What Lures Are Best for Bass?

By TackleDirect
May 31st 2023

Choose the right lure to hook a bigtime bass by using our expert recommendations for enticing these popular gamefish in oceans, lakes and rivers worldwide.

Fishing for Bass

Fishing for bass is a popular pursuit among anglers, and it offers a thrilling and rewarding experience. These two species of bass, smallmouth and largemouth, although similar in some ways, have distinct characteristics and behavior that influence the techniques and lures used to target them. It's important to note that the choice of lure and technique may vary depending on the specific conditions, such as water clarity, temperature, and time of year. Additionally, understanding the behavior and preferences of the bass in your fishing area can help you tailor your approach for greater success.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass are typically found in clear, rocky, and cool freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, and lakes. They have a reputation for their aggressive nature and tenacious fights. Smallmouth bass are known for their preference for rocky structures, submerged logs, and drop-offs, where they seek cover and ambush their prey. Top lures for smallmouth bass include jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic baits.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass, also known as black bass, are another prized species among anglers. They inhabit a wide range of freshwater environments, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. Largemouth bass are renowned for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, making them a sought-after game fish. Top lures for largemouth bass include plastic worms, topwater lures, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs.

Best Bass Lures

Plastic Worms

As a modern variation on the classic fishing bait, plastic worms are still an effective bass lure. These soft baits have the most lifelike feel to a bass, making them more likely to hold on long enough for you to get a good hookset. You also can fully insert the hook point to make them snag-proof — the point will finish piercing through while setting.

Bass Jigs

The bass jig is the most versatile way to fish all bass species. Jigs are weighted to reach deep-swimming bass and sometimes are equipped with a skirt which pulses to further tempt your prey. A single jig is fit for many techniques, including flipping, pitching, skipping and swimming. Furthermore, you can work jigs in many temperatures and water conditions, making them a year-round lure.

Bass on a Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer / Z-Man MinnowZ
Image provided by user: redfishjesse

Spinnerbaits

Bass spinnerbaits are one of the easiest lures to use. These fast-moving lures get their name from the metal blades that spin as you draw them through the water, producing flashes and vibrations to attract fish. Different blade types offer different levels of flash, vibration and resistance. The downsides are that the blades can get caught easily on weeds and are prone to rusting if not well-constructed.

Poppers

Not only are these topwater bass lures effective, but they're fun. Bass poppers mimic wounded baitfish while creating ripples and splashes along the surface. Best used in warm water and low lighting, a popper can be fished fast or slow, and you can change the hooks if needed. When a bass leaps from the water to grab your lure, few things are better.

Crankbaits

One of several bass hard baits available, the crankbait is a fast-moving way to target various bass species in open water. They look like small baitfish and usually have a front lip that causes them to wobble, dive and vibrate. Some bass crankbaits also have a rattle. Generally speaking, use high-wobble lures in warm water and low-wobble lures in cold water.

Jerkbaits

Available as both a hard bait and soft bait, the bass jerkbait is a very successful lure for cooler weather and clear water. Bass are more selective in these conditions, but the lifelike action created when jerking the rod will charm even the pickiest fish. Hard jerkbaits are primarily a topwater lure while soft jerkbaits can be rigged for deeper waters.

Close-up of a Bass caught by a Zoom Horny Toad
Image provided by user: willshepherd_fishing

Bass Frogs

Though their use is limited, frog lures will round out your tackle box. Specifically, a topwater frog helps you land bass in shallow water that has high vegetation levels and/or a scummy surface. You should periodically pause while working them along the surface and wait for the second bite before you set the hook.

