The 15 Best Fishing Lures for 2021

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Best Fishing Lure
photo: outdoorgeartoday

The fishing lure is perhaps the most important accessory for fishing. While there are several types of lures, most of them are made for freshwater fishing, and specifically for the bass fish market.

However, they are versatile so can be used to lure any type of fish, from perch to crappie and any other type of fish in between.

If you are fresh on the market for a quality lure, we have exactly what you need!

We have carefully selected some of the best fishing lures currently on the market that offer an excellent strike rate. Let’s see how they perform!

Review of the 10 Best Fishing Lures

1. TB Tbuymax Fishing Lure Spinnerbait 

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5,438 Reviews
  • Large size fishing lures set: 2.5’’- 3’’ / Heavy weighted body: 0.25 - 0.28 oz / larger and heavier design to catch big fish
  • Each trout lures comes with a sharp treble hooks with brightly colored strike-attractor sleeves
  • The packing box makes you more convenient to use and restock. Rooster tail fishing lures is both for Freshwater and Saltwater

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 10 pcs
  • Size: 2.56 inches
  • Weight: 0.25 ounce

The TB Tbuymax is a spinnerbait type of fishing lure that comes as a pack of 10 of multiple colors. It mimics the shape of an insect in the water and since it has bright colors, this type of fishing lure is mostly appropriate for clear freshwater.

Additionally, it weighs only 0.25 ounce, which means that it is extremely lightweight and will float on the surface of the water or sink just a couple of inches below it.

This type of fishing lure is ideal for catching fish is like trout, salmon, and others who feed near the surface.


2. Rapala X-rap Jerkbait XR10 Fishing Lure

  • The adrenaline-pumping X-rap slashbait has Xtreme attitude with its hard-cutting, aggressive darting action
  • Running depth: 3-8 feet
  • Weighs .4375 Oz

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 1 pc
  • Size: 4 inches
  • Weight: 0.48 ounce

For some serious crankbait fishing, the Rapala X-rap has been for many years one of the best fishing lures for the money.

It measures 4-inch length which is on the bigger size for a crankbait but since it looks like a real crawfish, it has a high strike rate.

This model has a 3 hook setup with a 3-prong bait at the tail, at the mouth, and another just below the bait to increase its strike rate.

On the bright side, the Rapala X-rap is more affordably priced than other crankbait fishing lures with the same shape and feature. Neat!


3. Rose Kuli Multi-Jointed Swimbait Fishing Lure

  • TOPWATER BASS LURES - 3D realistic looking eyes and body make it a life like fish. Larger tongue design make it float at top water when throw into water.
  • MULTI JOINTED BODY - The body pieces connect with textile fabrics allows this bass lures wiggles to side to side like a real fish would swim.
  • ARTIFICIAL SOLID SWIMBAIT - Reusable environment protective largemouth crankbaits. Different colors and patterns to match any fishing environment.

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 1 pc
  • Size: 3.8 – 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 0.32 ounce

When you are fishing, the versatility of your fishing lure is important. This is where the Rose Kuli comes into action.

It’s an adjustable fishing lure that has a 3D eye and lifelike body to mimic a real fish. The best thing about this fishing lure is definitely its adjustable ability, as you can change the size from 3.8 to 6.5 inches depending on the size of fish you want to catch.

The hooks are heavy-duty and will not rust. Moreover, the Rose Kuli can be used to catch large and powerful fishes like perch, pike or bass.


4. Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog Series Style Fishing Lure 

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  • ✅ LUNKER FROG (green tea color) is the MOST LIFE LIKE FROG available in the market. MAKES CATCHING FISH EASIER due to behaving just like a living frog would in the water. The frog drops down a little into the water perfectly replicating the action of a frog / bullfrog
  • ✅ HAS SWIMMING LEGS that makes this fishing frog lure SO UNIQUE. The LEGS EXTEND & RETRACT that replicates like a LIFE FROG. This frog fishing lure has swimming legs that extend during the retrieve and retract on the pause. At rest, the Lunker Frog is 2.25 inches and will extend to 4.5 inches on the retrieve.
  • ✅ AWARD WINNING frog lure by ICAST - WEEDLESS DESIGN for PERFECTLY Catching BASS, PIKE and MUSKY in freshwater. The buried hook point allows fishing a lure 'weedless' enables you to fish through heavier cover such as suspended weed or weed beds.

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 1 pc
  • Size: 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 0.3 ounce

Bass and Perch of well-known freshwater fish that feed on frogs. The Lunkerhunt Lunker mimics a realistic adult frog with full movements including leg movement. Moreover, the body has been designed in a way that it will not get stuck in weed.

The Lunkerhunt is a fairly small fishing lure at only 2.5 inches but it has a very good strike rate. Additionally, this unit comes with a 4-inch hook that is big and strong enough to catch large and powerful fishes.

If you’re looking for a realistic frog bait for freshwater fishing, this model is definitely one of the best fishing lures currently on the market.


