The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for retaining fish bait. A fish bait retainer provided as part of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods includes a plurality of fish bait retaining features. The fish bait retaining features can be in the form of structural features, such as through holes, blind holes, and grooves. The fish bait retainer can also include surface properties or features that facilitate the retention of fish bait. The fish bait retainer can be securely connected to a fishhook by placing a shank of the fishhook a through hole provided in the fish bait retainer. The fish bait retainer can be used with liquid, gel, or paste type fish bait.

Systems for a fishing lure are disclosed, where the fishing lure includes a body with bends and/or twists and a plurality of holes formed into the body. The plurality of holes is oriented to prevent intersection between a leader hole and a tube adapted to hold bait or weighted pellets such that spinning of the fishing lure is increased.