7 Best Trout Lures in 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Updated: November 28, 2022

Panther Martin

Panther Martin Trout Lure

Convex concave blades send out Sonic vibrations that are irresistible to fish
Heavy weighted bodies cast like bullets and go down deeper

Worden’s Original Rooster Tails

Yakima-Bait-Wordens-Original-Rooster-Tail-Spinner-Lure

Unique Spinning Action
In-Line Weighted Body Design
UV Finishes Available

Rebel Lures Jointed Minnow Fishing Line

Rebel-F3001S-Original-Minnow

The Rebel Jointed Minnow Lure is a jointed jerkbait/"broke-back" slender minnow lure

Rapala Original Jointed Minnow

Rapala-Original-Jointed-Minnow

Suspending/Neutral Buoyancy Tested
Long-Casting
Loud Rattles
Runs Straight and True

Acme Kastmaster Spoon Fishing Lure

Acme-Kastmaster-Fishing-Lures

Field tested by expert anglers
10-15 lb test - medium-heavy spinning, baitcasting, trolling, in fresh or salt water

Rapala X-Rap Magnum Lure

Rapala-X-Rap-Magnum-Lure

The massive diving-lip takes the X-Rap Magnum deep.
Running Depth: 15-30 ft
Hand tuned and tank tested

Berkley Gulp!

Berkley-Gulp-Alive-Minnow

Durable Product
Replaces the real thing for trolling or jigging
Measures 2-1/2-inch length and package contains 18 count

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    If you're a trout fisherman, then you know that the right lure can mean the difference between a day of fishing and a day of catching. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best trout lures on the market today, and we'll give you tips on how to use them to your advantage. So read on for information on the best lures for catching trout!

    Behind the bass, panfish, and catfish, trout are the 4th most popular to fish for in North America - and for good reason! While adult trout do like to put up a good fight, they are plentiful in streams, rivers, and lakes, and are a tasty game fish to eat.

    When fishing for lake trout specifically, it’s easier to catch them in the spring and fall, as they will go deeper into the water to stay cool during the summer. The question is, what kind of trout fishing lure will you use to catch them?

    There is an abundance of lures on the market, some specifically marketed towards catching trout. We’re going to take you through the 7 best trout lures for 2023 so we can narrow down the right lure for any fishing enthusiast.

    The 7 Best Trout Lures for 2023

    1.     Panther Martin

    7 Best Trout Lures in 2023 - Reviews and Buying Guide 1

    Panther Martin makes sharp and colorful lures, specifically designed to attract trout. Trout are drawn to bright colors that stand out in the water and these lures definitely deliver. The unique Panther Martin Inline Spinner design allows the lure to spin easier and cast further, while the heavy weight body goes down deeper into the water. The unique convex/concave shape of blade on these lures sends out sonic vibrations that further attract trout, sending them into a feeding frenzy.

    In general, trout fishermen find Panther Martin lures to be incredibly effective and long lasting, with the Panther Martin Trout Kit in particular to be exceptional value for money. With 36 lures included in the kit in various sizes and colors, you truly have everything you need! The only downside is that even the largest of these lures may be too small for an angler.

    2.     Worden’s Original Rooster Tails

    7 Best Trout Lures in 2023 - Reviews and Buying Guide 2

    Developed in the 1950's by Howard Worden, the Worden's Rooster Tail has already been making a name for itself for decades. Known as one of the most productive lures ever invented, its spinning blade and colorful, pulsating hackle tail makes the Rooster Tail irresistible to not only trout, but striped bass, perch, stripers, pike, and other gamefish.

    Generally, this classic lure is incredibly effective. The only complaint really seems to be that the lure can hang up and get snagged, but you won’t see many negative reviews on the Rooster Tail.

