The Story

Every year, an estimated 200 million soft plastic lures are lost in U.S. waters — nearly 550,000 a day polluting our lakes, rivers, and coastlines with microplastics, BPA, and phthalates. Anglers are left with a frustrating dilemma: fish effectively, or fish responsibly.

At Zero Trace Baits, we refused to accept that trade-off.

Born from a deep love of fishing and an even deeper respect for our waters, we set out to change the game. The result? Premium, scent-infused soft plastics that perform like top-tier lures — and biodegrade completely within 30 days.

Made from a unique gelatin and glycerin base that’s 100% safe for the environment and even safe for fish to eat, our lures break down naturally — eliminating the microplastic pollution that traditional baits leave behind.

Our breakthrough Scent Technology is the most potent, consistent scent-release system on the market. Unlike traditional lures that rely on spray-on scents or salt infusions — which fade fast — ours maintain continuous scent dispersion the entire time they're in the water. Every cast is just as effective as the first.

We’ve gone further by engineering custom scent blends tailored to the prey and conditions of your local waters. With Scent Technology, you’re not just casting a lure — you’re deploying a biologically accurate, long-lasting attractant that gives you a real tactical edge.

And it’s all built on a kitchen-safe, eco-conscious formula — no BPA, no phthalates, no microplastics. Just high-performance baits that disappear without a trace and protect the waters we all depend on.

This isn’t just innovation — it’s a movement. A new era where anglers can catch big fish and protect the waters they love.

So we can all keep catching, cooking, and curating our waterways — for generations to come.

Let’s catch more fish. And leave zero trace.

The Hidden Cost of Traditional Soft Plastics

Lost soft plastic lures don’t just vanish — they pollute. They break down into microplastics, leach toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates, and persist for decades. Fish and wildlife mistake them for food, leading to deadly blockages and toxin buildup in the food chain — toxins that eventually make their way back to us when we eat the fish. Discarded lures entangle animals, destroy habitats, and disrupt entire ecosystems. One cast can leave a trace for generations.

Hand-Crafted Baits

Crafted from non-toxic, eco-conscious, biodegradable materials, our baits are designed to be safe for fish to bite and ingest — exactly as nature intended.
Not for human consumption — these are made for your catch, not your lunch.

Our unique formula, blending gelatin, glycerin, and a few guarded secrets, is the result of hundreds of hours of testing and refining. The result? A bait that looks, moves, and performs like the real thing — without leaving harmful traces behind.

Every ingredient is chosen with care to protect aquatic life and break down more safely over time. Because what we leave in the water shapes the future of our fisheries, we build our baits to help preserve healthy waters for the next generation of anglers.

Whether you’re reeling in dinner or chasing a trophy photo, fish confidently knowing your bait works as hard for the environment as it does for you.

Scent Technology

Every lure produced by Zero Trace Baits is equipped with our advanced Scent Technology: the most potent and consistent scent-release system available on the market. Unlike traditional soft plastic fishing lures that rely on basic spray-on scents or salt infusions(offering only a brief scent release), our baits maintain a continuous scent dispersion for the entire time they're in the water. This gives anglers a tactical edge, ensuring every cast is just as effective as the first.

We’ve taken this technology a step further by developing custom scent blends designed to match the prey and conditions of your local waters. You're not just casting a lure—you're presenting a biologically accurate, long-lasting attractant that keeps working cast after cast.

Founder's Bio

I didn’t plan to start a fishing company.

After years of injuries and surgeries, life slowed way down — except when I was fishing. That became my refuge. I spent thousands of hours on the water: from banks, from kayaks, and, if I was lucky, from someone else’s boat.

Then, on a remote trip deep in the backcountry, something happened that stayed with me. We were catching fish, but I kept losing soft plastic lures. By the end, the water was littered with them.

It hit me: I was part of the problem. I was disappointed in myself — someone who claimed to care about protecting the environment — leaving garbage behind.

That question wouldn’t leave me: Can you fish hard without trashing the places you love?

My senior year of college gave me the chance to find out. After hundreds of hours testing in the lab and on the water, I landed on something that works — a scent-infused, biodegradable bait that performs at the highest level and breaks down naturally in water within 30 days.

