If you’re just getting into fishing, walking into a tackle shop (or scrolling through one online) can feel overwhelming. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, jerkbaits — what do they all do? And when should you use them?
Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, so you can get out on the water with confidence — and come back with fish stories.
🐟 Start With Your Target Fish
Are you fishing for bass? Crappie? Maybe even musky? Knowing what you’re after will help narrow things down fast.
Here’s a general idea:
| Fish | Best Lure Types |
|---|---|
| Bass | Crankbaits, Soft Plastics, Spinnerbaits |
| Crappie | Small Swimbaits, Tubes, Grubs |
| Musky | Large Swimbaits, Glide Baits, Topwater |
🚤 Lure #1: Crankbaits (for covering water fast)
Crankbaits are great for beginners because they’re simple to use. You just cast and retrieve — and they do the work.
If you’re fishing for bass in lakes or ponds, start with a Square Bill Crankbait (1.5) with the Sexy Shad style.
It imitates a baitfish and works especially well in warmer months when bass are feeding aggressively.
🌾 Lure #2: Soft Plastics (for when the bite gets tough)
If the fish aren’t biting moving lures, slow it down with soft plastics. Try a 5″ Stick Bait in Watermelon Red on a wacky rig or Texas rig.
→ [Link to: 5″ Stick Bait – Watermelon Red]
This setup works just about anywhere and is a go-to for both beginners and pros.
💡 Lure #3: Spinnerbaits (for murky water or windy days)
Spinnerbaits create flash and vibration, which helps fish find them in low visibility.
A great all-around choice is the 3/8 oz Spinner Bait – Firecraw
It’s perfect for stained water or springtime bass.
💥 Lure #4: Topwater (when fish are feeding near the surface)
Want an adrenaline rush? Use a Popper or Walking Bait early in the morning or late in the evening when fish are hunting near the surface.
Try the 4″ Big Belly Popper – Bone/Orange
Or the 5″ Walking Bait – Bullfrog for explosive strikes.
🐊 Lure #5: Big Game? Go Musky
If you’re targeting something toothy like musky, you’ll want something big, loud, and attention-grabbing.
Check out the 10″ Jake – River Shad or the 5.5″ Bazooka Popper – Bleeding Shad
These lures are made to handle big predators.
🎯 Final Tip: Match the Conditions
- Clear water? Use natural colors (shad, pumpkinseed).
- Muddy water? Use brighter colors (chartreuse, firecraw).
- Hot weather? Fish deeper or early/late.
- Cool weather? Slow down your retrieve.
🧠 Bonus: Don’t Overthink It
Start simple. Grab a few reliable options like:
- Square Bill Crankbait
- Soft Stick Bait
- Spinnerbait
- Topwater Popper
…and learn how they feel. The more you fish, the more you’ll figure out what works — and why.
🛒 Ready to try some out?
Head over to our shop and check out our Shop — or just scroll through and pick a couple to get started.
Got questions? Hit us up anytime — we’re happy to help you catch more fish.
And remember: “It’s not in the size of the catch but in the joy of pursuit” –
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.