Best Bluegill Fishing Plugs of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Bluegill fishing plugs are a type of lure that mimic the appearance and movement of bluegill fish. These plugs are designed to attract predatory fish, such as bass and pike, by mimicking the natural movements of their prey. The plugs come in a variety of colours and sizes, with some even featuring realistic fins and eyes. They are a popular choice among anglers who want to increase their chances of catching fish, and are often used in freshwater fishing environments such as lakes and rivers.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 Fishing Lure Cover #TOP 1
Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 Fishing Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Strike King HC5XD Crankbait Fishing Lure Cover #TOP 2
Strike King HC5XD Crankbait Fishing Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sunrise Angler 4 Inch Bluegill Swimbait Lure Cover #TOP 3
Sunrise Angler 4 Inch Bluegill Swimbait Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bluegill Fishing Plugs

#TOP 1

Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 Fishing Lure

HCKVDS1.5-622
Bluegill
1.5-ounce
Strike King KVD Square Bill 1.5 Fishing Lure Cover
Strike King (HCKVDS1.5-622) KVD Square Bill 1.5 Fishing Lure, 234 - Bluegill, 3/8 oz, Unique Action

The Strike King KVD Lure features a unique action that helps attract fish effectively, making your fishing experience more enjoyable. Unlike many other lures, it has no internal rattles, providing a quieter option that can be advantageous in clear waters or during pressured fishing conditions. This lure dives to a depth of 3-6 feet, allowing you to target fish in their natural habitat. Its bluegill colour is specifically designed to mimic the appearance of prey, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Unique action for attracting fish
Quiet design without rattles
Dives to optimal fishing depth
Realistic bluegill colour
#TOP 2

Strike King HC5XD Crankbait Fishing Lure

HC5XD-651
651 - Neon Bluegill
5/8 oz
Strike King HC5XD Crankbait Fishing Lure Cover
Strike King (HC5XD-651) Promodel Crankbait S5XD Fishing Lure, 651 - Neon Bluegill, 5/8 oz, Unique Curved Bill and Balance

The Strike King HC5XD Lure features a unique curved bill and balance, making it an effective tool for attracting fish. Its striking finishes enhance visibility in the water, ensuring that it stands out to potential catches. The lure is equipped with free-floating rattles that create enticing sounds, which can help draw fish in. Additionally, it emits varying sound frequencies, providing versatility in appealing to different types of fish. This combination of features makes it a valuable addition to your fishing gear.

What We Like
Unique curved bill design
Attractive striking finishes
Free-floating rattles
Varying sound frequencies
Dives to 15 feet
#TOP 3

Sunrise Angler 4 Inch Bluegill Swimbait Lure

Sunrise Angler 4 Inch Bluegill Swimbait Lure Cover
Sunrise Angler 4 Inch Bluegill Jointed Swimbait | Sinking Hard Bait Fishing Lure for Freshwater Game Fishing with Textured Lifelike Skin, Curvy 'S' Swim and 3D Prismatic Eyes (Bluegill)

The Sunrise Angler Bluegill Swimbait is designed with five segments and a square bill, enabling a natural "S" swimming action that attracts large gamefish. As a sinking lure, it allows you to control the depth at which you fish, ensuring it stays in the Strike Zone. The lure features realistic 3D eyes and a textured body that mimics a Bluegill, making it appealing to various freshwater species. Additionally, the built-in rattle produces sounds resembling bait fish, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Realistic swimming action
Adjustable sinking depth
Attractive 3D holographic eyes
Built-in rattle for sound
Durable sharp treble hooks
#TOP 4

4.5'' Multi Jointed Jerkbait for Bass Fishing

Real Fish
Yellow
4.5"
4.5'' Multi Jointed Jerkbait for Bass Fishing Cover
4.5'' S-Defender Jerkbait swimbait Kokanee Bluegill S Curve Waver Trout Multi Jointed Lifelike Hard Swim Bait Fish Bait Bass Fishing Lure Diving (Yellow Perch)

The Real Fish Jerkbait is designed for effective fishing, especially when trolling or ripping. Its realistic profile mimics an injured bait fish, triggering a reaction bite from hungry fish. The detailed image of bait fish enhances its attractiveness, ensuring you catch the attention of larger fish. Additionally, its multi-jointed design allows for a natural swimming action, making it irresistible to fish looking for a lively target. This innovative lure is perfect for those seeking to entice even the most reluctant fish.

What We Like
Realistic bait fish profile
Multi-jointed for natural movement
Effective for trolling and ripping
Targets larger, curious fish
#TOP 5

Yo-Zuri 3DB CRANK 1.5 MR Fishing Lure

R1353NBG
Natural Bluegill
2-3/8"
Yo-Zuri 3DB CRANK 1.5 MR Fishing Lure Cover
3DB CRANK 1.5 MR (F) 60mm 2-38'' NATURAL BLUEGILL Fishing Lure

The Yo-Zuri 3DB CRANK Lure is a fishing plug designed to enhance your fishing experience. Manufactured in the Philippines, this lure measures 0.787 inches in height, making it easy to handle and store. Its compact length of 5.709 inches allows for precise casting, ensuring you reach your target area effortlessly. Additionally, with a width of 1.378 inches, it presents an enticing profile in the water, attracting fish effectively. With these features, you can enjoy a more successful fishing trip.

