Best Freshwater Fishing Plugs of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Freshwater fishing plugs are a popular type of fishing lure designed to attract fish by mimicking the movement and appearance of live bait. These plugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, and can be made from materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. They are commonly used to catch species such as bass, pike, and trout in freshwater lakes and rivers. Whether you are an experienced angler or just starting out, freshwater fishing plugs can be a great addition to your tackle box for a successful day out on the water.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Got-Cha 100 Series Fishing Bait Lure Cover #TOP 1
Got-Cha 100 Series Fishing Bait Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.9
LAZY LURES Multi Jointed Fishing Lures Cover #TOP 2
LAZY LURES Multi Jointed Fishing Lures
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Smithwick Suspending Rattlin' Rogue Jerkbait Lure Cover #TOP 3
Smithwick Suspending Rattlin' Rogue Jerkbait Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Freshwater Fishing Plugs

Got-Cha 100 Series Fishing Bait Lure

Got-Cha
0029-0046
Red / White
Got-Cha 100 Series Fishing Bait Lure Cover
Got-Cha Plug 100 Series Fishing Bait – Versatile Fish Lure for Salt & Freshwater

The Got-Cha Fishing Plug is an excellent choice for both salt and freshwater fishing. With its durable plastic body and weighted head, it is designed for easy use, allowing you to catch species like Spanish mackerel and trout. The lure's two treble hooks ensure that you can hook fish effectively, increasing your chances of a successful catch. Additionally, it is available in over 20 vibrant colour combinations, making it easy to attract various gamefish. Its lightweight design also aids in effortless casting, enhancing your fishing experience.

What We Like
Versatile for various fish species
Durable and easy to use
Available in many colours
Lightweight for easy casting

LAZY LURES Multi Jointed Fishing Lures

13.5cm
LAZY LURES Multi Jointed Fishing Lures Cover
LAZY LURES Fresh Water and Salt Water Fishing Lures for Pike Bass Perch Trout Multi Jointed Fishing Accessories (Segmented)

LAZY LURES Fishing Lures come as a set of three multi-jointed lures, each weighing 19.5g and measuring 13.5cm. These realistic artificial baits are designed to mimic a struggling fish, making them effective in attracting predators. With an eight-segmented body, they provide exceptional swim action in both fresh and saltwater. The lures also feature striking 3D eyes and two treble hooks, enhancing their life-like appearance and increasing your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Realistic swimming action
Effective for various fish species
Available in three attractive colours
Lightweight and easy to use

Smithwick Suspending Rattlin' Rogue Jerkbait Lure

Smithwick
ASDRB12303
Lerch
4.5", 3/8 oz
Smithwick Suspending Rattlin' Rogue Jerkbait Lure Cover
Smithwick Lures Suspending Rattlin' Rogue Minnow-Style Jerkbait Crankbait Fishing Lure, Freshwater Fishing Gear and Accessories, 4.5", 3/8 oz, Lerch (ASDRB12303)

The Smithwick Rattlin' Rogue is designed with a special semi-transparent body that enhances its base colours and reflective scale properties, making it visually appealing to fish. With a trolling depth of 10-14 feet, you can effectively target various fish species. Its maximum flash will attract fish from afar, while maintaining a realistic look when they get closer. Additionally, the lure is equipped with quality treble hooks and stainless steel hardware, ensuring durability and effective hook-ups during your fishing adventures.

What We Like
Attractive semi-transparent design
Effective trolling depth
High visibility for fish
Durable stainless steel hardware

XBLACK Jointed Fishing Lures Kit for All Waters

XBLACK
JM043
5.31/0.74oz
XBLACK Jointed Fishing Lures Kit for All Waters Cover
XBLACK Fishing Lures Jointed Fishing Kits for Freshwater and Saltwater,Lifelike Swimbaits for Bass Trout Crappie,Slow Sinking Bass Fishing Lure,Family Fishing Gear,Amazing Fishing Gifts for Men

The XBLACK Fishing Lures offer a unique design with a multi-jointed body that allows for lifelike movement in the water, making it easier for you to attract predator fish. The high-quality ABS material ensures durability and includes a built-in gravity ball for improved casting distance. With sharp, rust-proof treble hooks, you can rely on effective catches in both freshwater and saltwater. Their versatility allows you to target various species, from bass to salmon, enhancing your fishing experience.

What We Like
Lifelike swimming actions
Durable ABS construction
Sharp, rust-proof hooks
Effective in all water layers
Wide target species range

Sunrise Angler Jointed Swimbaits for Fishing

Metallic Combo A
Sunrise Angler Jointed Swimbaits for Fishing Cover
Sunrise Angler Multi Jointed Swimbaits | Sinking Swimming Lures for Freshwater, Saltwater Bass Trout Fishing (Metallic Combo A)

The Sunrise Angler Swimbaits are versatile lures suitable for all-year-round fishing. The jointed crankbait design ensures a realistic, wobbly action in the water, enhancing its attraction to fish. Equipped with ultra-sharp #4 VMC hooks, you can rely on their durability and effectiveness when catching bass or trout. The lure features 3D eyes and a premium hand-painted finish, which, combined with an internal rattle, helps draw fish in. Its unique floating and suspension capability allows for versatile use at varying depths.

