Buyer's Guide
How to Choose
Cover different depths
Build a box that fishes top to bottom: a topwater or shallow crankbait, a mid-depth spinnerbait or jerkbait, and a bottom-bouncing soft plastic or jig. Let the fish tell you what depth they want.
Match color to water clarity
In clear water, natural colors (shad, green pumpkin, brown) look realistic. In stained or muddy water, bright and dark colors (chartreuse, white, black-blue) stand out and create a stronger silhouette.
Start with confidence baits
You don't need a huge collection. A crankbait, a spinnerbait, and a few soft-plastic worms and craws will catch fish in most lakes and rivers — add specialized baits only as you learn a water.
Keep your tackle organized
A divided tray keeps hooks sharp, baits separated, and decisions fast on the water. Soft plastics can melt some hard-bait finishes, so store them apart. Rinse and dry metal tackle to prevent rust.
Three baits cover most freshwater fishing: a crankbait for active fish, a spinnerbait to search cover, and a soft-plastic worm for when the bite is tough. Master those before expanding your tackle box.