10 Best Muskie Lures 2026 in the United States

The Berkley Gulp! Grub is a 6-inch soft plastic lure designed primarily for saltwater fishing but versatile enough for targeting large freshwater species like muskie. Its white color and wide swimming tail provide good visibility and realistic action in the water, which helps attract big fish. One standout feature is the natural ingredient blend that releases scent 400 times stronger than regular plastic baits, increasing its effectiveness in murky or deep water.

This lure works best on jigs or as a trailer, adding enticing movement to your setup. It’s tough and durable, which is helpful when fighting strong fish like muskie, so you won’t have to replace it after just a few catches. While not specifically made for muskies, its size and action fit well within what muskie anglers look for. However, this lure doesn’t specify a particular depth range, so it may require adjustment depending on your fishing spot.

For anglers seeking a reliable soft bait that offers strong scent and natural swimming action, especially in saltwater or larger freshwater environments, the Berkley Gulp! Grub is a solid choice. Matching it with the right jig and fishing depth will help maximize its effectiveness.

The Bassdash SwimShad Glide Bait is a 7-inch jointed swimbait designed to attract large fish like muskie, bass, pike, salmon, and trout. Its slow sinking action allows it to work through different water depths, making it versatile for various fishing conditions. The single-jointed body creates a natural S-wave swimming motion, which can be enhanced by pauses and reel turns to better mimic prey and attract bigger fish. Weighing 2.2 ounces, it’s heavy enough for longer casts and has eight built-in stainless steel balls that add noise and balance, which is helpful when water clarity is poor.

The realistic design features vivid 3D laser eyes and a soft rubber fishtail that improve its lifelike movement. Its natural color pattern targets species like largemouth bass and muskie effectively. While the slow sinking speed is great for covering the water column, it might not be ideal if you need a fast-sinking lure for deeper or faster water. Also, its size and weight might be a bit much for beginners or those fishing in tight spaces.

Anglers looking for a large, lifelike lure with strong action and noise to entice big, wary fish will find this bait highly effective.

The Bassdash SwimShad Glide Bait is designed to attract large fish such as muskie, bass, pike, and trout, making it a strong choice if you're targeting these species. Measuring about 4.5 inches and weighing 0.65 ounces, it offers a good size and weight for casting and stability in the water. Its slow sinking action allows you to work the lure through different depths, which is helpful if fish are spread out vertically. The single-jointed body creates a natural swimming motion, enhanced by the soft rubber tail that adds realistic movement.

One of the standout features is the built-in stainless steel balls, which not only help balance the lure and improve casting distance but also generate noise to attract fish in murky water where visibility is low. The black and silver natural color with 3D laser eyes adds to its realistic appeal. You can control the glide bait easily with pauses and reeling, which helps mimic injured prey and tempts bigger, cautious fish.

On the downside, the plastic material might not hold up as well against very aggressive strikes or multiple catches compared to more durable lures. Also, the lure’s size and weight might not be ideal for very shallow or extremely deep water fishing without adjustments. While generally versatile, this bait is best suited for anglers who want a lifelike, noisy lure to cover a variety of depths when fishing for big, predatory fish. If you often fish in clear water or need a lure for fast retrieval, you might want to consider other options.