoom Dead Ringer Finesse Worm features a soft body with segmented rings to trap and hold water. This design makes this bait have a larger presence than its actual size. The tail on the Dead Ringer Finesse Worm is curly, providing an excellent flutter...

Compare

Compare Selected

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

Articles Related To Fishing Lures

Talk To Our Fishing Lure Experts

The Best Lures To Use On Lake Erie

Lake Erie Fishing Intro Lake Erie is roughly 9,900 square miles, 210 feet deep, with about 107 species of fish according to Global Great Lakes. With Spring, warming up into summer, I’m getting out on

Jerkbaits 101 The Complete Jerkbait Lure Guide

Table Of Contents: What is a Jerkbait Types of Jerkbaits How To Fish Jerkbaits Popular Colors of Jerkbaits Jerkbaits for Bass, Walleye, Pike, Musky & More The Best Jerkbait Brands Best Jerkbait Fish

How to Start Fishing with Confidence: Simple Gear and Techniques That Actually Work

There's a reason fishing has stuck around for thousands of years. It's not complicated. But somewhere between YouTube rabbit holes and the fishing gear aisle at Bass Pro, a lot of beginners convince t