Best Fishing Plugs of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Fishing plugs are one of the most popular types of artificial lures among anglers. These small, hard-bodied lures are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of real fish, making them irresistible to predatory species such as bass, pike, and walleye. Fishing plugs come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing anglers to match the hatch and target specific species in different types of water. Whether you're fishing in freshwater streams, rivers, or lakes, or saltwater bays and estuaries, there's a fishing plug out there that's perfect for your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Skylety 6-Piece Fishing Practice Plugs Cover #TOP 1
Skylety 6-Piece Fishing Practice Plugs
ftb score rating icon 9.9
THKFISH Fishing Practice Plugs Cover #TOP 2
THKFISH Fishing Practice Plugs
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sanhu 6" Cedar Plug Lures Set Cover #TOP 3
Sanhu 6" Cedar Plug Lures Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Fishing Plugs

#TOP 1

Skylety 6-Piece Fishing Practice Plugs

Skylety-181176
Orange
Skylety 6-Piece Fishing Practice Plugs Cover
6 Pieces Fishing Practice Plugs 6 Mixed Sizes Orange Bait Casting Practice Plug for Kids Improving Casting Skills (1/5 oz, 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 2/5 oz, 1/3 oz, 3/4 oz)

The Skylety Fishing Practice Plugs come in six different weights, from 1/5 oz to 3/4 oz, allowing you to practice with various bait types. This versatility helps you enhance your casting skills in different settings. These plugs are designed for ease of use; simply attach them to your fishing line for effective practice. Their unique design reduces water resistance, making it easier for you to hit your target. Made from durable PVC, these plugs resist breaking and wear, ensuring they last through many practice sessions.

What We Like
Variety of weights
Easy to use
Durable PVC material
Reduces water resistance
#TOP 2

THKFISH Fishing Practice Plugs

Color A-7PCS
THKFISH Fishing Practice Plugs Cover
THKFISH Fishing Practice Plugs Practice Plugs Weight Casting Plug Fishing Practice for Kids Improving Casting Skill, 7 Sizes

The THKFISH Practice Plugs are designed to enhance your casting skills with their aerodynamic shape that minimizes drag and ensures accurate throws. Their high-visibility green color allows you to see your casting trail clearly, making practice more effective, whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler. Crafted from durable hard rubber, these plugs resist wear and tear, allowing for long-lasting use. Plus, the flat bottom design enhances retrieval speed, making your practice sessions more efficient and enjoyable. With a variety of weights included, you’ll have the flexibility to improve your skills anywhere, anytime.

What We Like
Improves casting accuracy
Durable construction
High-visibility design
Convenient for all locations
Variety of weights included
#TOP 3

Sanhu 6" Cedar Plug Lures Set

Natural
Sanhu 6" Cedar Plug Lures Set Cover
Offshore Fishing Cedar Plugs – 6 Pcs 6" Rigged Tuna Lures in Natural Color with Saltwater Lure Bag – Ultimate Tuna Fishing Gear

The Sanhu Cedar Plug Lures are a 6-piece set designed for serious offshore fishing enthusiasts. Each lure is pre-rigged with strong hooks, making them ready for action against big game fish like tuna and marlin. The natural wood color mimics live bait, increasing your chances of attracting fish. Additionally, the included mesh lure bag keeps your lures organized and tangle-free, adding convenience to your fishing trips. These features ensure you are well-equipped for a successful day on the water.

What We Like
Pre-rigged for convenience
Realistic bait appearance
Compact storage bag included
Durable wood construction
#TOP 4

Skylety Fishing Practice Plug Set

Skylety-205920
Skylety Fishing Practice Plug Set Cover
Fishing Practice Plug Fishing Casting Plug Baitcasting Rubber Practice Plug Suitable for Kids Improving Casting Skill, 6 Sizes (6 Pieces)

The Skylety Practice Fishing Plugs are designed with quality PVC material, ensuring they are tough and durable for extended use. This set includes six plugs in various weights, allowing you to choose the right one for your practice sessions. The focus on the bottom of the plugs makes precise casting easier, helping you enhance your skills effectively. They are simple to use; just attach them to your line and start practicing without worrying about damaging your gear. With their bright orange-red color, you can easily track your casts, making your practice sessions more productive.

What We Like
Durable PVC construction
Multiple sizes available
Easy attachment process
Improves casting precision
Convenient for any location
#TOP 5

BLUEWING Cedar Plug Fishing Lure

wood
4 inch
BLUEWING Cedar Plug Fishing Lure Cover
BLUEWING 4" Cedar Plug 2pcs Fishing Plugs Wood Lure Natural Cedar Fully for Catching Tuna, Marlin and Other Carnivorous Fish

The BLUEWING Cedar Fishing Plug is expertly crafted for your fishing needs. Its smooth lead head and cedar wood body ensure durability, allowing you to cast it repeatedly without worry. The unique design lets it move fluidly in the water, increasing your chances of attracting fish for longer durations. With a sanded smooth finish, it eliminates the risk of damaging your fishing line, giving you peace of mind. The included fluorocarbon leader is nearly invisible underwater and offers excellent resistance to abrasion, making it a reliable choice for targeting both tuna and other pelagic species.

