Texas rigs, drop shot, wacky, or Carolina rigs: however you rig them, soft plastics get bit. The field is wide and varied, with baits built using various compounds in an even bigger variety of shapes. ICAST had plenty of new releases this year, and we did our best to bring them all to you.
STRIKE KING PINGER MINNOW
Strike King developed the Pinger Minnow to get the most out of forward-facing sonar, with a realistic minnow profile that stands out vividly on live sonar for effortless depth control. The unique tail shape that creates rolling action that is sure to trigger strikes. A 90-degree line tie enables an awesome, horizontal swimming action. Pre-rigged to stand up to multiple fish. Available in 10 colors.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
STRIKE KING RAGE BUZZ MINNOW
Strike King’s new Rage Buzz Minnow is a high-performing, soft plastic topwater lure that promises erratic action with next level durability. The unique shape gives off a distinct noise and vibration at the water’s surface to elicit violent strikes from high-pressured bass. Available in a wide selection of colors to match any situation, with incredible casting properties.
MSRP: $6.99
STRIKE KING FINAL COPY SWIMBAIT
Strike King’s Final Copy Swimbait is built with an internal magnetic harness embedded within to ensure longevity. It also has uniquely placed loops for multiple rigging options. The distinct shape allows it to excel during high-speed retrieves and even weight distribution runs true under all circumstances. Paired with a free-swinging, premium treble hook and available in 4.75- and 6-inch sizes in a variety of hatch-matching colors.
MSRP: $9.99 – $10.99
STRIKE KING HOMING MINNOW
Strike King designed the Homing Minnow to stay in the strike zone longer, with a realistic minnow profile that is picked up easily by forward-facing sonar. The ability to be viewed live allows anglers to track the Homing Minnow, keeping it where it needs to be to get bit. A 90-degree line tie keeps it swimming in a realistic manner, with an ultra-sharp 2/0 hook, and it weighs ¼ ounce.
MSRP: $6.99
CRUSH CITY MOOCH MINNOW
Having already won over $600,000 in tournament winnings before it’s been launched, the Mooch Minnow will be one of the most successful lures of all time. Made with Super TPE the Mooch Minnow is perfectly balanced whether rigged on a drop shot or jighead. The unique paddle tail design gives the Mooch Minnow an incredibly realistic and subtle action that triggers fish to bite under the toughest conditions. The Mooch Minnow is 3.5 inches long and available in 20 of Jacob Wheeler’s favorite colors.
MSRP: $5.99
CRUSH CITY JANITOR
When it comes to Neko rigs, drop shots and shaky heads the Janitor cleans ‘em up! The tapered tail quivers with the slightest movement and the integrated slot for the VMC Crossover Ring maximizes usage for Neko and wacky rigging. Like all CrushCity baits, there is a custom amount of salt, flake and color to maximize the action and present the perfect presentation. The Janitor measures in at 6 inches and is available in 14 colors. Like all CrushCity colors they are meticulously perfected alongside Jacob Wheeler.
MSRP: $6.49
CRUSH CITY HEDGEHOG
Whether you’re flipping shoreline cover or dragging a Carolina rig, the Hedgehog has appendages that provide action with the slightest of movements. The Hedgehog has some tricks up its sleeve, with back ribs to help to conceal the hook point and appendages going every which way to maximize its action and show the fish something they’ve never seen. Available in 16 colors and measuring in at 4.5 inches.
MSRP $6.99
CRUSH CITY PIGSTICK
Wheeler wanted shimmy and shimmy is exactly what he got. In addition to shimmy, the Crush City Pigstick has premium colors, durability and a slot for a VMC Crossover ring. This one will get it done in any stick bait situation. The Pigstick measures 5 inches and will be available in 19 colors.
MSRP: $6.99
GREAT LAKES FINESSE HOVER MINNOW
The Hover Minnow, the only soft bait of its kind, offers both spiraling and darting actions thanks to its unique concave belly. When fished vertically, the Great Lakes FinesseHover Minnow glides in a spiraling pattern on the fall. When jigged in place, it darts randomly. When fished horizontally, any twitch of your rod will have it rolling, darting, and gliding randomly. As the Cindy Rig, Moping, Mid-Strolling, and Hover Strolling techniques have become more popular, fish are becoming conditioned and harder to catch. Let the erratic action of the Hover Minnow do the trick.
