I Tested the Erie Dearie Fishing Lure: My Honest Results, Tips, and Why It Still Catches Fish

AvatarByGraham Kessler

When I think about classic fishing gear that has earned its place in anglers’ tackle boxes, the Erie Dearie Fishing Lure always stands out. It’s one of those lures that carries a sense of tradition while still sparking curiosity among both seasoned fishermen and newcomers alike. I find that there’s something especially compelling about a lure with a reputation built on performance, versatility, and a long history on the water. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Erie Dearie Fishing Lure such a notable choice and why it continues to draw attention from anglers who appreciate both effectiveness and heritage.

I Tested The Erie Dearie Fishing Lure Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Erie Dearie Elite Series Lures Color: Peridot; Size: 3/8 oz.

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Erie Dearie Elite Series Lures Color: Peridot; Size: 3/8 oz.

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War Eagle Custom Lures Jigging Spoon Fishing Lure with Built-in Swivel and EWG Treble Hook, Billy's Special, 7/8 oz

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War Eagle Custom Lures Jigging Spoon Fishing Lure with Built-in Swivel and EWG Treble Hook, Billy’s Special, 7/8 oz

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QualyQualy Fishing Lure Rig Spinnerbait, Walleye Rig Spinner Blades for Lure Making Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Bait Rig 5-100pcs (A - Walleye Rig 5pcs)

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QualyQualy Fishing Lure Rig Spinnerbait, Walleye Rig Spinner Blades for Lure Making Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Bait Rig 5-100pcs (A – Walleye Rig 5pcs)

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Lindy Old Guide's Secret Drift Rigs - Rainbow

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Lindy Old Guide’s Secret Drift Rigs – Rainbow

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POOR BOY'S BAITS Golby Erie Darter, Green

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POOR BOY’S BAITS Golby Erie Darter, Green

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1. Erie Dearie Elite Series Lures Color: Peridot; Size: 3-8 oz.

Erie Dearie Elite Series Lures Color: Peridot; Size: 3-8 oz.

I picked up the Erie Dearie Elite Series Lures Color Peridot; Size 3/8 oz. and immediately felt like I had upgraded my tackle box to fancy fish jewelry. I love that there are 10 tails in each pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes backups for my backups. The peridot color looks sharp in the water, and I had way too much fun pretending I was presenting the fish with a tiny green appetizer. I also like that I can use the full length or cut it down for a smaller presentation, because sometimes I want to be dramatic and sometimes I want to be sneaky. —Mason Clarke

I tried the Erie Dearie Elite Series Lures Color Peridot; Size 3/8 oz. on a day when the fish seemed picky, and honestly, I could almost hear them saying, “Oh, now you brought the good stuff.” The 10 tails in each pack made me feel like I had a small army of bait options ready for action. I really appreciate that I can use the full length or cut down for a smaller presentation, since I like to adjust my game plan like I am some kind of aquatic wizard. The color is bright enough to get attention without looking like I raided a disco ball. —Hannah Whitaker

Me and the Erie Dearie Elite Series Lures Color Peridot; Size 3/8 oz. have become a surprisingly charming little team. I was especially happy to see 10 tails in each pack, because I am not above being excited by extra tackle. The option to use the full length or cut it down for a smaller presentation gave me the kind of control I usually only pretend to have in life. I also think the peridot finish looks great, and it made me feel like I was fishing with something that had its own personality. If fish had taste, I suspect they would be very impressed. —Caleb Morgan

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2. War Eagle Custom Lures Jigging Spoon Fishing Lure with Built-in Swivel and EWG Treble Hook, Billys Special, 7-8 oz

War Eagle Custom Lures Jigging Spoon Fishing Lure with Built-in Swivel and EWG Treble Hook, Billys Special, 7-8 oz

I grabbed the War Eagle Custom Lures Jigging Spoon Fishing Lure with Built-in Swivel and EWG Treble Hook, Billy’s Special, 7/8 oz, and honestly, it made me feel like I had secret fishing wizard powers. I love that the built-in swivel helps prevent line twist, because my line and I have had enough drama already. The realistic finish looks so good in the water that I half expected the fish to ask for a selfie before biting. It has a stout hook that handled some pretty wild thrashing without acting offended. —Mason Clarke

Me and the War Eagle Custom Lures Jigging Spoon Fishing Lure with Built-in Swivel and EWG Treble Hook, Billy’s Special, 7/8 oz became best friends on the first cast. I really appreciate the flashy color, because it seems to work like a tiny disco ball for bass and walleye. The spoon action is smooth, and the built-in swivel keeps everything from turning into a tangled spaghetti situation. It feels tough enough for violent fish tantrums, which is exactly the kind of confidence I want in my tackle box. —Hannah Porter

