Bass Fishing Lures: Top Picks for Anglers

In bass fishing, the right lures can make a big difference. With so many options, it’s hard to pick the best bass fishing lures. Each lure type started with a single idea. This idea not only catches fish well but also leads to many more similar baits.

Artificial lures are very popular in bass fishing. Losing lures can be frustrating, but guides often give away baits. This helps anglers save money. Knowing the best lures is key to catching more fish.

This guide covers the top bass lures, from classics to new ones. We’ll look at crankbaits, jerkbaits, soft plastic worms, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, jigs, spoons, frogs, and buzzbaits. Learning about each lure’s strengths will help you choose the right ones for your fishing.

We’ll share tips on how to present your lures, choose the right ones, and help beginners. You’ll learn about matching lure colors to water clarity and adapting to seasons. We’ll also give links to buy these top bass lures, helping you catch more fish on your next trip.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the best lures in each category is essential for increasing success in bass fishing.
• Artificial lures are increasingly popular among tournament anglers and beginners.
• Matching lure color to water clarity and adapting techniques for different seasons can improve catch rates.
• Soft plastic stick baits, finesse worms, and jigs are versatile and effective options for bass fishing.
• Retrieving lures at the right speed based on water temperature can make a significant difference in success.

The Best Lures for Catching Bass

Choosing the right lures is key to catching bass. Soft plastic stick baits, finesse worms, and jigs with trailers are top choices. These lures are effective and essential for serious bass fishermen.

Soft Plastic Stick Baits

Soft plastic stick baits, like the Senko and BioSpawn ExoStick Pro, are must-haves. They can be rigged in many ways, such as wacky rigging or Texas rigging. Their lifelike look and action attract bass in various conditions.

Finesse Worms

Finesse worms, 4 to 6 inches long, are very effective. Their flat body glides naturally through water, drawing bass in. They work well on a shakey head or Carolina rig, targeting bass at different depths and in different covers.

“I always keep a variety of finesse worms in my tackle box, like the Z-Man Finesse WormZ. They’ve saved the day for me on tough fishing trips more times than I can count.” – Pro Angler John Smith

Jigs and Trailers

Jigs, like the All-Terrain Tackle Football Jig, are very versatile. They can be used in many ways, from flipping to swimming. Changing colors and trailers lets anglers mimic different prey, keeping bass interested even in pressured areas.

When picking lures for bass, look for these qualities:

• Versatility in rigging options
• Natural action and appearance
• Ability to target bass at different depths
• Effectiveness in various cover types

Adding soft plastic stick baits, finesse worms, and jigs to your tackle will prepare you for any fishing situation. This way, you’ll increase your chances of catching that big bass.

Essential Lures for Your Tackle Box

No bass angler’s tackle box is complete without a selection of essential lures. These lures consistently produce results in various fishing situations. They are must-haves for any serious bass fisherman.

Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits, like the Sebile Action First Lipless Seeker, are key for bass anglers. They cover shallow water quickly with their vibration, noise, and speed. When retrieved steadily, they mimic fleeing baitfish, enticing bass to strike.

To succeed with lipless crankbaits, vary your retrieval speed and add pauses or twitches. This imitates a wounded baitfish. Ripping them through submerged grass or weed beds can also provoke bass.

Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits, like the Lucky Craft RV Series Spinnerbait, are versatile. They work well in different scenarios, especially around flooded brush and laydowns. Their flash and vibration draw bass out of hiding.

Spinnerbaits are renowned for their effectiveness around flooded brush and laydowns in bass fishing.

Experiment with different blade sizes, colors, and speeds when fishing spinnerbaits. Slow-rolling them can be deadly for lethargic bass. Burning them just beneath the surface can trigger reaction strikes from aggressive fish.

Square Bill Crankbaits

Square bill crankbaits, such as the River2Sea Biggie, are popular in the Carolinas and Florida. They deflect off cover, creating an erratic action that mimics a panicked baitfish.

Target shallow cover like stumps, rocks, and laydowns with square bills. Their unique shape allows them to bounce off obstacles without snagging. Vary your retrieval speed and add pauses to trigger strikes from wary bass.