MSRP: $6.99
GREAT LAKES FINESSE 3.24 INCH DROP MINNOW
Designed in partnership with Travis Manson (Smallmouth Crush), the Great Lakes Finesse Drop Minnow is now available in a 3.25 inch version. This versatile minnow-profile bait is ideal for drop shot presentations, Damiki rigging, or hop it, swim it, or fish it like a Ned. The ribbed body puts vibrations in the water, and the thin tail gives incredible lifelike action—the smallest movement will have the tail twitching like crazy. When dead-sticked the bait will sit perfectly horizontal, giving it a natural appearance..
MSRP: $6.99
Z-MAN GRAPH SHADZ
Do you love your forward-facing sonar (FFS)? Z-Man has a new bait designed to make the most of the new technology. The 3.8-inch Graph ShadZ’ deep profile and air cavity boosts sonar reflectivity, while the molded-in scale patterning traps and releases air bubbles for even greater sonar-visibility. The new bait, built with Z-Man’s famed buoyant ElaZtech material and minimalist line-through jighead design and recessed, under-chin line tie, reaches fish fast but hovers in the strike zone with a perfectly horizontal posture. Offered in eight tournament-tailored color-matched bodies and heads, in 3/16-, 1/4- and 3/8-ounce weights. Weights are stamped on jighead for easy reference.
MSRP: $6.99 per pre-rigged jighead/softbait combo and spare bait body.
Z-MAN SHADTRON LT
Looking for a realistic and durable swimbait featuring a shad profile? Check out Z-Man’s Shadtron LT, winner of the Best Freshwater Soft Lure at ICAST 2024. The new bait features a pioneering over/under line-through harness that allows for both top hook rigging with an included single hook or belly rigging with a treble hook (not included.) A precisely balanced weighted harness and buoyant body composition help maintain the lure’s upright posture on the slowest retrieves, during the fall and even at rest on the bottom. The lifelike body features accurate gill plate, eye, scale and fin details, and the 10X Tough ElaZtech composition promises to significantly outlast traditional swimbaits. Available in eight lifelike, photo-printed and hand-painted color schemes in 4.5- and 6 inch sizes in slow sink and fast sink varieties.
MSRP: 4.5 inch: $12.99 and 6 inch: $15.99
Z-MAN CHATTERSHAD
Is this the perfect ChatterBait trailer? It just might be. The slim baitfish-profile of the ChatterShad sports a broad, razor-thin fan tail that enables its authentic tail-flapping action, with a diamond-shaped cross section that increases energy transmission from ChatterBait vibration, further enhancing bait action. Pronounced V-shaped ridges on top and bottom tail surfaces increase water displacement and quivering motion for even more attraction, even at rest. The malleable ElaZtech composition enhances the action of the bait, while standing up to countless strikes, hooksets and big bass battles. Dorsal and ventral hook slots enable weedless rigging. Also works well fished on a jighead or swimbait hook for a variety of other fishing applications. Offered in 10 ChatterBait-coordinated colors in 4.5 inch (4 per pack) to match all standard bass sized ChatterBait bladed jigs and a downsized 3.5 inch size (5 per pack) for compact bladed jigs like the ChatterBait MiniMax.
MSRP: $4.99 per pack
Z-MAN DROP KICKERZ
Need a finesse bait that also works with forward-facing sonar applications? The slender Z-Man Drop KickerZ excels in dropshot, Ned rigging and hover strolling, thanks to its vigorous yet subtle tail motion and natural, horizontal posture. The finesse baitfish profile transitions to a ribbed belly that produces fish attracting bubble trails and vibration, with a rounded, wedge-shaped tail that kicks and swims even at the slowest retrieve speeds. A top and bottom hook-slot in the neutrally buoyant salt-impregnated body enables arrow-straight, easy weedless rigging with a small EWG hook. Available in 2.75 inch (6 per pack) and 3.5 inch (5 per pack) sizes, in 10 color patterns.
MSRP: $4.99
Z-MAN TRD FATTYZ
Z-Man presents the latest in finesse baits with the introduction of the 3.25 inch TRD FattyZ. The result of years of refinement from the creators of the Ned rig bait category, the TRD FattyZ features a tantalizing, slinky-like action thanks to the bait’s slender midsection and meatier posterior that tapers down to a spearpoint tail. Soft yet durable ElaZtech composition provides natural buoyancy that self-activates on the pause. Stop the retrieve and watch the tail ascend, wave and ripple with the slightest activation or underwater current. Pair this with Finesse ShroomZ, NedlockZ or other Ned rig jigheads to give bass a subtle, minimalist presentation that gets bit even by heavily-pressured fish. Available in 12 colors.
