Fishing is an activity that is loved by many kinds of people. It is a great source of meditation, of exercise, and of time in nature. However, those who like collecting might also find that the gear side of fishing is a fun part of the experience. This is especially true when it comes to all of the different colors, sizes, and varieties of fishing lures that are available.
While it's true that fishing combines skill, patience, and a deep connection with nature, it's crucial to remember that behind every great catch lies the right fishing lure.
With thousands of options on the market, knowing which lure to use can mean the difference between a quiet day on the water and a full cooler of fish.
This complete guide breaks down the top types of fishing lures, explains why they work, and recommends best-selling lures for different fishing audiences — from bass anglers to fly fishers and saltwater pros. Here is a look at some of the different kinds of lures, why they work, and which fish like them best.
How Fishing Lures Work: The Science Behind the Strike
Fish may be smart, but the right lure triggers instincts they can’t ignore. Most successful lures appeal to one or more of these primal responses:
- Curiosity: Fish often "test bite" new objects that move or shimmer like prey.
- Motion: Predators chase movement — if it darts, wriggles, or flashes, it’s food.
- Scent: Many species rely on smell. Scented lures like Berkley PowerBait or Gulp! Alive Minnows release an irresistible trail that mimics real prey.
Understanding these triggers helps anglers choose lures that not only look the part — but act like the real thing.
Types of Lures
Lures usually fall into one of several categories, based on whether they are designed to get fish to notice you from afar or be the tasty morsel that they want to eat. They can be embedded with hooks and work as bait, or they can sit further up a fishing line as a sign to fish that there is bait nearby.
Mimics
One of the most popular kinds of fishing lures are those that mimic live bait. This can be in the shape of just about anything and is most often used to target a specific kind of fish who is particular with their diet.
Typically mimics resemble winged insects (flies, for fly fishing), fish (for sport fish that prefer live baitfish), or worms. These lures are often also scented to make them seem more real to the fish you are targeting for a catch.
Shiny Things (Flashers and Spinners)
Many fish have silvery scales that flash when they move, which can attract predators or signal others of their species. Shiny lures mimic this effect, creating light flashes that draw fish from a distance. Typically shaped like metal teardrops or spinners, these lures work best when trolled slowly so the motion keeps them glinting. While fish rarely bite the metal itself, flashers are excellent attractants when paired with a baited hook or live bait like herring or anchovy farther down the line.
Shiners are popular in deep sea fishing and trolling for most species.
Neon and Phosphorescent Lures
These lures work very similarly to flashers. Bright colors can also attract predators from afar. Fish with brightly colored prey (think tropical waters) will respond to these lures, as will non-picky fish like cod with big stomachs and a love of bright things. Fish who eat a lot of invertebrates as part of their diet will also be drawn to neon food. During night fishing, the glow-in-the-dark lures (or even LED lights attached to the line) will bring fish in who believe that they have found either a fish with phosphorescence or a moving fish who has disturbed a glowing algae bloom. This is very effective with night-feeding species, like barracuda and squid.
Scented Lures
Sight is not the only sense that fish use when looking for prey. Some lures will come embedded with a slow-release scented bait. More modern technology has created a number of different slow-release compounds that can be included in resin or other plastic compounds to create a combination scent and sight lure. This technology is likely to continue to evolve. Alternately, some will dip their lures in oils to try and create a scent trail. Some level of “flavor” to the lures will allow them to pass an initial nibble test, and make it more likely that a fish will bite.
Choosing the Right Lure for Your Fish
The best way to find out what a fish will eat is to work with fishermen who are regularly successful in the area — if they are willing to share their secrets. Local tackle shops are also likely to be helpful, though some may try and sell you more than you actually need. One possibility is to go out with a guide on a fishing charter and get their insights. Not only will you be paying for the experience of the fishing, but you will be able to use their expertise to begin to develop a collection of what works.
Of course, fish are fickle, and they will not be in the same location or interested in the same food every day. This is part of why a versatile tackle box can be a great way to experiment on days when the standards are not working. Before you abandon a certain kind of lure that works for others, you also may want to rule out other things (like noise on board or location where you are fishing) that may be the actual problem. If you find a lure that you love, it never hurts to get backups. This keeps a snapped line from becoming a spoiled trip.
For Freshwater Anglers: Bass, Trout & Walleye Lures That Really Work
Freshwater fishing covers everything from calm lakes to fast-moving rivers. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, rainbow trout, or walleye, lure selection is crucial.
Best Lures for Bass Fishing
Bass are opportunistic feeders that respond to sight, sound, and vibration. Use lures that imitate their favorite prey — small fish, frogs, or worms.
Top Bass Lures:
- Yamamoto Senko Worms: A must-have soft plastic that mimics live worms.
- Strike King Red Eye Shad: A rattling lipless crankbait perfect for covering water fast.
- Z-Man ChatterBait Elite: A vibrating jig that triggers reaction bites even on slow days.