What We Like
Compact and easy to store
Precise casting capability
Effective fish attraction
Quality from the Philippines
#TOP 6

Bill Lewis SB-57 Lifelike Squarebill Crankbait

Bill Lewis
SB697
BLUEGILL
3/8 ounce
Bill Lewis SB-57 Lifelike Squarebill Crankbait Cover
Bill Lewis Lures Lifelike SB-57 3/8 OZ. MDJ Series Squarebill Crankbait Fishing Lure with Mustad Triple Grip Hooks, Bluegill

The Bill Lewis SB-57 Crankbait is designed for versatility and effectiveness, ensuring that a more active presentation leads to more strikes. Its unique honeycomb wall construction makes the bait both thinner and stronger, enhancing agility and creating a natural fluttering action. You’ll appreciate the stock Triple Grip hooks, which are designed to maximise hooking power without tangling. Additionally, the crankbait features a sensitive lip that allows for high action and impact, making it perfect for navigating tough cover while diving between 3-6 feet.

What We Like
Highly effective for attracting fish
Durable and strong construction
Non-tangling Triple Grip hooks
Agile with natural movement
Ideal for navigating tough cover
#TOP 7

4" Real Fish Spring Shad Swimbait

Real Fish
4 Inches
4" Real Fish Spring Shad Swimbait Cover
4" Spring Shad Multi Jointed Swimbait Bass Fishing Lure Bait Hard Slow Fast Sinking Life Like Big Gizzard Shad Minnow Bluegill Dark Sleeper Hooks (4" Striped Bass)

The Real Fish Swimbait features a realistic profile that mimics the swimming action of a baitfish, making it an effective lure for catching striped bass. Its fast sink rate ensures it reaches active fish quickly, allowing you to fish effectively at different depths. The actual image of the baitfish wrapped onto the lure enhances its natural appearance, attracting more fish. Additionally, this swimbait acts like a jerkbait, making it easy to target tricky areas where fish are hiding, ensuring a greater chance of success.

What We Like
Realistic baitfish appearance
Fast sinking for quick access
Effective in various fishing conditions
Great for targeting tough spots
Ideal gift for fishing enthusiasts
#TOP 8

9" Silver Shiner Swimbait for Bass Fishing

Real Fish
Silver Shiner INJ
9" Silver Shiner Swimbait for Bass Fishing Cover
9" Summer Dancer Swimbait Glide Bait Rainbow Trout Bluegill Multi Jointed Lifelike Hard Swim Bait Bass Fishing Lure Diving (Silver Shiner INJ)

The Silver Shiner Swimbait is designed to attract big fish like stripers and bass. Its lifelike appearance mimics real baitfish, ensuring you get those big bites. The slow sink feature allows you to target suspended fish effectively. Ideal for trolling, this lure works at both high and low speeds, providing versatility in various fishing conditions. Whether you choose to cast or troll, you’ll find this bait to be a reliable choice for your fishing adventures.

What We Like
Lifelike baitfish appearance
Effective for big fish
Versatile trolling speeds
Great for rocky areas
#TOP 9

4" Real Fish Rainbow Trout Swimbait Lure

Real Fish
4 Inches
4" Real Fish Rainbow Trout Swimbait Lure Cover
4" Spring Shad Multi Jointed Swimbait Bass Fishing Lure Bait Hard Slow Fast Sinking Life Like Big Gizzard Shad Minnow Bluegill Dark Sleeper Hooks (4" Rainbow Trout)

The Real Fish Swimbait boasts a realistic rainbow trout profile that attracts active fish effortlessly. With a fast sink rate of 10"-15", this lure reaches the strike zone quickly, ideal for fishing around rocky points and drop-offs. The actual image of bait fish wrapped onto the lure enhances its natural appearance, making it more enticing to fish. Additionally, its small profile allows you to twitch it like a jerkbait, enabling you to target tough areas where fish are lurking, ensuring a successful fishing experience.

What We Like
Realistic design attracts fish
Fast sinking for effective use
Great for rocky points
Versatile for various fishing spots
Easy to use in tough areas
#TOP 10

Real Fish 4" Spring Shad Swimbait Lure

Real Fish
Real Fish 4" Spring Shad Swimbait Lure Cover
4" Spring Shad Multi Jointed Swimbait Bass Fishing Lure Bait Hard Slow Fast Sinking Life Like Big Gizzard Shad Minnow Bluegill Dark Sleeper Hooks (4" Light Rainbow Trout Injured)

The Real Fish Swimbait features a light rainbow trout injured design that realistically mimics the movement of baitfish, making it an effective lure for attracting active fish. With its fast sink rate, you can easily reach the strike zone, particularly around rocky points and drop-offs. The actual image wrapped onto the bait enhances its natural appearance, increasing your chances of a catch. Additionally, it serves as a great search bait, allowing you to pinpoint bait balls with ease, making your fishing experience more successful.

What We Like
Realistic baitfish profile
Fast sinking for effective fishing
Great for targeting active fish
Effective in rocky areas
Ideal for pinpointing bait balls
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best bait to catch bluegill?

The most common baits are worms and night crawlers because they are readily available and bluegill love them. The key is to use only a piece of a worm—just enough to cover the hook. Other productive baits include crickets, grasshoppers, red wrigglers and meal worms. Artificial lures also work well for bluegill.

2. What month is best for bluegill fishing?

While other fishermen outside the ice belt might prefer bluegill on hot summer days when all else seems to fail. However, if you don't have enough fishing experience to develop preferences, then the best time of year to fish is during the warmer months. This is generally spring through fall.

3. How deep should I fish for bluegill?

Most nests can be found 1 to 4 feet deep, except in clear water where spawning beds might be as deep as 10 to 15 feet. On larger reservoirs, spawning bluegill can be found 2 to 7 feet deep in the backs of pockets along flatter banks.

Editor's Notes

During our bluegill fishing plug research, we found 11 bluegill fishing plug products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,725 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bluegill fishing plugs list. We found that most customers choose bluegill fishing plugs with an average price of £19.03.

The bluegill fishing plugs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bluegill fishing plugs, including Strike King, SA Sunrise Angler, Real Fish, Yo-Zuri, Bill Lewis.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.