MSRP: $4.99 per 8-pack
Z-MAN MICRO WORMZ
Z-Man applies the fish-catching magic that is their exclusive ElaZtech superplastic to trout, crappie, perch, sunfish and super-selective bass with the latest entry in the Micro Finesse system. The new Micro WormZ features a slender, segmented, tapering body and telltale egg sack, that gives the soft little worm imitation multi-species appeal. Ideal for use with a Micro Finesse ShroomZ jighead, it can also be fished on a single-hook wacky or dropshot rig. Available in 10 choice color patterns, from Hot Chartreuse and Bubble Gum to natural Green Pumpkin and Yoga Pants.
MSRP: $4.99 per 8-pack
Z-MAN GUPPY GRUBZ
Want a really durable crappie bait? Check out the new 2-inch Micro Finesse Guppy GrubZ from Z-Man. The 10X Tough ElaZtech composition lets the crappie-sized twister tail bait to catch multiple limits of panfish without sacrificing its soft, yet impossibly tough tail. Speaking of tails, the broad yet thin curly tail displaces plenty of water and combines with the natural minnow torso to draw in crappies, perch, trout and all panfish. Mate these with Micro Finesse ShroomZ and Micro Shad HeadZ or other jigheads and get bit fast. Offered in 10 trendy, fish catching colors, including glow and high-vis hues as well as earth tones for tough bites.
MSRP: $4.99 per 8-pack
BERKLEY POWERBAIT DRIP MINNOW
The PowerBait Drip Minnow was designed to mimic shiners and other baitfish with an internal core and over-molded body creating contrast and adding detail to the bait. The unique “drip”-shaped tail provides a subtle and responsive action. For anglers looking to up their finesse fishing game, Berkley’s newest soft bait features their proven HD Tru Color technology with never-before-seen color options. The extremely versatile bait pairs up with Berkley’s new Fusion19 Hybrid Jighead along with a variety of other rigging options such as a drop shot, snap jig, or EWG hook.
MSRP: $8.99
ZOOM WINGED FLUKE
Zoom Bait Company’s Salty Super Fluke has been a go-to for bass anglers everywhere, thanks to its ideal baitfish shape, darting action, and salty formulation that works in various conditions. Now, Zoom is adding to its extensive line of baits with the new Winged Fluke, a fresh take on the classic lure for today’s bass fishing challenges. The Winged Fluke, available in 4- and 5-inch sizes, features a small wing on each side of its head. This simple addition makes it an excellent choice for modern fishing techniques. Five-time Bassmaster winner Patrick Walters says the new bait is, “designed to be on a jig head or as a hover strolling bait. You can fish it in the middle of the water column, and with the flat sides it rocks back and forth when you shake it, but the wings keep it from rising.”
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
ZOOM SHIMMER SHAD
When Zoom introduced the 4.25-inch Shimmer Shad earlier this year, the response was overwhelming. Serious bass anglers found it to have multiple uses, but the common refrain was that it was the ultimate bladed jig trailer. Now, with anglers across the country clamoring for new sizes, Zoom has announced two new sizes—3- and 3.6-inches—for times when fish or conditions demand a smaller profile. All three sizes of the Shimmer Shad have the same classic slim baitfish design, ribbed skeleton rear section and forked tail that quiver at any speed. The primary usage to date has been as a trailer for a bladed jig, spinnerbait or buzzbait, but they excel when fished alone and the smallest size is deadly on a dropshot or a small jig head in coordination with forward-facing sonar. The largest size of the Shimmer Shad is available in eight popular colors, and the two smaller sizes will initially be available in six deadly shades each. The 3.6 inch version will come in a range of universal baitfish imitators, while the 3 inch model’s palette will include bronzeback favorites such as Smallmouth Magic and Goby.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
DUO REALIS VERSA PINTAIL 4 AND 5 INCH MODELS
The versatile Duo Realis Versa Pintail gets bigger this year. The bait can still be fished with all kinds of rigs, from a standard jighead, as a spinnerbait trailer, or just about anything else you can think of. Excellent stability with a seemingly supernatural action should prove effective for both freshwater and saltwater species. Just like the other Versa series, heavier material is used for the lower body to achieve more stability. The two-level back slit design can hide the hook point in the body to be completely weedless. Available in both 4 and 5 inch models.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
