Look into any angler’s tackle box and chances are he has a selection of classic lures: soft-plastic jigs, topwater plugs, jerkbaits and swimbaits. Saltwater or fresh, largemouth bass or speckled trout, mountains, lake or sea, these lures imitate the prey predators like most. For the beginner’s tackle box, we’ve assembled the coolest new examples of the old classics. These lures update the timeless patterns with modern technology like 3D modeling, tungsten weights, and forward-facing sonar optimization.
Build a Beginner Tackle Box with New Takes On Classic Lures
Plano Waterproof Stowaway 3700
MSRP: $19.99
Tackle trays efficiently organize and store tackle to save time and space. Plano’s new StowAway has a crystal clear plastic lid to easily see the contents. The lid secures with a single latch to open the tray with one hand. The biggest innovation is invisible: the StowAway is made with Plano’s Rustrictor plastic that protects metal parts from corrosion.
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PLANO BASS PRO SHOPS ACADEMY SPORTS AMAZON
Rapala PXR Jowler
MSRP: $19.99
Most fishing lures are primarily for catching fish, but topwater lures are all about fun. Carefully working a topwater across the surface and watching a predator explode on the helpless bait makes the heart race. Rapala’s new PXR Jowler is designed for maximum topwater commotion. The cupped mouth adds a popper splash with the exaggerated walk-the-dog action. Three super-sharp VMC treble hooks improve hookup ratio. The five-inch lure is available in 10 colors to match the local forage and the fishing conditions.
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BASS PRO SHOPS DICK’S SPORTING GOODS AMAZON RAPALA
VMC Tungsten Swimbait Jig
MSRP: $10.99
A simple jig head is the most important lure in any angler’s tackle box. Slide a soft plastic paddletail, curly tail, fluke or creature bait onto the hook and the jig head provides weight to cast and work the lure. VMC’s new Tungsten Swimbait Jig is lead-free to protect the environment. The round ball head gives the best return on forward-facing sonar. A vanadium steel needlepoint hook coated with PTFE (Teflon) to prevent rust and smoothly pass through the fish’s skin and bone. The keeper secures the soft plastic without throwing the lure off balance.
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BASS PRO SHOPS AMAZON FISH USA
Z-Man 6″ Shadtron LT
MSRP: $15.99
The Shadtron LT is equally at home in the lakes and ponds or flats and channels. A unique line-through harness allows the hook to break away from the lure body. When the fish bites, the lure body slides up the line so the lure’s weight doesn’t work the hook loose during the fight. For extra assurance, add a treble hook in the belly.
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BASS PRO SHOPS ACADEMY SPORTS DICK’S SPORTING GOODS Z-MAN
Yo-Zuri 3DR X Flat Heavy Minnow
MSRP: $7.99
When fishing is tough and the fish have lockjaw, anglers need a ultrarealistic, highly appetizing lure that looks too good for fish to turn down. With a fast sink rate and a steady retrieve, the Yo-Zuri Flat Heavy Minnow has a tight wobble that drives fish crazy. The flat sides and unique action make the lure easy to spot on forward-facing sonar. The translucent body with bright colors and a dazzling shimmer match the appearance of a real baitfish.
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Berkley Krej FFS
MSRP: $15.99
Berkley reinvented the jerkbait with the new Krej. To fish a jerkbait, the angler combines a quick retrieve (the jerk) with a long pause. Krej is jerk spelled backwards because the reversed lip moves the lure backwards as it sinks. Then, on the retrieve, the lip forces the lure to dart toward the surface. The reverse glide mimics a stunned baitfish and the action allows the angler to track the lure and observe the fish’s response on forward-facing sonar.
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BERKLEY BASS PRO SHOPS ACADEMY SPORTS AMAZON
Classic lures reimagined. | Feature photo: Ric Burnley
