The 10 Best Artificial Baits
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in October of 2016. Even the finest fishing rod, reel and line combination is ineffective without the right lure, and while some anglers swear by minnows, nightcrawlers or leeches, you can just as easily haul in a ton of fish without using live options. Artificial baits are popular because they require no special storage, are usually reusable, and can help fishers target a specific species. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Yo-Zuri Crystal
2. Cotton Cordell Spoon
3. Yongzhi Blades
Editor's Notes
April 22, 2020:
Removed the Deenor Tackle because of availability issues. Added the R&R RGF4.
The success of any lure or bait depends on many factors such as available species, climate, rigs, distance from the bottom, reeling technique, and the time of day. Therefore, if you use something like the Yo-Zuri Crystal but attach a heavy sinker to it and let it sit at the bottom, odds are that you won't catch anything. The Crystal is a type of swimbait that requires that the fisherman cast the lure and then slowly reel it in so that scoop makes the lure imitate a small fish. Similarly, the Cotton Cordell Spoon works by being highly reflective and producing erratic movements that get the attention of fish with help from the fisherman.
In addition of being conscious of how to use each lure, anglers need to consult their local Fish and Wildlife regulations to ensure that their equipment and techniques are legal. In some parts of the U.S., the use of treble hooks is illegal. Certain species may be off limits, and techniques such as 'snagging' (where you hook a fish on a part of the body other than the mouth) are often illegal.
4. Yo-Zuri Popper
5. Goture Soft Set
6. R&R RGF4
7. Rat-L-Trap Magnum
8. Strike King Hack Attack
9. TB Spinners
10. Runcl Frogs
Rafael Perez is a doctoral candidate in philosophy at the University of Rochester. His primary focus is the metaphysics of time and the philosophy of mind, with a particular interest in artificial intelligence and antirepresentational models of the mind. He has extensive experience as a mechanic, a construction worker, and a general repairman. This has allowed him to gather a wealth of knowledge on automobile repair, auto parts, carpentry, masonry, welding, and the tools used in those trades. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, woodworking, and fishing.