DUO REALIS VERSA SHAD 4-INCH
The Duo Realis Versa Shad also gained some inches this year. Most of the fan-favorite features have been inherited from the 3-inch model, however, Duo says the body was not just upscaled but re-designed to produce best performance. Heavier material is used for the lower body to achieve greater stability and consistent action even during fast retrieves and quick maneuvers. The tapered tail section combined with the flat side body design performs an excellent rolling action and flashing effect.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
DUO REALIS VERSA SHAD FAT 5 AND 7 INCH MODELS
Everything is seemingly bigger at Duo this year. The Versa Shad Fat has grown from the original 3-inch offering to include 5 and 7 inch variants. Both of the beefy profile soft baits will offer a stable swimming posture, with big swings of the tail and natural side to side roll action that will induce bites—even on slow retrieves. The dual-level back slit is present to hide the hook point and make the bait completely weedless.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
REBEL LIVEFLEX PREMIUM SOFT PLASTICS
Scent-infused to draw in fish and entice more bites, Rebel’s line up of finesse creature baits will get the job done even with heavily pressured fish. Lifelike shapes and colors designed to mimic natural prey, including the Cata Crawler, Creek Craw, Creek Creature, Hopper, Shore Shiner. These realistic baits are great for Ned rigging, bouncing through current, dragging bottom, swimming, drop-shotting, Texas rigging, split-shot rigging, or rigging weightless for twitching. Pre-rigged on Rebel’s unique KEG jighead.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
MUSTAD FREESTYLE FROG 2.0
Mustad has updated their Freestyle Frog with the introduction of the 2.0 version. The new design builds on all the award-winning benefits of legacy LIVETARGET frogs, with Injected Core Technology that provides an alluring inner core and a highly durable, exoskeleton. The hollow interior compresses easily when a fish bites for solid hook sets and greatly improves buoyancy in any environment. Ultra-realistic legs give the frog an unmatched lifelike profile and action in the water. The Freestyle Frog 2.0 will be available in 2-, 2.5-, and 3-inch sizes.
MSRP: $9.99
MUSTAD LIVETARGET SHAD
Mustad’s new LIVETARGET Shad promises to draw big strikes with its ultra-realistic multi-color laminated core with an enticing translucent exoskeleton. A split belly and dorsal fin offers exceptional rigging flexibility and maximum hook-up ratios—pair it with an EWG-style or swim bait hook sized 6/0-12/0 and hold on. The Shad is available in three distinct sizes (4.5-, 5.5-, 6.5-inch) and eight colors; 2-3 per pack.
MSRP: $9.99
MUSTAD LIVETARGET SUNFISH
Mustad knows sunfish are big bass baits, so they introduced the new LIVETARGET Sunfish. The Injected Core Technology used to build the bait creates intricate, multi-colored metallic layers encased in a clear, robust exoskeleton. The three-dimensional build offers realistic eyes, precisely sculpted scales, fins, lateral line, and body profile in a package that refracts light throughout the entire bait. With its unique tail, the bait is well-suited to dissecting areas believed to hold big fish. Available in three sizes; 3.3-, 3.8-, and 4.3-inch.
MSRP: $9.99
MUSTAD CRAW
The Mustad Craw is a new direction for the company in creature baits, utilizing their Injected Core Technology to craft an ultra-realistic craw imitation with lifelike anatomical features such as a segmented body with intricate textures and ridges, meticulously formed claws, legs, and even an eyestalk. Available in 12 distinct color variations and two size options, 2.8- and 3.8-inches, for rigging in a variety of methods.
MSRP: $7.99
MUSTAD STICK WORM
Mustad’s new Stick Worm, the softest of the company’s LIVETARGET’s worm profiles, comes in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-inch sizes to excel in a variety of techniques. NED rigging enthusiasts will appreciate the 3- and 4-inch versions, which stand perfectly upright thanks to their saltless composition which enhances buoyancy and exhibits a pronounced quiver in the tail. The 5- and 6-inch versions feature a reduced salt content in the core to achieve a slow to medium sink rate, setting it apart from traditional fast-sinking stick worms. Available in eight distinct color variations and four size options.
