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Fishing Baits and Lures 101

Artificial fishing lures are an excellent bait choice when pursuing that next big bite, and you avoid the hassle and mess of fishing with live bait. Choosing the right fishing bait and lure is as important as having the right fishing rod or reel. That's why we have you covered with a wide variety of fishing baits and lures to cover any water and weather conditions for any species.

Types of Fishing Bait and Lures

If you're an experienced angler, you're undoubtedly well-versed in the fishing bait and lures that are the must-haves for your finned prey of choice. You may even have an impressive collection. But you also know that you can never have enough lures in your tackle box.

Jigs: There are many different types of fishing jigs, but all are characterized by a weighted head. Some may have feathers, marabou, a plastic "skirt" or soft plastic trailers. All these features allow the angler to give the fishing jig a different profile or action.
Spinners: Spinners are one of the more basic fishing lures and bait. A metal blade or blades spin as the lure is pulled through the water, creating flash and vibration to represent a wounded baitfish. Also, see our spinnerbait collection.
Spoons: Fishing spoons wobble from side to side as they travel through the water, mimicking the movement of injured prey.
Hardbaits: Hardbaits are a style of fishing bait and lure that represent a wide variety of lures. They can have a “lip” or “bill” that allows them to dive subsurface or be buoyant enough to sit on top of the water. Each has their own unique action to represent a different prey item. They may also have specific features that allow them to be fished more easily around certain types of cover.
Soft Plastics: There are hundreds of varieties of soft plastics. Some have appendages that tantalizingly flutter in the water, while others have tails that move to represent a baitfish. Each style of this fishing bait and lure has a time and a place where it excels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Baits & Lures

If you're working your way up to becoming a seasoned angler, you may have a question or two about baits and lures. Some of our more commonly asked questions. If you don't see the information you're looking for, please contact us. We're always happy to help.

What Are Baits & Lures Made Of?

There are plenty of different kinds of fishing lures for sale that are made of various materials. Over the years, fishing baits and lures have gotten a lot more advanced. Balsa, metal, rubber and hard and soft plastics are all common lure materials, and all have their certain advantages.

How Does a Fish Lure Work?

Fishing baits and lures are all designed to stimulate a fish’s predator instinct, but they all do it in a unique way. Some use bright colors to bring out a fish’s aggression, while others use sound, vibration or even scent.

Are There Different Lures for Different Kinds of Fish?

Generally, you want to choose smaller grubs and jigs when fishing for bluegill, crappie, sunfish, perch and other panfish. Choose bigger lures like crankbaits and spinnerbaits if you're fishing for bass, walleye, pike and other larger fish.

What Are the Benefits of Fishing With Lures vs. Live Bait?

There is no doubt live bait catches fish, but fishing baits and lures pose many advantages over live bait. Here are a few of the advantages you’ll gain from using artificial lures:

Lures aren't perishable and can be used multiple times.
Some lures are weighted for excellent casting distance.
Lures are fun to collect and use.
Lures are sometimes able to provoke larger fish to bite.
If you practice catch-and-release, there's less harm to the fish.
Fishing with lures tends to be significantly less messy than fishing with live bait.

Fishing Baits & Lures | Balsa - Metal - Plastics | FishUSA