    3.     Rebel Lures Jointed Minnow Fishing Line

    7 Best Trout Lures in 2023 - Reviews and Buying Guide 3

    The Rebel Jointed Minnow Hard Lure is a jointed jerk bait or "broke-back" minnow. This means that the articulated body imitates that of a baitfish that has been severely injured, attracting more bites than most solid body lures. This can be particularly effective in getting strikes from stubborn walleye and other gamefish. One of the great things about the Rebel Lures, is that they are designed to be fished three different ways: slowly reeled on the surface, retrieved at a steady speed just below the surface, and twitched and paused like a traditional trout bait.

    While some anglers say that this is the best top water lure they’ve ever used, others find that the jointed body has a negative effect on the run during retrieval, causing it to not have a straight run.

    4.     Rapala Original Jointed Minnow

    7 Best Trout Lures in 2023 - Reviews and Buying Guide 4

    This classic fishing lure has proven itself in a variety of conditions over the years, and can be used as a steady retrieve, stop-and-go retrieve or as a twitch bait. Its Balsa wood construction is lightweight, yet strong and durable and has the profile of a real fish. This mock live bait design is truly what helps it excel in catching trout, especially when it comes in both classic and bleeding patterns. These lures include three hooks that are made from nickel, which will not budge after they’ve snared a big fish.

    The Rapala Original Jointed Minnow is many fisherman’s go-to when fishing for trout, especially when you’re not having much luck. It has been known to catch trout of all sizes, although some anglers still find the Floater to be too small.

    5.     Acme Kastmaster Spoon Fishing Lure

    7 Best Trout Lures in 2023 - Reviews and Buying Guide 5

    These weighted trout fishing lures have been field tested by expert anglers, and are the perfect choice for deep lakes, as well as streams and open waters. The aerodynamic design of this lure allows it to easily cast far distances. The Kastmaster is made from solid brass, which means you won’t have to worry about it breaking or bending, or rusting and corrosion.

    Although this fishing lure is supposed to retain its luster after repeated exposure to saltwater, trout anglers have not always found this to be the case. The plating can wear out over time, causing the appealing flashing and shining of the spoon to diminish.

    6.     Rapala X-Rap Magnum Lure

    7 Best Trout Lures in 2023 - Reviews and Buying Guide 6

    Although the RapalaX-Rap Magnum lure is quite a small bait, it’s incredibly effective for its size. This lure includes a weighted body, which has the ability to cast incredibly far. This is a slow-sinking bait, which is designed to work from 2-3 feet in the water column, making it an ideal choice for streams and small ponds.Its unique design includes external etches scales, gills, and fins, as well as 3D holographic eyes. Each lure is hand-tuned and tank-tested before going into the box, which is pretty great.

    The only downside is that the hooks that it comes with cannot be used in saltwater. Otherwise, it’s hard to find a bad review on these bad boys.

    7.     Berkley Gulp!

    7 Best Trout Lures in 2023 - Reviews and Buying Guide 7

    If you prefer a seriously lifelike soft bait, you may end up swearing by the Berkley Gulp! These scented lures also entice trout with their aroma, making them even more realistic. These lures can replace real minnows for trolling or jigging and are overall very effective in catching trout. They are made of a biodegradable water-based formula and are supposed to be quite long lasting.

    Unfortunately, many anglers have not found this last point to be the case, and have observed them falling apart quite quickly. So, if you’re looking for long lasting lures, these may not be for you. Luckily, a pack of them is quite inexpensive, making repurchasing these effective lures affordable.

    Which Trout Lure Should I Choose?

    These 7 lures are some of the very best out there for catching trout, and any of them would be a fantastic choice to add to your tackle box. Trout do prefer colorful and/or lifelike lures, so keep this in mind if you’re going the artificial lure route. Any of the 7 lures on our list have been proven effective time and time again for catching trout. Of course, not every lure will catch trout every single time, so adding all 7 to your collection really couldn’t hurt!

    You might also be interested in: 10 Best Fish Scaler Tools for Ultimate Fish Scaling Action

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