MSRP: $6.99
MUSTAD STRAIGHT TAIL WORM
Mustad’s Straight Tail Worm, the stiffest among LIVETARGET’s new worm profiles, has a slender head and tapered body that narrows before expanding into a bulbous tail. Unlike many straight tail worms, this one doesn’t contain any salt for a slow to medium sink rate and enhanced durability. Rig it Texas-style to work heavy cover or target fish near the bottom or mid-water column with shaky head or drop shot rigs. Available in three sizes: 4.5-, 5.5- and 6.5-inches—this modern straight tail worm is available in eight colors.
MSRP: $6.99
MUSTAD FINESSE WORM
Mustad’s Finesse Worm adds subtle bulk to the traditional finesse profile, with its thicker body, gradually tapering from head to tail like a baseball bat. With no salt to weigh it down, you can rig it unweighted on a Texas hook and drag it across the surface, Or, add a bullet weight for presentations along the bottom and through dense cover. Drop shotting is also effective, with the thinner tail dancing with the slightest movements. Available in eight colors—four classics and four new options—and three sizes.
MSRP: $6.99
YAMAMOTO NUKI BUG
The Yamatanuki just got a little bugged out. Yamamoto’s all-new Nuki Bug is everything anglers love about the Yamatanuki, but with the addition of 2 flanged claws and 6 legs. The 3.5-inch Nuki Bug falls like the original but has a subtle swimming action, even when rigged weightless on an EWG Hook. Available in 8 gorgeous colors with 6 per pack.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
YAMAMOTO SHAD SHAPE SWIMMER
Finesse is the name of the game in swimbaits right now, and the Yamamoto Shad Shape Swimmer provides the perfect action and profile that anglers (and fish) are craving. Available in three sizes (3.2-, 3.7’-, 4.2’-inch) and 17 colors, 5 of which are brand new Stealth Series colors, the Shad Shape Swimmer is a must-have for any serious swimbait fisherman. High quality materials and incredible color options, both of which Yamamoto is known for, team up with an awesome design to offer you a swim bait that produces as well as it looks.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
BIG BITE BAITS NEKORAMA
Designed in conjunction with MLF pro Drew Gill, the Big Bite Baits Nekorama is a 7-inch worm built to be the ultimate Neko worm. Incorporating features that maximize success, The Nekorama features two indentions to better hold your O-ring and is designed with the perfect body-to-tail size proportions to achieve maximum action. Effective both deep and shallow, the Nekorama is available in 12 all-matte, realistic colors and comes 12 per pack.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
BIG BITE BAITS BEST SKIPPER EVER
“Best” is a strong word. Big Bite Baits means it with the new Best Skipper Ever. Designed in collaboration with Nick Smith, known as the Informative Fisherman, the Best Skipper Ever is truly unlike anything else on the market. Measuring in at 3.5 inches, the BSE is built to skip like a rock—and that’s exactly what it does. Available in 8 colors, the Best Skipper Ever is ready to live up to its name.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
LUNKERHUNT HIVE VERSA STRIDER
Introducing the Versa Strider, the newest addition to Lunkerhunt’s HIVE series of baits, crafted their innovative UDSP material for durability and performance. Measuring 3 inches in length, the Versa Strider features multiple floating appendages that spring to life with the slightest movement, creating an enticing action that attracts fish from near and far. The Versa Strider excels with a variety of rigging options and techniques, including drop shot, wacky, Ned rig, and more. Whether you’re targeting bass in dense cover or fishing open water, this bait adapts to your preferred method, delivering consistent results.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
LUNKERHUNT UNSALTED 6-INCH TUBE
Lunkerhunt’s new 6-inch Unsalted Tube was expertly crafted for targeting large game fish like lake trout. With its lifelike appearance and enticing action, this bait is designed to attract trophy-sized predators. Whether casting from shore or trolling deep waters, the Unsalted Tube is your go-to bait for landing trophy catches.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
LUNKERHUNT HIVE VERSA TOAD
Introducing the Versa Toad, which expands Lunkerhunt’s HIVE line of soft plastic baits made with durable UDSP. This versatile 3.75-inch floating bait is designed to navigate through any cover you can imagine. Its lively, fish-enticing paddle feet create a surface commotion that draws fish from afar and entices those hiding in heavy cover. Perfect for Texas-rigging, the Versa Toad can be buzzed across your favorite cover or open water, making it an essential addition to your tackle box. Scent infused for extra attraction, each pack includes four baits that will help you land your next big catch.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication.