- Rapala Shad Rap: Mimics fleeing baitfish with a lifelike wobble.
Pro Tip: Choose natural colors in clear water and brighter shades (chartreuse, firetiger) in muddy conditions.
Best Lures for Trout Fishing
Trout are cautious and observant — realistic lures make all the difference.
Top Trout Lures:
- Panther Martin Classic Spinner: Great for rivers and streams, producing flash and vibration.
- Mepps Aglia Spinner: A timeless lure that draws trout, perch, and even bass.
- Rapala Original Floating Minnow: Mimics small fish; effective in still or moving water.
- Adams Dry Fly & Woolly Bugger: Essential for fly anglers targeting trout on the surface or below.
Trout Tip: Match your lure size to the local forage. Smaller lures often work best in clear, cold streams.
Best Lures for Walleye Fishing
Walleye prefer subtle presentation and movement.
Top Walleye Lures:
- Berkley Flicker Shad: Realistic swimming action for trolling or casting.
- Storm Hot ‘N Tot: Great for stained water and windy days.
- Northland Fire-Ball Jig: Perfect for vertical jigging with live bait trailers.
Walleye Tip: Use natural colors during the day and bright or glow-in-the-dark lures for low-light fishing.
For Saltwater Anglers: Lures That Rule the Ocean
Saltwater fishing demands stronger, more durable lures that handle aggressive species like redfish, snook, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
Best Lures for Inshore Saltwater Fishing
Inshore waters are home to versatile predators that respond well to motion and flash.
Top Inshore Lures:
- Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Twitchbait: Realistic swimming action that’s deadly for redfish and snook.
- Berkley Gulp! Saltwater Shrimp: A scented favorite for flounder and sea trout.
- Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ: A soft plastic lure that withstands multiple strikes.
- MirrOlure MirrOdine: Perfect for shallow bays and estuaries.
Inshore Tip: Fish along grass flats and oyster bars where prey is abundant.
Best Lures for Offshore Saltwater Fishing
When you’re chasing big game fish offshore, visibility and vibration matter most.
Top Offshore Lures:
- Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow: A long-time favorite for tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.
- Williamson Jet Popper: Great for surface strikes from GTs and amberjack.
- Rapala X-Rap Magnum: Dives deep and tracks perfectly behind the boat when trolling.
Offshore Tip: Use bright, reflective lures in bluewater conditions to simulate the flash of fleeing baitfish.
For Fly Fishers: Classic and Modern Patterns That Catch Results
Fly fishing is an art form that relies on precision and realism. Matching the hatch — or using flies that imitate local insects — is key.
Top Flies for 2025:
- Adams Dry Fly: Perfect for mayfly hatches and calm rivers.
- Elk Hair Caddis: A must-have for trout feeding near the surface.
- Woolly Bugger: Versatile for both fresh and saltwater species.
- Clouser Minnow: Ideal for bass, trout, and even saltwater flats species.
Fly Fishing Tip: Keep multiple sizes and colors to match changing insect activity and light conditions.
For Beginners: Easy-to-Use Lures That Get Quick Results
If you’re new to fishing, start simple with versatile, proven lures that catch a wide range of fish species.
Top Beginner-Friendly Lures:
- Mepps Aglia Spinner: Easy to cast and retrieve, effective for nearly all freshwater species.
- Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General: A soft plastic worm with added scent — nearly foolproof for bass.
- Zebco Rooster Tail Spinner: Works in ponds, lakes, and rivers for trout, bass, and panfish.
- Rapala Original Floater: A classic lure that’s great for casting or trolling.
Beginner Tip: Focus on steady retrieval — most bites happen during movement, not when the lure sits still.
Top-Selling Fishing Lures of 2025
Whether you fish freshwater or saltwater, these lures are topping sales charts and tackle boxes worldwide:
- Yamamoto Senko Worms – Soft plastic favorite for bass
- Rapala Original Floating Minnow – A timeless classic
- Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General – Scented worm for multiple species
- Z-Man ChatterBait Elite – Vibration lure for aggressive strikes
- Strike King Red Eye Shad – Proven bass magnet
- Mepps Aglia Spinner – Great all-purpose lure
- Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Twitchbait – Premium saltwater choice
Final Thoughts: Build a Versatile Tackle Box for Success
No single lure works every time — the best anglers adapt. Keep a mix of mimic lures, spinners, crankbaits, scented baits, and glow-in-the-dark options to handle changing conditions.
Experimentation is key. Some days the fish prefer subtle movement; other days, they’ll chase anything that flashes. The more you understand how fish react, the easier it becomes to make smart lure choices and maximize your catch.
New lures come on the market every year. Some are based on new technology and are bigger, lighter, shinier, or longer lasting. Others are based on a new scientific principle that has recently been discovered about fish behavior. Whatever the reason, you can be sure to walk into bait and tackle stores and find things that you have never seen or tried. The more you understand about the purpose and effectiveness of certain lure types for you, the smarter you can become about finding the right set of standards and alternates that you may need.
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