What We Like
Realistic swimming action
Ultra-sharp, durable hooks
Attractive 3D eyes
Versatile floating/suspension use
#TOP 6

Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue Minnow Jerkbait

Smithwick
ADR5296
Promise
5.5 Inch 5/8 Oz
Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue Minnow Jerkbait Cover
Smithwick Lures Perfect 10 Rogue Minnow-Style Jerkbait Crankbait Fishing Lure, Freshwater Fishing Gear and Accessories, 5.5", 5/8 oz, Promise

The Smithwick Rogue Minnow offers an erratic action that can entice even the most sluggish fish to take a bite. You will appreciate how it mimics a real baitfish with its side-flash, prompting aggressive strikes. The super sharp and durable hooks ensure that any fish attracted to your lure won't get away easily. With a diving depth of over 10 feet, this lure is designed with input from top jerkbait anglers, making it a reliable choice for your freshwater fishing adventures.

What We Like
Provokes strikes from lethargic fish
Mimics real baitfish effectively
Durable and sharp hooks
Dives over 10 feet
Developed with expert input
#TOP 7

Sunrise Angler Lipless Crankbait for Bass

Simi Vibe- Red Craw
Sunrise Angler Lipless Crankbait for Bass Cover
Sunrise Angler Hard baits | Crankbaits | Shallow Square Bill | Deep Diver | Lipless Fishing Lures for Bass, Trout Freshwater and Saltwater (Simi Vibe- Red Craw, 3.00)

The Sunrise Angler Crankbait is designed for fishing in shallow waters, making it perfect for targeting bass and trout. Its lipless design allows for effective retrieval over grass beds, ensuring you can fish year-round, particularly during pre-spawn early spring or late fall. The ultra-sharp #4 VMC hooks ensure a solid catch, while the quality features, such as 3D holographic eyes and textured scale finish, enhance visibility in the water. Additionally, the built-in rattle produces a distinctive sound that attracts fish, increasing your chances of a successful outing.

What We Like
Effective in shallow waters
Ultra-sharp hooks for better catches
Built-in rattle attracts fish
Quality, eye-catching design
#TOP 8

SA Sunrise Angler Jerkbaits for Bass and Trout

Metallic 2pk
SA Sunrise Angler Jerkbaits for Bass and Trout Cover
SA Sunrise Angler Jerkbaits for Freshwater, Saltwater Bass Trout Fishing (Metallic 2pk)

The SA Sunrise Angler Jerkbaits are perfect for fishing in both freshwater and saltwater. Their design is ideal for shallow waters filled with rocks, weeds, or submerged covers, ensuring you can effectively attract fish even in challenging conditions. With ultra-sharp hooks, you can enjoy a higher catch rate as they are designed to penetrate easily. The quality features, including 3D eyes and a premium hand-painted texture, enhance visibility and realism in the water. Additionally, these lures smoothly dive between 4 and 7 feet, allowing you to target fish at various depths.

What We Like
Effective for shallow water fishing
Ultra-sharp hooks for better catches
Realistic 3D eyes for attraction
Smooth diving action for versatility
#TOP 9

LENPABY Hard Plastic Fishing Lures Set

LENPABES057
LENPABY Hard Plastic Fishing Lures Set Cover
LENPABY 4pcs/lot Hard Plastic bent Minnow Fishing Lures bass wobble Swimbaits Bass Trout fishing tackles for Saltwater and Freshwater 11.5cm/4.53"/11.8g

The LENPABY Fishing Lures are designed to enhance your fishing experience, whether in freshwater or saltwater. With strong and penetrating triple eyes, these lures create a realistic appearance in the water, enticing predators to bite. Made from eco-friendly materials, they are not only reusable but also durable, ensuring long-term use. You can enjoy quality fishing time with family, as these lures cater to various fishing methods and species, making them a fantastic choice for fishing enthusiasts.

What We Like
Realistic design for effective fishing
Eco-friendly and reusable materials
Suitable for various fishing methods
Great for family fishing activities

DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures for Bass and Trout

DMSHARK
Blad Mackerel
5 Inch
DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures for Bass and Trout Cover
DMSHARK 5" Jointed Fishing Lures Minnow of Medium Diving Jerkbait Lifelike Swimbaits Hard Crankbait Topwater Slow Sinking Fishing Tackler for Bass Walleye Trout Freshwater Saltwater (Blad Mackerel)

The DMSHARK 5" Fishing Lures are an excellent choice for anglers targeting species like trout and pike. With powerful double 6# treble hooks, you can enjoy a higher chance of reeling in larger fish without the fear of losing them. The realistic action and look of these lures mimic natural prey, attracting hungry predators effectively. Their diving vane and jointed body create vibrations in the water, enticing even the most cautious fish to strike. This combination of features ensures a successful fishing experience for you.

What We Like
Powerful treble hooks
Realistic action and look
Diving vane for better strikes
Variety of colours available
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What fish do plugs catch?

Diving offshore fishing plugs are used when trolling in deep water for species such as king mackerel, tuna, grouper, dolphinfish (mahi mahi), and wahoo. Many of these offshore plugs are reflective holographic hardbaits with large plastic lips that enable them to reach depths of 20 or 40 feet.

2. Why are they called fishing plugs?

Sometimes, plugs are named after their diving ability, e.g. "deep-diver" or "shallow-diver". Plugs can also be designed to hover (neutral buoyancy), sink slowly, or sink rapidly. Some have a small metal ball inside to "rattle" when retrieved. Other lures are sometimes generically called plugs or wobblers.

Editor's Notes

During our freshwater fishing plug research, we found 18 freshwater fishing plug products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,548 customer reviews through our big data system to write the freshwater fishing plugs list. We found that most customers choose freshwater fishing plugs with an average price of £16.31.

The freshwater fishing plugs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of freshwater fishing plugs, including Got-Cha, Lazy Lures, Smithwick, XBLACK, SA Sunrise Angler.

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.