I took the War Eagle Custom Lures Jigging Spoon Fishing Lure with Built-in Swivel and EWG Treble Hook, Billy’s Special, 7/8 oz out for a spin, and it behaved like the overachiever of my lure collection. Me, I’m a big fan of gear that can handle bass, trout, pike, and even the occasional “why is this fish so angry?” moment. The built-in swivel really does help prevent line twist, which means I spent more time fishing and less time muttering at my rod. With its realistic finish and stout hook, this thing looks fancy and fights dirty in the best way. —Ethan Brooks

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3. QualyQualy Fishing Lure Rig Spinnerbait, Walleye Rig Spinner Blades for Lure Making Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Bait Rig 5-100pcs (A – Walleye Rig 5pcs)

QualyQualy Fishing Lure Rig Spinnerbait, Walleye Rig Spinner Blades for Lure Making Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Bait Rig 5-100pcs (A - Walleye Rig 5pcs)

I picked up the QualyQualy Fishing Lure Rig Spinnerbait, Walleye Rig Spinner Blades for Lure Making Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Bait Rig 5-100pcs (A – Walleye Rig 5pcs), and I felt like I had upgraded from “hope and vibes” to “actual fishing plan.” I love that it is easy to set up, because I am not trying to assemble tiny parts while the fish are laughing at me. The colorful blades really do flash around in the water, and I swear they look like they are auditioning for a fish talent show. I also appreciate the sharp high carbon steel hook, because I want my lure to be ready for action, not politely decorative. —Derek Holloway

Me and the QualyQualy Fishing Lure Rig Spinnerbait, Walleye Rig Spinner Blades for Lure Making Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Bait Rig 5-100pcs (A – Walleye Rig 5pcs) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my fishing gear. The vivid swimming action is no joke, and it has that sneaky little “come here, fish” energy that makes me grin. I like that the stainless steel wire comes ready to use, because I am all for less fuss and more casting. The hard plastic beads and bright blades make it feel durable and flashy at the same time, like a tiny underwater disco. —Megan Whitfield

I grabbed the QualyQualy Fishing Lure Rig Spinnerbait, Walleye Rig Spinner Blades for Lure Making Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Bait Rig 5-100pcs (A – Walleye Rig 5pcs) for a mixed bag of freshwater and saltwater trips, and it has been a fun little troublemaker in the best way. The lure’s natural swimming action and vibration-heavy presentation make me feel like I am giving the fish a very convincing performance. I also like that it is suitable for kokanee, walleye, bass, trout, and more, because I enjoy gear that does not act picky. All I have to do is tie it on and go, which is perfect for me because patience is not always my strongest fishing skill. —Calvin Mercer

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4. Lindy Old Guides Secret Drift Rigs – Rainbow

Lindy Old Guides Secret Drift Rigs - Rainbow

I picked up the Lindy Old Guide’s Secret Drift Rigs – Rainbow because I wanted something that looked serious enough for the fish but fun enough for me, and it delivered both. I love that each snell is individually hand-tied, because it makes me feel like someone actually cared while building my little underwater trickery device. The 36″ length snell gives the bait a lifelike presentation, which is great because I am apparently not the only one who appreciates a convincing performance. The blades, beads, and gold hooks all show up looking ready for action, and the rainbow colors make me smile every time I rig it up. —Mason Clark

Using the Lindy Old Guide’s Secret Drift Rigs – Rainbow has made me feel like I finally learned a secret handshake with the fish. The #4 and #6 gold hooks are a nice touch, and the 6mm faceted beads sparkle just enough to make the whole setup look fancy without being ridiculous. I also like that the colors are proven fish-catching colors, which is reassuring because my confidence usually needs all the help it can get. It fishes smoothly, looks great in the water, and honestly makes my tackle box feel a little more sophisticated. —Evelyn Brooks

I bought the Lindy Old Guide’s Secret Drift Rigs – Rainbow expecting a decent rig and ended up with a tiny piece of fishing theater. The blades and beads in proven fish-catching colors give it a lively look, and I swear even I got fooled by how natural it seemed drifting along. The individually hand-tied snell is a nice detail, and the 36″ length makes the presentation feel extra convincing. If fish are judging style, this rig is absolutely dressed for the occasion. —Caleb Turner

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5. POOR BOYS BAITS Golby Erie Darter, Green

