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There are thousands of lures for bass fishing today. Each bait category started with a single, innovative idea. These original baits are still some of the best for catching fish. They also led to many similar lures, often better than the originals.
This guide will show you the best bass fishing lures of all time. We’ll also look at some newer favorites in each category. This will help you catch more bass.
Key Takeaways
- The best fishing lures for bass have a long history, with many originals still being highly effective today.
- Lures for bass fishing come in a variety of categories, each with its own unique characteristics and applications.
- Anglers should consider factors like water conditions, seasonal patterns, and fish behavior when selecting the best lure for bass fishing.
- Innovative designs and modern materials have led to the development of highly effective bass lures in recent years.
- Staying up to date on the latest fishing lures bass can give anglers a competitive edge on the water.
Introduction to Bass Fishing Lures
Bass are the most popular gamefish in America, inspiring billions of dollars a year in fishing gear and baits. Knowing how to fish for bass and choosing the right bass fishing lures is crucial for success. Factors like water clarity, seasonal patterns, cover and structure, and matching the prevalent forage all play a role in selecting the best lures for bass.
Importance of Selecting the Right Lures
Understanding the different categories of bass lures and their strengths can increase an angler’s chances of catching more fish. Most bass anglers prefer artificial bass fishing baits over live bait to target Largemouth Bass. This is because lures offer more versatility and control over the presentation.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bass Lures
There are thousands of different bass fishing lures available. Pairing the right type of lure with the specific bass subtype and water conditions is crucial for successful fishing. Factors impacting lure effectiveness include water clarity, weather, time of day, and seasons.
Some of the most popular and effective bass lures include:
- Soft Plastics (Finesse Worms, Senkos, Lizards)
- Crankbaits (Squarebill, Lipless)
- Jerkbaits
- Jigs
- Topwater baits (Buzzbaits, Frogs, Poppers)
- Swimbaits
- Spinnerbaits
Lure colors also play a significant role in attracting bass, often matching them with the water environment. Anglers may use specific tactics, such as Texas-rigging finesse worms, wacky rigging Senkos, and using bobbing motions for jigs, to enhance their success.
By understanding the strengths and versatility of different bass lures, anglers can maximize their chances of catching more fish and having an enjoyable day on the water.
Topwater Lures for Bass
Topwater bass fishing is thrilling, with lures like poppers and frogs enticing bass to jump out of the water. These lures work best in spring, summer, and fall when bass are most active. They mimic injured baitfish, making them hard for bass to resist.
Poppers and Chuggers
Poppers and chuggers make a unique sound when moved. This sound imitates injured baitfish, attracting bass. Anglers use an erratic motion to make these lures pop, leading to explosive strikes.
The Heddon Super Spook Jr. and Rebel Pop-R are top choices. The Spook Jr. is larger, while the Pop-R comes in smaller sizes.
Walking Baits and Frogs
Walking baits and frogs mimic a baitfish or frog moving. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper and SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye Frog are favorites. They work well in dense vegetation, attracting bass.
Learning how to use these lures is crucial. Whether you like the pop of a popper or the movement of a frog, topwater fishing is exciting. It offers a unique way to catch bass.
Crankbaits for Bass Fishing
Crankbaits are a top choice for bass fishing. They are known for their ability to get bass to bite. The squarebill and lipless types are especially good at this.
Anglers use best crankbaits for bass and bass fishing crankbaits to quickly cover water. They also get bass to react with a strike.
Squarebill Crankbaits
Squarebill crankbaits have a special bill that helps them get past obstacles like trees and rocks. Their unique action makes bass want to bite hard.
This makes them a favorite for anglers who want to get a reaction from bass.
Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits don’t have a bill, so they can be fished at different depths. They’re great for catching bass that are either swimming near the surface or on the bottom.
These bass fishing crankbaits are good at getting bass to notice them. Anglers can change how they fish them to suit different conditions.
Crankbaits are good for catching bass in shallow, mid-depth, or deep water. Knowing how to use squarebill crankbaits and lipless crankbaits can help anglers catch big bass.
Jigs and Swimbaits: Versatile Bass Catchers
Jigs and swimbaits are top picks for catching bass. Jigs work well in heavy cover, deep water, and near docks. Swimbaits, from small to large, are great for getting big bass to bite.