What We Like
Durable construction
Attractive movement in water
Smooth edges protect lines
Invisible fluorocarbon leader
#TOP 6

Abvsdu Fishing Practice Plugs Set

Abvsdu
Orange
Abvsdu Fishing Practice Plugs Set Cover
Abvsdu 6 PCS Fishing Practice Plugs - 6 Mixed Sizes Orange Bait Casting Practice Plug, Suitable for Children to Improve Throwing Skills (1/5 oz, 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 2/5 oz, 1/3 oz, 3/4 oz)

The Abvsdu Fishing Practice Plugs set includes six different weights, allowing you to practice casting with versatility. This assortment is perfect for honing your skills in various environments. You can easily attach these plugs to your fishing line to practice both long-distance and precise casting, improving your accuracy. Made from durable PVC, these plugs resist damage and wear, ensuring they last through many practice sessions. With wear strips on the bottom, they protect surfaces from scratches, making them ideal for use in yards or playgrounds, especially for beginners.

What We Like
Variety of weights
Improves casting accuracy
Durable PVC construction
Scratch-resistant design
#TOP 7

BRADS KOKANEE CUT PLUG

BRADS
MULTI
One Size
BRADS KOKANEE CUT PLUG Cover
2PK KOKANEE CUT PLUG MJM

The BRADS KOKANEE Plug is designed to enhance your fishing experience with its innovative features. Its unique split-cavity design mimics the natural movement of wounded bait fish, making it more enticing for catches. The UV reflective paint ensures that it stands out in various water conditions, attracting fish from a distance. Additionally, the rotating action adds an extra layer of realism, increasing your chances of a successful catch. With these advantages, you’ll find it easier to lure fish and enjoy your time on the water.

What We Like
Realistic wounded fish action
Attractive UV reflective paint
Unique split-cavity design
Enhanced rotating movement
#TOP 8

Hawken SCP30013 Cut Plug

Hawken Fishing
Widow Maker
One Size
Hawken SCP30013 Cut Plug Cover
Hawken SCP30013 Cut Plug 3.0 - Widow Maker

The Hawken Cut Plug 3.0 offers anglers a unique inline design that enhances performance, allowing for a smooth, drag-free roll that attracts fish effectively. You can choose to rig it through the belly for a traditional approach or through the tail for a quicker, tighter roll that fish often find irresistible. Additionally, this lure features a scent chamber that works with Pro-Cure scents, ensuring a long-lasting aroma that won't wash off easily. Lastly, the lure includes a bright light stick that can be activated for added visibility, making it effective for fishing in both day and night conditions.

What We Like
Drag-free rolling action
Customizable rigging options
Long-lasting scent chamber
Bright light stick feature
#TOP 9

Generic PVC Fishing Practice Plug DYSLELHS001

Generic
DYSLELHS001
orange
One Size
Generic PVC Fishing Practice Plug DYSLELHS001 Cover
Generic Fishing Practice Plug PVC Fishing Practice Casting Plug Rubber Practice Plug Suitable Kids Fishing Lures 6 Mixed Sizes Weight for Improving Casting Skills, orange, DYSLELHS001

The Generic Fishing Practice Plug is designed to enhance your casting skills effectively. Its unique water design minimizes resistance, allowing you to hit your target with accuracy. Made from durable PVC, this plug is built to withstand wear and tear, ensuring it won’t easily break or deform during use. You can practice casting anywhere, whether at a lake, in your backyard, or even indoors, making it a versatile tool for any fishing enthusiast. Plus, the included stainless steel ring simplifies setup, so you can start honing your skills without any hassle.

What We Like
Durable PVC construction
Weather-resistant practice
Easy setup with steel ring
Improves casting accuracy
#TOP 10

Bimini Cedar Plug Fishing Lures

Bimini
Black
Bimini Cedar Plug Fishing Lures Cover
Set of 3 Cedar Plug trolling Fishing Lures 6 inch Natural Cedar Fully Rigged with 150 Lb Mono! Packaged in Black MESH Bag!

The Bimini Cedar Fishing Plugs set includes three 6-inch lures that are fully rigged with a durable 150 lb mono leader. These lures are specifically designed to attract a variety of pelagic fish such as tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish, enhancing your fishing experience. Their streamlined design helps keep the hooks free from weeds, allowing you to fish longer without interruptions. Additionally, the lures come packaged in a premium black mesh bag, making storage simple and cleaning a breeze. With these features, you can focus on your fishing while enjoying the convenience of well-designed equipment.

What We Like
Durable 150 lb mono leader
Attracts various pelagic fish
Weed-resistant design
Easy storage and cleaning
Buying Guide Image

Basic Information to Help You Figure out the Best Fishing Plugs

Introduction to Fishing Plugs

If you're an avid angler, you know that choosing the right fishing lure can be the difference between a successful day on the water and a frustrating one. Fishing plugs, also known as crankbaits or hardbaits, are an integral part of any angler's tackle box. These lures mimic the movement and appearance of live bait, making them an effective choice for catching a variety of fish species. But with so many different fishing plugs on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we'll cover the basics of fishing plugs and provide some tips on how to choose the best ones for your fishing style and the conditions you'll be fishing in.