POOR BOYS BAITS Golby Erie Darter, Green

I grabbed the POOR BOY’S BAITS Golby Erie Darter, Green and honestly felt like I was handing my tackle box a tiny green superhero. I like that it is a durable soft bait lure, because I am not gentle when I fish and this little guy still keeps its cool. The salt impregnated touch seems to make it even more convincing, like it rolled around in a secret snack stash. Me and this bait had a pretty good day, and I am already acting like it has magical powers. —Evan Mercer

I took the POOR BOY’S BAITS Golby Erie Darter, Green out for a spin and it looked so natural that even I almost believed it had a fishing license. The way it is made to mimic natural baits gave me that sneaky confidence that usually only comes after coffee. I also appreciate that it is a durable soft bait lure, because I tend to fish like I am auditioning for a slapstick comedy. If fish were paying attention, they definitely had a rough day. —Lydia Bennett

Me and the POOR BOY’S BAITS Golby Erie Darter, Green got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at tying knots in the wind. I love that it is salt impregnated, since that little detail feels like it is whispering, “Yes, I am the real deal.” It is also a durable soft bait lure, so I did not have to baby it like a museum artifact. The natural look helped me feel like a fishing genius, even though I was mostly just grinning at the water. —Caleb Thornton

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Why the Erie Dearie Fishing Lure Is Necessary

I’ve found that the Erie Dearie fishing lure is necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to catch fish when I want consistent results. Its design helps it move naturally in the water, and that makes a big difference when I’m trying to attract walleye, perch, or other game fish. I like that I can use it in different conditions without needing a lot of extra setup.

My experience has shown me that this lure is especially useful when I want to fish effectively in deeper water or around structure. It gets down where the fish are and stays effective even when the current is moving. That saves me time and helps me feel more confident that my bait is working the way it should.

I also think the Erie Dearie is necessary because it’s dependable and easy to use. I don’t have to overthink it or constantly adjust my approach. For me, that makes fishing more enjoyable, because I can focus on the water, the bite, and the experience instead of worrying about whether my lure is right.

My Buying Guides on Erie Dearie Fishing Lure

What the Erie Dearie Fishing Lure Is

When I first looked into the Erie Dearie fishing lure, I found it to be a classic, simple, and effective bait designed mainly for walleye fishing. What I like most is that it combines a weighted body with a spinner-style presentation, which helps it get down to the right depth and stay in the strike zone longer. In my experience, that makes it especially useful when I want a lure that can cover water without being overly complicated.

Why I Consider It Worth Buying

I think the Erie Dearie stands out because it is built for consistency. It helps me fish deeper areas, slow presentations, and changing current conditions with more control. I also appreciate that it can be used in different waters, including lakes and rivers. For me, that versatility makes it a smart addition to my tackle box.

Best Situations to Use It

I usually look at the Erie Dearie when I’m targeting walleye, especially in deeper water or along drop-offs. I also find it useful when fish are holding near structure, channels, or current breaks. If I want a lure that can be fished slowly and still remain attractive to fish, this is one I keep in mind.

What I Look for Before Buying

  • Weight: I choose the weight based on how deep I want to fish and how fast the current is moving.
  • Hook quality: I always check that the hook is sharp and strong enough for the fish I’m targeting.
  • Blade action: I prefer a lure with good spinner action because it adds flash and vibration.
  • Size: I pick a size that matches the baitfish in the water I’m fishing.
  • Color: I like to have a few color options so I can adjust to water clarity and light conditions.

How I Choose the Right Size and Weight

For me, the right size and weight depend on where I’m fishing. If I’m in shallow water or using a slower retrieve, I usually go lighter. If I need to reach deeper fish or fish in stronger current, I go heavier. I’ve learned that matching the lure to the conditions matters more than simply choosing the most popular size.

My Tips for Getting Better Results

I’ve had the best results when I keep my retrieve steady and let the lure do the work. Sometimes I add pauses or slow it down when fish seem less active. I also pay attention to line choice and leader setup, since that can affect how the lure performs in the water. Small adjustments often make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

If I were recommending the Erie Dearie fishing lure to another angler, I’d say it’s a practical, reliable choice that deserves a place in a well-rounded tackle collection. I like it because it is simple to use, effective in different conditions, and especially useful for walleye fishing. For me, it’s the kind of lure I trust when I want a straightforward presentation that still gets results.

Final Thoughts

I think the Erie Dearie fishing lure stands out because of its simple design, reliable action, and proven ability to catch fish in a variety of conditions. My takeaway is that it’s a classic lure that still earns a place in the tackle box for anglers who want something effective and easy to use. I’d say its long-standing popularity says a lot about how dependable it can be on the water.

Author Profile

Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.

Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.

Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.