5. Sougayilang Fishing Lure Large Hard Bait Minnow

  • 10PCS Topwater Lures in one Plastic box,Weight: 1.6g/0.056oz; Length:2.6cm/1.02in, Box Size:13.5 * 7.5 * 2.2cm / 5.31 * 2.95 * 0.87in.- holographic eyes and verisimilar body make it a life like fish.
  • Brilliant colors and realistic crankbait with lifelike bait fish swimming action to attract fishes which can be used in both saltwater and freshwater.
  • Gravity Ball & Treble Hooks - Built-in gravity ball helps to raise the throw distance and make some noise to attract the fishes.super sharp rust-proof treble hooks, high durability and flexibility.

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 10 pcs
  • Size: 6.49 inches
  • Weight: 0.59 ounce

This is another fishing lure set that can be used both as a plastic fishing lure or crankbait.

The outer shell of this bait is made from a heavy-duty ABS plastic which gives it durability and the inside has a metal bead for buoyancy.

It has only one hook at the end but comes in multi-colors which makes it suitable for fishing in clear freshwater. Since it comes in a pack of 10 you can attach it to multiple rods for a higher strike rate.


6. Storm WildEye Swim Shad 03 Fishing Lure 

  • These ultra-realistic swim shad baits feature super-soft hand-poured bodies that are so lifelike, you might be tempted to take a bite yourself
  • Sporting strong soft bodies with internal lead heads and bio-salt impregnated tails
  • These durable baits are pre-rigged with a superior VMC needle point hooks. 3 per pack

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 1 pc
  • Size: 3 inches
  • Weight: 0.25 ounce

It is a well-known fact that crankbait tends to be a little more expensive than other types of fishing lures. The Storm WildEye fishing lure is here to solve this problem. This bait is a very affordable crankbait fishing lure that looks realistic.

Additionally, it comes in multiple colors based on user preference and needs. At 3-inch length, you can catch fairly large bass or perch fish with this lure.

It has a single metal hook that provides excellent grip and does not damage the fish when removed.


7. Lixada Fishing Lure 7 Segment Lifelike Swimbait 

  • Bionic 4inch/10cm 7-segment fishing lure, 3D lifelike eyes and verisimilar body detail as real fish.
  • Lifelike swimming stroke, S-swim motion at any speed.
  • Using strong fabric to joint the fish, pulling force up to 17kg.

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 1 pc
  • Size: 6.3 inches
  • Weight: 0.5 ounce

The Lixada is a crankbait fishing lure that is separated into 7 distinct parts. The size of this crankbait can be adjusted on the fly to fit the type of fish you are catching. The Lixada also looks very realistic and will easily fool your prey.

Additionally, it has 2 hooks to increase its strike rate. This lure a little bit on the heavy side at 0.5 ounce so this model is mostly meant for bigger trout, perch or bass.


8. FreeFisher 6 Fishing Hard Spinner Lure 

Sale
  • Each Spinnerbait Weight:13.0g/0.46oz.Length:3.15"-4.72"Diving Depth: Whole swimming layer.
  • Comes with a high Carbon Steel Razor Sharp Treble Hooks(4#),Great for Bass, Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike and Salmon.
  • Most anglers retrieve spinnerbaits shallow, these lures can be very effective when crawled across the bottom, and fished in a slow , deep, lift and drop manner

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 6 pcs
  • Weight: 0.63 ounce

The FreeFisher comes as a pack of 6. Each unit has a distinct color so you can perform tests and see which one has the higher strike rate.

Additionally, it does a good job mimicking a real fish and should easily fool freshwater fish like bass.

This model comes equipped with a single metal hook that is heavy-duty when hooking large fish. Moreover, the FreeFisher has a shiny floater that prevents it from sinking to the bottom. It will float a couple inches from the surface, therefore making it appear like a real fish even more.


9. Sougayilang Hollow Frog Fishing Lure

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 6 pcs
  • Size: 2.15 inches
  • Weight: 0.43 ounce

The Sougayilang Hollow Frog is one of the best deals in this review. You get no less than 6 units for the price of one and it mimics a real-life adult frog.

The movement of this bait is not as good as the Lunkerhunt we reviewed above but it still gets the job done. This is a heavy-duty fishing model that comes with a dual hook so as to provide your prey from unhooking.

Moreover, when used as a crankbait this model is quite effective on a wide range of freshwater fishes.


10. Savage Gear TPE 3D Shrimp Sinking Fishing Lure 

  • Based on 3D scans from a real shrimp
  • Specially designed tail for life like kicking action
  • Ultra-realistic paint jobs perfectly mimic many shrimp species

Last update on 2024-09-17 at 12:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Quantity: 1 pc
  • Size: 4 inches
  • Weight: 0.25 ounce

The TPE 3D by Savage Gear is one of the few models in this fishing lure review that mimics a real-life shrimp as its body has been 3D scanned from a real shrimp.

Moreover, the TPE 3D is a bait with its size adjustable. On its smallest, it measures only 2.15 inches. Additionally, the lure also fairly lightweight at 0.43 ounce making it very easy to maneuver with your rod.