The Right Rod & Reel for Your Bass Lures

Selecting the right rod and reel is crucial for effectively using your lures and maximizing your chances of landing a trophy bass. The combination of the right rod and reel can greatly affect your casting distance, accuracy, control, and overall fishing experience. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the right rod and reel for your bass lures:

Rod Power and Action: Power refers to the rod's ability to resist bending, with options ranging from ultralight to heavy. The rod's action determines how much the rod flexes under pressure.
Rod Length: In general, bass anglers prefer rods between 6 and 7.5 feet in length.
Reel Type: Spinning, Spincasting or Baitcasting
Gear Ratio: For bass fishing, gear ratios between 6.3:1 and 7.5:1 are commonly used.
Reel Construction and Quality: Look for features like a sturdy frame, quality bearings for smooth operation, and a reliable drag system that can handle the powerful runs of bass.
Personal Preference and Budget: Consider your fishing style, experience level, and the techniques you'll be using most frequently.

Rod & Reel Recommendations
featuring St. Croix Bass Rods

ST. CROIX LEGEND TOURNAMENT BASS CASTING ROD

Rod Model: LBTC72HM
When targeting bass with bladed jigs and crankbaits, the Legend Tournament Bass Casting Rod model LBTC72HM combines the benefits of glass and carbon with its iACT glass technology, providing anglers with enhanced sensitivity and precise casting abilities. Its strategically placed layers of glass and carbon offer the weight and comfort of carbon while maintaining the advantages of glass, resulting in a remarkable fishing experience for bass anglers.

Pair with Reel:
Shimano Metanium MGL B Baitcasting Reel
Reel Model: METMGL150HGB

ST. CROIX VICTORY BASS CASTING RODS

Rod Models: VTC73MHF, VTC71MHF
If you're using small spinnerbaits, finesse bass jigs, and light swim jigs, the Victory Bass Casting Rod models VTC73MHF and VTC71MHF are a top-notch option. These rods, equipped with St. Croix's versatile technology, excel in various fishing scenarios, including protecting fluorocarbon lines in heavy pressure clear water, enhancing stealth and increasing the likelihood of success when targeting bass.

Pair with Reel:
Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reel
Reel Model: TTU100HS

Rod Model: VTC72MHM
An exceptional choice for targeting bass with small squarebills, small topwater lures, and small buzzbaits during the shad spawn is the Victory Bass Casting Rod in the VTC72MHM model. With St. Croix's Power Target Cranker technology, this rod offers a slower carbon construction and moderate action, providing the perfect blend of strength and sensitivity to keep fish securely hooked on moving baits, leading to increased hookup and landing success.

Pair with Reel:
Shimano Curado MGL 150 Baitcasting Reel
Reel Model: CUMGL150HG

Rod Model: VTC73HMF
The Victory Bass Casting Rod in the VTC73HMF model is ideal for flipping and pitching techniques with flipping jigs, Texas rigged plastics, bass jigs, and large swim jigs. With St. Croix's Flip'n technology, this rod provides ample power, a lightweight feel, and a moderate-fast action for optimal sensitivity, flexibility, and protection of lighter fluorocarbon lines during intense hooksets and battles with big bass.

Pair with Reel:
Shimano Curado K Baitcasting Reel
Reel Model: CU200XGK

ST. CROIX VICTORY BASS SPINNING RODS

Rod Model: VTS73MLXF
For anglers targeting bass in post-spawn shallow water using Ned rigs, pitching, and casting drop shots with small bait profiles, the Victory Bass Spinning Rod in the VTS73MLXF model is a great choice. Featuring St. Croix's Max Lite Tactical technology, this rod offers optimal performance with light wire hooks, light line applications, and braid-to-fluorocarbon setups, providing a perfect balance of sensitivity and strength for detecting subtle bites and making precise presentations.

Pair with Reel:
Daiwa Tatula MQ LT Spinning Reel
Reel Model: TTUMQLT3000-CXH

Rod Model: VTS73MXF
For finesse target fishing in post-spawn shallow water using Senkos, shakey heads, and small swim baits, the Victory Bass Spinning Rod model VTS73MXF is your go-to rod. With St. Croix's Max Tactical technology, this rod offers a perfect blend of sensitivity for small bait applications and the power necessary to navigate dense cover and handle heavier wire hooks, allowing anglers to maintain control over their presentation.