Peterson Sorenson
Ever wonder how some anglers seem to pull in fish effortlessly while others spend hours waiting? It’s not magic—it’s all about the baits they choose. The best lures do more than just look cool; they move, shine, and mimic prey in ways fish can’t resist. So, here are 20 must-have lures that make fishing fun and easy for anyone.
Soft Plastic Worm
A staple in fishing, soft plastic worms adapt to almost any setting. Their realistic movements resemble prey, attracting bass effortlessly. A Texas rig is perfect for navigating heavy weed cover, while a Carolina rig creates a slower, enticing approach. This flexibility makes them a must-have for anglers in diverse conditions.
Stick Bait
Short and streamlined, stick baits are simple in action. They mimic injured prey when twitched gently. In clear water, natural colors work wonders. These lures excel in spring and early summer when fish linger near shallow vegetation. Plus, keep your retrieves slow and steady, as you’ll find curious fish can’t resist them.
Trick Worm
Trick worms, appreciated for their buoyant designs and vibrant hues, perform exceptionally well in shallow waters. Slow retrieves produce lifelike movements, closely mimicking natural prey and making them highly effective in summer. An exaggerated zigzag motion keeps bass engaged, even in areas with significant fishing pressure or heavy angler activity.
Crankbait With Jointed Body
A crankbait with a jointed body is an imitator. Its two-piece design gives it a wounded, erratic swimming motion that triggers instinctive strikes. Use this in deeper lakes where predatory fish like pike and bass patrol. Bright patterns like firetiger excel in murky water. Hence, reel it steadily and watch fish zero in like heat-seekers.
Square Bill Crankbait
Square bill crankbaits feature an angled lip that lets them deflect off rocks and logs without snagging, making them ideal for shallow spring waters. They imitate the frantic movements of fleeing baitfish, and natural colors like shad or crawfish enhance their realism. Pausing briefly after hitting cover often triggers a strike from waiting fish.
Spinnerbait
Blades that spin and shimmer make spinnerbaits impossible to miss. Designed to attract attention in murky waters, they create vibrations and glimmers that mimic fleeing baitfish. Adjust the blade style for different conditions—a willow blade for speed and flash or a Colorado blade for slow, thumping action.
In-Line Spinner
An in-line spinner combines simplicity and effectiveness with spinning blades that attract attention in streams and ponds. These lures are ideal for trout and panfish but also tempt bass in cooler months. Known for their efficiency in fast-moving water, in-line spinners are lightweight yet durable.
Spinner-Jig Hybrid
The spinner-jig hybrid is like the multitool of fishing lures. This dual-action lure excels at imitating a struggling baitfish or crustacean, making it irresistible to bass, pike, and walleye. The spinner blade adds a flashy element to draw fish from a distance, while the jig’s skirt and lifelike action seal the deal up close.
Topwater Walking Bait
Topwater walking baits create explosive moments when fish strike the surface. Their side-to-side motion mimics a panicked baitfish darting for safety. Use them at dawn or dusk in open water or near submerged trees. Fish love their erratic action, especially during late summer. Pause occasionally—these breaks draw the most dramatic strikes.
Popping Topwater Lure
Popping baits are attention-grabbing tools, perfect for calm waters with their noisy splashes and rippling effects. Designed with concave faces, they create irresistible movement with each twitch. Early mornings near lily pads or reeds provide the ideal setting, as the rhythmic twitch and pause keep both fish intrigued and anglers on edge.
Buzzbait
Buzzbaits are the adrenaline junkies of the fishing world, designed to cause a ruckus on the water’s surface and drive fish wild. With their spinning blades churning up a noisy commotion, these lures mimic the frantic movements of prey escaping danger, triggering explosive topwater strikes from bass and other aggressive fish.
Bladed Jig
Bladed jigs are ideal for murky conditions, performing best when dragged slowly along the bottom during colder months, where bass and walleye wait in hiding. Pairing them with a soft plastic trailer enhances movement, while the blade reflects light and produces a distinct thumping sound that draws predators seeking an easy meal.
Soft Plastic Swimbait
Swimbaits with paddle tails replicate the rhythmic movement of baitfish. Ideal for targeting suspended bass in deeper lakes, they excel in colder water when fish prefer slow-moving prey. Use a weighted hook to maintain depth control. Soft plastic swimbaits are especially effective near ledges, where fish ambush unsuspecting meals.
Soft Jerkbait
Soft jerkbaits are the smooth operators of the fishing world. Made of soft plastic, they mimic wounded baitfish struggling to escape, a sight that triggers instinctive strikes. Unlike hard jerkbaits, these lures can be fished weightless for a slow, natural sink or paired with a weighted hook to reach deeper targets.
Scent-Infused Soft Minnow
These lures don’t just look and move like live bait—they smell like it, too, thanks to their built-in scent that mimics the natural aroma of prey. The combination of lifelike design and scent appeal makes them a favorite for enticing finicky fish that might otherwise pass on traditional lures. They’re especially effective in clear waters.
Lipless Crankbait
Designed to cover water efficiently, this lure excels at drawing reaction strikes with its fast-sinking build and intense vibrations. As it swims, the internal rattles produce a distinct noise that mimics panicked baitfish, grabbing the attention of predators like bass and pike. With no diving bill, it gives you full control over how deep it swims.
Suspending Jerkbait
Stop-and-go action is where suspending jerkbaits shine. They excel at tricking fish into taking the bait by staying right in their strike zone. Predators, especially bass and walleye, can’t resist taking advantage of this easy meal. A suspending jerkbait is less about chasing fish and more about waiting for them to make their move.
Creature Bait
Packed with appendages, creature baits create a flurry of movement as they glide through the water, attracting attention from hidden fish. Ideal for dragging along the bottom near structures, they can be rigged on a Texas hook to cut through dense vegetation or paired with a jig for a bulkier, more enticing presentation.
Finesse Jig
Finesse jigs are small but mighty. Pair them with a compact trailer to create subtle, lifelike movements. They shine during post-spawn periods when fish are cautious and selective. Drop them near rocky points or bridge pilings, as their understated presentation outshines flashier alternatives in challenging conditions.
Floating Minnow
Floating minnows, a timeless classic, imitate struggling baitfish with uncanny accuracy. They’re most effective in shallow rivers and streams during spring. Slowly twitch them to mimic weak or dying prey. Their simple yet effective design has made them a staple for decades among novice and expert anglers alike.