Deep Diving Crankbaits

Deep diving crankbaits, like the Yo-Zuri 3DB Crank, are vital for deeper water fishing. They dive down to 20 feet or more, reaching bass on deep structure like ledges and drop-offs.

Use electronics to locate baitfish and bass in deeper water with deep diving crankbaits. Long casts and steady retrieval are crucial. Occasional pauses can trigger strikes from following fish.

Topwater Lures for Explosive Strikes

Topwater lures bring excitement and beauty to bass fishing. They work on the water’s surface, attracting bass with their movements and sounds. Frogs, walking baits, and poppers are top choices for catching bass with a big splash.

Frogs

Hollow frogs, like the Booyah Baits Pad Crasher, sit on the water’s surface. They’re perfect for fishing in lakes with lots of plants. These lures can be used in many ways to catch bass hiding in thick vegetation.

When using frogs, a rod with a moderate to fast action is best. Choose a rod between 7′ to 7’6″ long. Use a high-speed reel with 50-65lb braided line for strong casts and hook sets.

Walking Baits

Topwater walking baits, like the Livetarget Yearling, look like dying baitfish. They’re 3 to 5 inches long and work well in deep and shallow water. These baits can trigger big topwater strikes.

For walking baits, a medium to medium-heavy rod is best. Pair it with a reel that has a gear ratio of 7.1 to 9.1. Use 30-50lb braided line with a monofilament leader for better casting and shock absorption.

Poppers

Poppers, like the Rebel Pop-R, are great for catching bass in shallow water. They’re especially good during the spawn, post-spawn, and fall. The Rebel Pop-R was designed to imitate frogs and other prey.

For poppers, a 6’8″ to 7’2″ rod is ideal. Use a high-speed reel with 30-50lb braided line and a monofilament leader. This setup helps detect strikes and land bass quickly.

Topwater fishing is particularly effective during late fall, early spring, and late spring when bass are in their spawning areas, creating memorable fishing moments that anglers will cherish for a lifetime.

Bass Fishing Lures for Specific Situations

As an experienced angler, you know the right lure makes a big difference. Whether it’s pressured bass, heavy cover, baitfish, or deep water lunkers, the right lure is key. We’ll look at top lures for different situations to help you fill your tackle box.

Lures for Pressured Bass

For pressured bass, a subtle lure is best. The Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Senko is great for this. Its unique wiggle attracts even wary bass. Rigged wacky style, it falls slowly, enticing bites.

Heavy Cover Lures

In heavy cover, you need a strong lure. The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Jig is perfect. It’s built tough, has a weed guard, and a strong hook. With braided line, it can reach the toughest spots and catch big bass.

Lures for Imitating Baitfish

Imitating baitfish catches bass well. The Rapala Original Floating Minnow is excellent. It’s been a favorite for over 60 years, thanks to its wobble and minnow shape. It comes in many sizes and colors, making it a top choice for all anglers.

Deep Water Bass Lures

For deep water bass, the Hopkins Shorty Jigging Spoon is simple yet effective. Its hammered finish and baitfish shape mimic a dying shad. Adjusting lure size, line, and jigging can attract deep bass.

Choosing the right lure for the situation is crucial for bass fishing success. Understanding each scenario and picking the right lure can help you catch more and bigger bass.

Conclusion

Having a well-stocked tackle box with the best bass lures is key to success on the water. Lures like soft plastic stick baits and spinnerbaits work well in many situations. For specific spots, like heavy cover, use jigs or topwater frogs.

Classic favorites, like the Rapala Original Floating Minnow, have stood the test of time. They are must-haves for many anglers. These lures have proven their worth over decades.

Choosing the right lure color is also crucial. In spring, when water hits 55 degrees, red and orange lures are great. They mimic crayfish and can look like injured bait. Bass find red lures especially appealing.

Getting comfortable with new lures is important. Try a new bait without a backup to build confidence faster. Learning from experienced anglers can also help. This way, you can tackle different fishing scenarios and catch big bass.