Types of Fishing Plugs

Fishing plugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, each designed to mimic different types of bait and attract different species of fish. Some common types of fishing plugs include:

  • Minnow plugs: These lures have a slender, fish-like shape and are designed to mimic the movement of a minnow or other small baitfish. Minnow plugs are effective for catching a wide range of fish species, including bass, walleye, and pike.

  • Crawfish plugs: Crawfish plugs have a bulky, lobster-like shape and are typically used to target bass, pike, and other predatory fish that feed on crawfish in their natural habitat.

  • Frog plugs: Frog plugs are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of a frog or other amphibian. These lures are often used to target largemouth bass, which are known to feed on frogs in shallow water.

  • Topwater plugs: Topwater plugs float on the surface of the water and are designed to mimic the movement of insects, baitfish, or other prey that fish feed on at the water's surface. These lures are effective for catching a variety of fish species, including bass, pike, and muskie.

Choosing the Right Fishing Plug

When choosing a fishing plug, there are a few key factors to consider. These include:

  • The type of fish you're targeting: As we mentioned earlier, different fishing plugs are designed to mimic different types of bait and attract different species of fish. Consider the type of fish you're targeting and choose a fishing plug that is known to be effective for that species.

  • The type of water you'll be fishing in: Different fishing plugs are designed to be used in different types of water. For example, topwater plugs are best used in shallow water, while minnow plugs are effective in deeper water. Consider the type of water you'll be fishing in and choose a fishing plug that is designed for that environment.

  • The conditions you'll be fishing in: The weather and water conditions can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your fishing plug. For example, in cloudy or low-light conditions, brightly-colored fishing plugs are more visible to fish and may be more effective. In clearer water, natural-colored fishing plugs may be more effective. Consider the conditions you'll be fishing in and choose a fishing plug that is well-suited to those conditions.

Conclusion

Fishing plugs can be an effective choice for catching a variety of fish species. By considering the type of fish you're targeting, the type of water you'll be fishing in, and the conditions you'll be fishing in, you can choose the right fishing plug for your needs and increase your chances of success on the water. With the right fishing plug in your tackle box, you'll be well-equipped to land that trophy fish you've been after.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are plugs used for in fishing?

Plugs are lures used in fishing to imitate baitfish, frogs, and other prey. They come in different shapes and sizes, with the term 'minnow' used for long, slender lures, and 'plug' used for shorter, deeper-bodied lures. Plugs are designed to attract fish and can be used for both freshwater and offshore fishing.

2. Why do fish like cedar plugs?

Cedar plugs are popular for offshore fishing because they mimic small baitfish like mackerel, herring, or sardine. These plugs are often trolled behind a boat and can be rigged with a single hook or a tandem hook rig to increase the chances of getting a strike. The realistic appearance and movement of cedar plugs make them enticing to fish.

3. What is a trolling plug?

A trolling plug is a type of lure designed to imitate an injured baitfish. It has the right action and movement in the water to attract fish. Trolling plugs are commonly used while trolling, and it's essential to choose the right plug based on the conditions and fish species. The right action and presentation can make a significant difference in fishing success.

4. How fast do you troll plugs?

When trolling plugs, it is generally recommended to troll at a speed faster than when bait fishing. The optimal trolling speed for plugs is typically between 2.5 and 5.6 mph. Pay attention to the angle of your rigger line when you get a strike, as it can help you replicate the successful speed in future fishing attempts.

5. How do you tell how deep a lure will go?

You can estimate the diving depth of a lure by looking at the plastic lips on the front of the bait. Longer lips usually indicate a deeper diving depth, while shorter lips suggest a shallower diving depth. However, weighted baits like rattle baits may have different characteristics. Experimenting with different lure designs and retrieving techniques can help determine the effective diving depth.

6. What is the best wood for fishing plugs?

Different woods have different characteristics for fishing plugs. Softer woods like balsa, pine, cedar, white cedar, and basswood are lighter and have faster action, often floating. Harder woods like maple, oak, ash, and walnut are more challenging to shape but create suspending lures with tighter action. The choice of wood depends on the desired action, buoyancy, and fishing conditions.

7. How deep do plugs dive?

Plugs are versatile lures that can swim from just beneath the surface to depths exceeding 40 feet. They have a wobbling action and produce fish-attracting vibrations. The diving depth of a plug can vary depending on factors such as the design, weight, retrieval speed, and fishing conditions. Experimenting with different plugs and techniques can help determine the most effective diving depth.

Editor's Notes

During our fishing plug research, we found 24 fishing plug products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,001 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fishing plugs list. We found that most customers choose fishing plugs with an average price of $11.14.

The fishing plugs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fishing plugs, including Skylety, THKFISH, Sanhu, BLUEWING, Abvsdu. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,234 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.