Skirted jigs are perfect for all seasons. They catch bass in many conditions. You can change the soft plastic trailer to look like different prey.
Swimbaits are known for attracting big bass. They come in hard and soft types and mimic baitfish. Paddle tail swimbaits are especially versatile for different water levels.
| Lure Type | Recommended Options | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Jigs |
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| Swimbaits |
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Jigs and swimbaits are reliable for catching largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Knowing their strengths helps anglers improve their fishing skills.
Spinnerbaits: A Classic Bass Lure
The spinnerbait is a timeless lure that has been a favorite for bass anglers for decades. It has vibrating blades and a weedless design. This makes it great for fishing around different cover and structures, leading to explosive bass strikes.
Variations and Rigging Options
Spinnerbaits come in many variations, letting anglers adjust their lure for different fishing conditions and bass moods. You can change the blade size, shape, and number, and even the trailer type. These adjustments help customize the lure’s look and performance.
Some popular spinnerbait variations include:
- In-line Spinners – Featuring a single blade that spins on a straight wire arm.
- Safety Pin Spinners – The most commonly used design, with a hinged wire arm for free spinning blades.
- Dual Willow Leaf Blades – Offer more vibration and flash to attract bass.
- Colorado Blades – Provide a slower, thumping action good for murky water or heavy cover.
- Trailer Hooks – Adding a trailer hook can increase hookup rates, especially with soft plastic trailers.
| Spinnerbait Model | Blade Type | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHIMANO SWAGY STRONG DOUBLE WILLOW | Willow Leaf | N/A | $13.99 |
| DAMIKI TOT TYPE 1 SPINNERBAIT | Flat Blades | N/A | N/A |
| WAR EAGLE SCREAMIN EAGLE PAINTED DBL WILLOW | Willow Leaf | 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 oz | N/A |
When fishing spinnerbaits for bass, anglers can try different spinnerbait rigging options. This helps find the best setup for their local waters and conditions. The ability to customize these classic lures makes them very versatile and effective for bass fishing with spinnerbaits.
Plastic Worms and Creature Baits
Soft plastic worms and creature baits are key for bass fishing. They can be rigged in many ways, like the Texas rig and Carolina rig. This helps catch bass in thick cover, near docks, and on deep spots.
These baits come in many shapes, sizes, and scents. This lets anglers match what bass eat, making them more likely to bite. 39% of plastic worms and creature baits used are Black.
Texas Rigging and Carolina Rigging
The Texas rig is great for fishing in tight spots. It keeps the bait from getting stuck. The Carolina rig is good for deeper water and underwater structures.
| Lure | Top Selling Colors | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| CPF Lures Ribbon Tail | Plum Apple, Watermelon Red Flake, PB&J, Dirty Albright | Won the 10th annual ICAST Cup with a three-bass limit totaling 15 pounds, 7 ounces |
| YUM Dinger | N/A | Responsible for millions of fish catches each year |
| Strike King Super Toad | N/A | Effective in getting monster blowups throughout the year |
| Big Bite Baits Finesse Swimmer | N/A | Versatile and can be rigged and fished in various ways |
| Strike King Ned Ocho | N/A | Highly effective in recent years for Ned rigs |
Plastic worms and creature baits are must-haves for bass fishing. Knowing how to rig them and matching the bait to what bass eat can make a big difference. This way, you can use these versatile lures to their fullest potential.
best fishing lures bass best fishing lures for bass best lure for bass fishing
For bass fishing, the lures in this article are top choices. They include classic poppers and modern swimbaits and jigs. These best bass fishing lures catch largemouth bass well in different conditions. Learning how to use them right can really help you on the water.
Artificial lures are a favorite for bass fishing, especially in tournaments and for beginners. They make fishing exciting and help improve your skills. But, they can be expensive because you might lose them. The top bass lures include crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastic worms. Also, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, jigs, spoons, frog lures, and buzzbaits are great too.
| Lure Type | Key Features | Recommended Products |
|---|---|---|
| Spoon Lures | Offer a unique vibration and flash to trigger strikes | Johnson Spoon |
| Frog Lures | Effective for targeting bass in heavy cover | Poppin’ K-Frog (2 sizes available) |
| Jig and Creature Baits | Versatile lures that can be rigged in various ways | Kalin’s Pendu Jig with Tickle Worm, Kalin’s Pork Frogs (3 sizes) |
| Spinnerbait Lures | Classic bass bait with a pulsing vibration | Kastmaster Bucktail Teaser Series, Kastmaster Tube Tail Chrome Series, Kastmaster Hammered Series |
When using best bass lures, try different things. Change how fast you move the lure, cast further than you think, and pick the right color. Focus on how you present the lure and adjust as the seasons change. Places like the Florida Everglades and Lake Okeechobee are great for trying these lures.
