10 Best Fishing Baits 2026 in the United States

The Berkley PowerBait Floating Mice Tails offer a soft plastic bait option designed primarily for freshwater fishing, especially targeting species like trout, crappie, bluegill, and perch. At 3 inches long, the size is versatile enough to mimic natural prey without being too large, making it appealing to a range of fish. The chartreuse and fluorescent orange colors provide strong visibility underwater, which is helpful in murky or low-light conditions.

One of the standout features is its exclusive PowerBait formula, which includes an irresistible scent and flavor that encourages fish to hold on longer, increasing your chances of a successful catch. The bait’s floating nature combined with its lively, worm-like action offers a realistic presentation that can imitate natural movements in the water. This can be especially beneficial if you prefer to rig your bait like live worms. However, since it’s a soft plastic bait, it may not work as well in heavy cover or rough conditions where more durable baits are needed. Also, the scent and flavor, while effective for many fish, might not be as attractive in all environments or to all species.

The packaging is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your tackle box. This bait is well suited for anglers looking for an easy-to-use, scented soft plastic bait with good visibility and lifelike action, ideal for freshwater panfish and trout fishing. Beginners and casual fishers should find it especially user-friendly and effective for common freshwater species.

The Northland Fishing Tackle Glass Buck-Shot Ice Fishing Jigging Spoon is a specialized bait designed for ice fishing, especially effective for catching walleye, perch, crappie, and similar fish. It weighs 1/4 ounce and comes in assorted translucent colors that mimic small baitfish. This spoon stands out because of its clear hard resin coating that protects it from chips and keeps it looking new, even after hitting rocks. It has a unique action that flutters and flashes in the water, combined with a distinct loud glass rattle to attract fish by sound and movement. The premium construction includes sharp treble hooks attached securely to ensure you don’t easily lose a catch. Its size and weight make it suitable for jigging, which is a common ice fishing technique.

Though it does not have a scent, it compensates with visual and sound cues that are appealing underwater. Available in different colors and sizes, it offers flexibility depending on where and what you’re fishing. One minor downside is that it may not attract fish species outside of the typical ice fishing targets, and some anglers might prefer scented baits for certain conditions. Its durability, realistic look, and tested effectiveness make this spoon a solid choice for ice anglers looking for a reliable and versatile jigging bait.

The Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr is a reliable option for anglers targeting saltwater fish. This three-pack offers tough construction and a selection of dazzling colors such as Red Head Holographic, Bone, and Black Shiner, enhancing its visual appeal to fish. The realistic finishes and strong, sharp hooks contribute to its effectiveness in attracting and securing catches.

Designed for 'walk-the-dog' presentations, the action of this bait mimics the movements of a distressed baitfish, which is particularly enticing for predators. The spear point style hooks ensure a secure hold on the catch. Despite weighing only 0.01 ounces, the bait's rugged line tines add to its durability, making it a long-lasting addition to any tackle box.

The Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr is well-suited for saltwater fishing enthusiasts looking for durable and visually appealing topwater lures.