Today, I hand-make every bait in my barn in Minnesota — always testing, refining, and pushing to build something better. Because anglers deserve gear that’s as tough, committed, and responsible as they are.

Let’s catch more fish — and leave zero trace.

-Evan

Frequently Asked Questions

Product Basics

What makes Zero Trace Baits different from traditional soft plastics?

Our baits are made from a unique, kitchen-safe gelatin and glycerin formula that’s 100% biodegradable and safe for fish to eat. Unlike traditional lures that pollute waters with microplastics, BPA, and phthalates, Zero Trace Baits break down naturally within 30 days — all while delivering top-tier action, scent release, and casting performance.

What species can I catch with Zero Trace Baits?

Zero Trace Baits excel in both freshwater and brackish water, making them effective for: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge (Musky), Lake Trout, Catfish (Flathead, Channel), Bowfin, Gar, Tarpon, Peacock Bass, Pike Minnows, Pickerel, Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout/Speckled Trout. They also work for crappie, perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, and sunfish.

Do Zero Trace Baits float or sink?

They’re designed for a slow sink and natural presentation, but can be made to suspend or float with certain rigs, hooks, or jig heads.

Do your baits work in cold water?

Yes. They maintain natural action and scent release in cold water. In ultra-cold conditions, heavy retrieves can reduce life span — slow presentations last longer.

Can I cut the baits into smaller pieces for panfish?

Yes — cutting them down is a great way to target crappie, perch, and sunfish without losing scent or action this makes you get the most bang for your buck on your baits.

Performance & Durability

If the durability is lower than traditional soft plastics, how can they be better at catching fish?

We prioritize performance over lifespan. Traditional plastics may last longer but often lack the scent, texture, and natural action that trigger more strikes. Our Scent Release Technology activates all five predator strike cues in perfect sequence. Every cast is as effective as the first, and you protect the waters you fish.

How is the durability of your bait? How long can I fish with them for?

Designed to last 45 minutes to 1 hour of active fishing depending on snags, retrieve style, and conditions. They can last longer on slow troll/dead bait rigs, especially with jig heads that have bait keepers. Proper rigging is key.

How long do they take to biodegrade?

About 30 days in typical freshwater conditions — faster in warm or microbe-rich environments.

What happens if a fish swallows the bait?

They’re made from fish-safe, digestible materials and can pass through without the toxic effects of traditional plastics.

Can I reuse baits after a fish has chewed them up?

Yes — as long as they can still be rigged properly. A little damage can even improve movement, creating an “injured prey” look that combined with scent release is deadly.

Environment & Safety

Are they safe for catch-and-release fishing?

Yes — the soft texture and safe formula make them a responsible choice. Pair with a single barbless hook for the most fish-friendly setup.

How do they break down compared to regular plastics?

Traditional plastics can last centuries, breaking into harmful microplastics. Our baits break down into harmless organic matter in about a month.

Are your baits safe for other wildlife?

Yes — birds, turtles, and other animals won’t be harmed if they ingest one. Every stage of their lifecycle is designed to protect aquatic life and the environment.

Is Zero Trace Baits recommended for saltwater?

Not at this time. Saltwater shortens their life span. We can make a saltwater-stable version, but it doesn’t yet meet our action standards.

Storage & Care

How do I store my baits?

  • Keep sealed in original packaging
  • Store cool & dry, out of direct sunlight
  • Avoid mixing scents

In hot environments, add a cold pack to storage. Pro tip: Heat can make them softer, adding natural action.

What’s the best way to rig them for maximum life?

Use the right hook size, rig straight, and consider jig heads with bait keepers.

Do they melt if left in a hot car?

Extreme heat can soften or warp them — store in cool shade.

Will they stick to other plastics?

Yes — keep them in original bags to prevent bonding with PVC-based lures.

Ordering & Shipping

Can I track my shipment?

Yes — you’ll get a tracking number when your order ships.

Do you offer bulk discounts or pro staff pricing?

Yes — available for large orders or qualified pro staff. Contact us for details.

Do you restock limited colors/sizes?

Some are restocked, others are seasonal. Join our email list for updates.

Can I order custom team or event gear?

Yes — contact us for minimums and customization options.