Jerkbaits: Triggering Reaction Strikes
Jerkbaits are a top choice for catching bass in the fall and winter. They work because of their erratic movement, which attracts both active and sleepy bass. You can pick from suspending jerkbaits and sinking jerkbaits to fish at different depths.
Suspending and Sinking Jerkbaits
Suspending jerkbaits act like injured baitfish, pausing in the water. This is great for bass in the middle of the water. Sinking jerkbaits are better for bass near the bottom, as they slowly sink.
Choosing the right jerkbait is key. A good retrieve involves sharp jerks followed by pauses. Adjust the speed and rhythm to match the bass’s mood. In cold water, slower retrieves work best.
| Jerkbait Type | Ideal Conditions | Retrieve Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Suspending Jerkbaits | Bass holding in the water column | Erratic jerks with brief pauses |
| Sinking Jerkbaits | Bass near the bottom | Slower, more methodical retrieves |
By matching your jerkbait and retrieve to the bass’s behavior, you’ll catch more. This way, you’ll get those big reaction strikes and land more bass.
Buzzbaits: A Thrilling Topwater Experience
Buzzbaits are a top choice for bass fishing, offering a unique way to catch fish. They work best when the water is between 60°F and 50°F. This makes them perfect for the spring and fall when bass are most active.
Alton Jones, a top bass pro, says buzzbaits are unmatched. They can get even the slowest bass to strike hard. This makes them a favorite among anglers.
Using a buzzbait in the morning can lead to bigger catches. As the water cools, bass move to shallower areas. This is when buzzbaits really shine, especially in areas with lots of shad.
Anglers often tweak their buzzbaits to get better results. Adding stinger hooks or adjusting the blades can make a big difference. New designs, like the Crystal Buzz and Head Knocker, offer unique advantages.
The thrill of a bass hitting a buzzbait is unforgettable. These lures are great for covering water and catching bass. They are a must-have for any serious angler.
| Buzzbait Fishing Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Bass Caught in 30 Minutes | 6 |
| Largest Bass Caught | Over 3 lbs |
| Water Temperature Range | 71-72°F |
To catch bass with buzzbaits, use a slow-to-medium retrieve. This skittering action attracts aggressive strikes. A medium-heavy rod and the right line are key for success.
Buzzbaits are just one exciting option for bass fishing. Walking baits also offer a mesmerizing presentation. They work well in calm, shallow water.
Topwater fishing, whether with buzzbaits or walking baits, is incredibly exciting. These lures are essential for any serious angler. They provide a fun and effective way to catch bass.
Chatterbaits and Bladed Jigs
In bass fishing, chatterbaits and bladed jigs are key. They mix crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs for a unique lure. The blade makes strong vibrations that draw bass in and get them to strike.
These lures have become popular for their effectiveness and versatility. They work well in different fishing conditions. Dr. Jones says bass can hear sounds around 100 to 200 cycles per second, making sound a key factor in attracting them.
Chatterbaits and bladed jigs are versatile. Anglers can use them in various ways, from just below the surface to along the bottom. This flexibility helps anglers adapt to different fishing situations.
Choosing the right color for your chatterbait is important. Match the color to the baitfish or panfish in the water. The trailer you use also matters, especially in different water conditions.
For fishing with chatterbaits, use a 7′ medium-heavy power casting rod. Braided lines like 30 lb Suffix 832 are best for their casting distance. Use a reel with a lower gear ratio, like 6:6:1, for effective fishing.
Chatterbaits and bladed jigs are great for catching big bass. They work well in various water conditions. There are many options available, from the Z-Man Chatterbait Elite EVO to the Z-Man Big Blade ChatterBait.
Finesse Tactics for Bass
Power fishing with big lures works well, but finesse tactics can catch bass too. Best finesse bass lures like drop shot rigs and Ned rigs use small, soft baits. These are great for clear water or when bass are hard to catch. Learning these finesse methods can really help you catch more bass.
