Fishing Lure Materials: What They Are and Why They Matter

2026-05-20 | GD Angling Tackle

The materials used in fishing lure construction directly affect durability, action, buoyancy, and overall fish-catching performance. Understanding these materials helps buyers make informed purchasing decisions and anglers choose the right lures for their needs.

Lure Body Materials

ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) The most common material for hard bait bodies. ABS plastic is durable, lightweight, and cost-effective. It allows for intricate mold designs and detailed paint application. Most minnows, crankbaits, poppers, and pencil baits from major manufacturers use ABS bodies.

Polycarbonate A stronger, more impact-resistant alternative to ABS. Polycarbonate bodies are used in lures designed for heavy cover or toothy species where extra durability is required.

Wood (Balsa and Cedar) Traditional lure materials that offer unique buoyancy characteristics. Balsa is extremely lightweight and buoyant, making it ideal for shallow-running crankbaits. Cedar is denser and more durable. Wood lures have a natural feel and action that some anglers prefer.

At GD Angling Tackle, we primarily use high-grade ABS plastic for our hard bait bodies, offering an excellent balance of durability, action consistency, and cost efficiency.

Paint and Finish Materials

Epoxy Coating A clear epoxy topcoat provides a hard, glossy finish that protects the paint from chipping and scratching. Epoxy-coated lures are more durable and maintain their appearance longer.

UV-Coated Finishes UV-reactive paints contain special pigments that glow under ultraviolet light. These finishes make lures more visible in deep or murky water where UV light penetrates but visible light does not.

Holographic and Foil Inserts Holographic films and foil patterns create a lifelike, reflective finish that mimics the iridescence of real baitfish scales. These materials are especially effective in clear water conditions.

Hooks and Hardware

Treble Hooks The most common hook type for hard baits. Quality treble hooks feature sharp, chemically sharpened points and strong wire gauge. Hook size and style affect both hook-up rate and the lure's swimming action.

Split Rings Split rings connect hooks to the lure body and allow hook rotation. Quality split rings are made from stainless steel or high-carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant coating.

Wire Through Construction Premium lures use a stainless steel wire that runs through the entire body, connecting the line tie to the hook hangers. This construction prevents fish from pulling the hooks free during a fight.

Internal Components

Rattles Small metal or plastic balls inside the lure body create sound that attracts fish from a distance. Rattles are especially effective in stained or muddy water where visibility is limited.

Weight Systems Internal tungsten or steel weights control the lure's center of gravity, casting distance, and sinking rate. Transfer weight systems move the weight to the tail during the cast for longer distance, then shift it forward during the retrieve for proper swimming action.

Quality Materials from GD Angling Tackle

Every lure we manufacture uses premium materials selected for performance and durability. Our quality control team inspects incoming materials and finished products to ensure consistent standards.

To learn more about our manufacturing standards and materials, visit https://gdtackle.com or contact sales@gdtackle.com.

 

About GD Angling Tackle

Chongqing GD Angling Tackle Co., Ltd. is a professional fishing lure manufacturer based in China, specializing in OEM/ODM production of high-quality hard baits including Minnow, Crankbait, Popper, Pencil lures, and Lure Boxes. Visit https://gdtackle.com to explore our full product range or contact us at sales@gdtackle.com for wholesale inquiries.

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