You have the choice between 6 different colors during purchase depending on your color choice and the water you are about to fish.


How to Pick a Fishing Lure

photo: outdoorgeartoday

1. Plastic Worm

There are several types of fishing lures on the market. The plastic worm fishing lure is by far the most common model. This is because it has a very high success rate in catching almost any type of freshwater fish that feed on the water surface.

2. Crankbait

Another type is the crankbait which is made from a very hard plastic that has excellent buoyancy in water. What we mean is that they do not sink or do not float and can be used in all types of water, from seawater to freshwater alike.

The crankbait is designed so that it needs to be pulled to create a fake movement effect called the bait action.

3. Jig

On the other hand of the spectrum, we have the jig which is another type of fishing lure that sinks at the bottom.

The jig is one of the most successful types of fishing lures in catching fish that feed on the river or seafloor. However, the jig is also one of the most difficult to operate.

4. Spoons

The spoon is another popular type of lure that has for many years been used as a saltwater fishing lure with great success. This type of bait is also one of the oldest artificial bait used in the industry.

Indeed, the spoon sits just below the water surface and when they are retrieved, the wobble from side to side mimics the movement of a small fish with great accuracy.

5. Flies

The fly fishing lure is the lightest bait that you can buy. It mimics the regular fly and it floats on water. This type of bait is mostly for catching fish that feed on the water surface.

There are several types of flies fishing lure like dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, and bugs. They all perform the same function of mimicking a real-life fly to attract fish.

6. Color

As many fishes use their eyes to catch prey, your fishing lure needs to be colorful as well. Of course, this will depend on the type of water you are trying to fish. In murky water, it is generally better to go with a fishing lure that has a darker color. In Clearwater, go with a more colorful fishing lure.

7. Local Visit

Last but not least, a very important aspect is that before you go to a fishing spot for the first time you talk with some local fishermen. They will advise you on the type of fish that is generally present during that time of the year so that you can get a good idea of the type of fishing lure to use.

How to Buy the Best Fishing Lures

Photo: gameandfishmag.com

In order to get a high strike rate when fishing, it is important to understand some basics about what to look for in an artificial bait. Here is some invaluable information that will help you up your game and purchase the best fishing lure for the money:

1. Lure Type

There are several types of fishing lures available on the market. You will need to choose a type that is suited for the fish you are trying to catch.

Plastic Worm:

The plastic worm is the most common type of fishing bait on the market. It is a simple and yet very effective invention that has a good strike rate.

They can be of any size and color and in general, they are between 3-inch to 10-inch in size.

Therefore, they can be used to catch fairly large fishes. Preferentially, the plastic worm fishing lure is normally used only in freshwater because of its effectiveness there. But one of the best things about the plastic worm is that it’s very easy to use by even absolute beginners.

Crankbait:

One of the most versatile types of fishing lures is the crankbait.

Due to the pulling action of the rod, the crankbait mimics a real-life creature like a crawfish in the water.

The only caveat with the crankbait is that it is labor-intensive. However, depending on the population of fish around this type of lure is one of the most successful artificial baits around.

Jig:

The jig sinks to the bottom of the floor and is a particularly difficult type of fishing lure to use.

In general, the jig is used mostly by professional fishermen and experts and not beginners because they have a very high likelihood of getting caught at the bottom of the water.

2. Color

Many fishes use their eyes to spot prey. Therefore, the color of the fishing all is very important. If you are fishing in murky waters, go with a fishing lure that has a dark color for best strike rate.

On the other hand, in clear and freshwater it is generally a good idea to go with a colorful fishing lure. If this is your first time buying a fishing lure, a colorful lure is a safe bet.

4. Size and Weight

In general, fishing lures need to be less than half an ounce of weight so that they can be effective. Heavier than that, they will sink to the bottom and behave more like jigs. If they are heavier than half an ounce there will also lose their bait action movements.

In addition to weight, the size is also important because it will directly dictate the size of fish that you can catch. In essence, the smaller the fishing lure the smaller the fishing can catch. The contrary is also true for bigger fishes.

5. Bait Action

The bait action is basically how the lure behaves when in contact with water. Depending on the water current and the slight pull of the rod the fishing lure will adopt a particular action that makes it mimic a real-life insect.

The bait action is especially important when fishing for fishes that use their eyes a lot like bass. You do not want a fishing lure that looks like a piece of plastic floating on water as this is unimpressive to both the user and the fish as well.

Conclusion

By Volis61/shutterstock

As we have seen, there are several types of fishing lures for both seawater and freshwater. In addition, they often come as a set with multiple units so you can get started right away and attach them to multiple rods.

Our fishing lure review above lists some excellent models for the money. If you are not sure which lure to get, we recommend you read it one more time.

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Martin Garagher
Martin was born in a fishing village near Baja peninsula. He knows the art of fishing since he was 6 years old. He is now an accomplished fisherman with many decorations in his belt. He currently works as a professional fishing trainer and an author in many international fishing magazines.

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