Drop Shot Rigs for Bass
The drop shot rig is a top finesse tactic for bass. Michael Iaconelli likes using 8-pound fluorocarbon lines, sometimes going to 6-pound in clear water. He uses 6- to 7-foot light action rods with matching reels for better control.
Ned Rigs for Bass
The Ned rig is also popular for bass fishing. Iaconelli picks lures between 1/16 and 1/4 ounce, avoiding bright colors. He uses black lures in muddy water. He says finesse fishing works by making bass strike out of reflex or by feeding.
Iaconelli’s finesse style works in many water depths and conditions. It shows that drop shot rigs for bass and ned rigs for bass aren’t just for certain situations. Anglers should learn these finesse techniques to catch more bass.
Color Selection and Matching the Hatch
In bass fishing, the lure’s color and shape are key. By matching the predominant forage in the water, anglers can pick the best lure colors. This helps them catch more bass.
There’s no single best color for all fishing spots. But, knowing the baitfish and prey in the area helps. This idea, called “matching the hatch,” is vital for catching more bass.
- Depth affects color selection, with deeper water needing more contrasting colors like chartreuse, white, or black and blue.
- Water clarity impacts color choice, with dirtier water needing more contrast and natural patterns for clearer waters.
- Matching the hatch principle is highlighted, recommending using bait colors that resemble the bass’s forage in the area (e.g., bluegill or crawfish colors).
Renowned bass fishing pro Kevin Van Dam suggests looking at the lake’s bottom color to choose lure colors. He also mentions pink and Merthiolate as effective in certain situations. Pink worms, for example, work well in summer or post-spawn.
The best bass lure colors and matching the hatch for bass vary. Understanding what affects bass lure color selection helps anglers make better choices. This increases their chances of success on the water.
Seasonal Patterns and Lure Selection
As seasons change, bass feeding habits shift too. Anglers need to adjust their lures to match these changes. From spring to winter, specific lures work best in different conditions, giving anglers an edge in catching big bass.
Spring Bass Lures
In spring, bass move shallow to spawn. Topwater lures and crankbaits are top choices. Poppers and chuggers attract aggressive fish, while crankbaits target bass in shallow cover. Spring bass lures mimic baitfish and crawfish, key foods for bass in this season.
Summer Bass Lures
Summer brings warmer water, and bass seek deeper areas. Summer bass lures like swimbaits and jigs are effective. Swimbaits and jigs work well around timber and drop-offs. Finesse worms are great in the shallows.
Fall Bass Lures
Fall brings a feeding frenzy as bass prepare for winter. Fall bass lures include jerkbaits and spinnerbaits. These lures attract bass chasing shad. Creature baits and finesse plastics also work well in cover.
Winter Bass Lures
Winter bass are slow and deep. Winter bass lures like jigging spoons and slow-rolled spinnerbaits work. Bass need a slow presentation to strike.
Choosing the right lures for each season can greatly improve your fishing success. Knowing the best lures for each season is key for bass fishing mastery.
Water Clarity and Lure Visibility
The visibility of a bass lure changes with water clarity. Anglers need to pick the right lures for the conditions. In clear water, bass use their eyesight a lot. So, soft plastic craws and worms in green pumpkin or watermelon are best. Silent crankbaits or swimbaits that look like baitfish also work well.
In lightly stained water, lures with flash or vibration are better. They grab bass’s attention without looking fake. Bluegill spinnerbaits, underspins, and chatterbaits are good choices here.
In very stained or muddy water, bass can’t see well. They rely on movement and sound. Bright lures like those with chartreuse and white or black and blue work well. Baits that make a lot of noise and vibration, like square-billed crankbaits, are also effective.
| Water Clarity | Lure Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Clear Water (8+ feet) | Natural soft plastic craws, worms, silent crankbaits, natural swimbaits |
| Lightly Stained (4-8 feet) | Bluegill spinnerbaits, underspins with natural swimbaits, chatterbaits |
| Heavily Stained (2-4 feet) | Bright-colored lures (chartreuse, white, black, blue), square-billed or lipless crankbaits |
| Muddy Water (0-2 feet) | Lures with ample vibration and sound, such as chatterbaits and spinnerbaits with Colorado blades |
Knowing how water clarity affects lure visibility is key. Choosing the right lures for the conditions can help catch more bass. By matching lures to the water, anglers can improve their chances of success.
FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR BASS FISHING HERE
Fishing Different Cover and Structure
Successful bass fishing means using the right lures for each cover and structure. Knowing the best lures for different underwater spots can greatly improve your catch rate.
Vegetation
In thick vegetation, like weed mats and cattails, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and frogs work well. These lures move through dense cover without getting stuck. This lets anglers fish the best bass lures for vegetation effectively.
Wood
For areas with wood, such as fallen trees and docks, jigs, crankbaits, and Texas-rigged plastics are good choices. These lures can be worked around the best bass lures for wood to lure bass into striking.
Rocks
For rocky areas, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and lipless baits are effective. They cover the water column and can trigger bass to strike near best bass lures for rocks.
Docks
Docks are key spots for bass, and jigs, Texas-rigged worms, and spinnerbaits are great for them. Focus on the dock’s key areas to attract bass with the best bass lures for docks.
Choosing the right lure for each cover and structure is key to catching more bass. By knowing the best lures for different spots, anglers can boost their success on the water.
Conclusion
The lures discussed in this article are key for catching bass. They include topwater and reaction baits, jigs, and soft plastics. Learning how to use these bass fishing lures can greatly improve your fishing skills.
Knowing how to fish each lure well can help you catch more bass. These lures work for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. They’re great for different fishing conditions and fish behaviors.
Using these bass fishing lures and learning the right techniques will make your fishing trips better. To catch trophy bass, you need to keep learning and adapt to the changing fishing environments. This way, you’ll become a skilled bass angler.
FAQ
What are the best bass fishing lures of all time?
The top bass fishing lures include poppers, chuggers, and walking baits for topwater action. Crankbaits, jigs, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic worms are also favorites. These lures work well in different fishing conditions.
What factors should anglers consider when choosing bass lures?
When picking bass lures, think about water clarity, the season, and the cover. Also, consider what bass are eating in the area.
How do topwater lures like poppers and frogs work for bass?
Poppers, chuggers, and frogs give bass a surface bite thrill. They’re best in spring, summer, and fall. Learning how to use them is key to getting big bites.
What makes crankbaits and lipless crankbaits effective for bass?
Crankbaits, especially squarebill and lipless ones, are great for deflecting off cover. They quickly cover water and get bass to strike.
How do jigs and swimbaits work for bass fishing?
Jigs with soft plastic trailers are good for heavy cover and deep water. Swimbaits, from small to large, draw strikes and find big bass.
Why are spinnerbaits a classic and versatile lure for bass?
Spinnerbaits work well around cover with their vibrating blades and weedless design. You can adjust them to fit your fishing style.
How do plastic worms and creature baits work for catching bass?
Worms and creature baits are great for heavy cover and deep water. They come in many shapes and scents to match what bass eat.
What makes jerkbaits effective for triggering reaction strikes from bass?
Jerkbaits’ erratic action gets bass to strike, especially in fall and winter. They come in suspending and sinking models for different depths.
How do buzzbaits create an effective topwater presentation for bass?
Buzzbaits’ fast splash attracts bass in spring and summer. Fishing them right can lead to exciting topwater bites.
What makes chatterbaits and bladed jigs effective for bass?
Chatterbaits and bladed jigs combine features of other lures for a strong vibration. They attract bass from afar and get them to strike. They’re versatile for finding active bass.
How can finesse tactics with drop shot rigs and Ned rigs be productive for bass?
Drop shot rigs and Ned rigs are great for clear water and pressured bass. They use small baits to get even picky bass to bite.
How does lure color and profile influence bass fishing success?
Choosing the right lure color and profile depends on the baitfish and water conditions. Matching the forage helps in selecting the best lures.
How do seasonal bass patterns affect lure selection?
Bass patterns change with the seasons. Adjusting your lures to match these patterns is key for success.
How does water clarity impact lure visibility and selection for bass?
In clear water, use natural-colored lures. In murky water, brighter, louder lures work better. Knowing this helps in choosing the right lure.
How should anglers choose lures based on the cover and structure they are targeting?
Choose lures that fit the cover and structure you’re fishing. Weedless lures and jigs are good for certain spots.
