Any avid angler knows that choosing the best bass lures is essential to catch these fish and it will also make the fishing experience more enjoyable. But choosing the right type of lures from the plethora of available choices can be rather tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you and have found the best lures that bass like the most.
Bass like anything that they can eat including small fish like minnows or shiners, crawfish, insects, worms, amphibians, or reptiles. Or, they are attracted to artificial bait that resembles their prey and has some unique features like making noise as it moves, creating a flash of light, etc.
In our post, we have discussed in-depth some of the best baits and lures that you can use for bass fishing. So, keep reading.
Best Artificial and Live Baits for Bass Fishing
By nature, bass are predatory and so, you can opt for artificial baits that somewhat simulate their prey.
Using artificial baits with some unique features such as those that flash in the light or make a rattling sound when moving in the water can help to attract bass.
In this section, we’ll discuss some of the best artificial baits you can use for bass fishing.
When it comes to choosing baits for bass fishing, there is a wide range of options that you can consider.
But the most important thing is deciding whether to use live bait or artificial bait.
When you consider artificial bass lures, you’re sure to be overwhelmed with the choices that are available in the market.
Bass lures come in a wide range of styles, shapes and colors and there are specific lures available for specific purposes.
Instead of buying a whole lot of bass lures that are not very useful in catching bass or you’ll probably never use, it is best to buy the right type of baits depending on aspects such as:
- The size of bass you want to catch
- The fishing style you are practicing
- The weather conditions in your area
- The type of waters you will be fishing in
1. Crankbaits
Typically designed to look like small fish or crayfish that bass love, crankbaits are very versatile lures for catching bass.
When passing through the water, crankbaits make a rattling sound, which attracts bass and they believe that they are chasing a small insect, fish or amphibian.
There are crankbaits with a lip and there are also lipless varieties that work just as well.
Crankbaits work well in shallow and deep water and can be used in any weather.
Their vivid colors and the rattling sound they make, make crankbaits especially a great option when fishing for bass in turbid waters.
2. Jigs
Originally designed to look like crawfish, a jig is a weighted lure with a hook.
A very versatile lure, jigs can be used in deep, as well as shallow waters, in any type of environment, in a wide range of temperatures and all year round.
Jigs work quite well with a range of rod and reel movements.
READ: Jig Head Only: The Surprising Ability to Catch Fish with Just a Simple Piece of Equipment
3. Spinner Baits
Spinnerbaits feature metal blades and a rubber skirt.
When the bait is pulled through the water, the blades rotate and create a flash of light which attracts bass because it resembles little shiny fish.
The rubber skirt flutters in the water and makes the spinner bait even more attractive to bass.
Spinner baits are good for use in various environments and also in shallow or deep waters, but they are especially effective if you’re fishing for bass at night or early morning.
4. Swimbaits
These baits have hollow bodies with joints and they can mimic the swimming motion of small fish and small prey animals, which makes them very lifelike.
The natural rolling movement of the swimbait and its shaking tail when it is retrieved creates ripples in the water, which is extremely attractive to bass.
You can get soft and hard swimbaits and these baits can be used all year round and in any depth of water.
5. Rubber Prey Baits
An extremely simple bait, rubber worms are effective bass lures.
These lures are hugely popular with anglers because they are very versatile and can be used throughout the year, in any depth of water and practically in any weather condition.
Apart from rubber worms, other rubber baits such as rubber salamanders, rubber frogs, and rubber crawfish are also popular baits used for bass fishing because these look like the prey of bass and they are very attractive to them.
Rubber worms and other rubber prey baits can be rigged in several ways and work very well in various environments and weather conditions.
6. Jerk Baits
Jerk baits usually sit on the surface of the water.
They usually have moving appendages and a paddle tail and they attract bass because they look and move like minnows.
Jerk baits work well in clear or cold water and are more effective during the colder months.
7. Live Bait
Bass are carnivorous predators that eat practically anything that will fit in their mouths.
So, when choosing baits to catch bass you can choose anything that bass like to eat such as crawfish, worms, insects, small fish like minnows, shiners, amphibians, etc.
What Attracts Bass the Most?
There are a number of factors that can attract bass, including the type of bait or lure being used, the size and color of the bait or lure, the action of the bait or lure, the location and type of cover and structure, the time of day, the season, and the weather.
In general, the bass is attracted to bait or lures that mimic the appearance and movement of their natural prey, such as small fish, crayfish, and insects.
They are also attracted to bait or lures that create vibrations in the water, as this can mimic the movements of struggling prey.
In addition, the bass is often drawn to cover and structure, such as weeds, logs, rocks, and drop-offs, as this provides them with places to hide and ambush their prey.
Finally, the time of day, season, and weather can also affect the behavior and feeding patterns of bass, so it is always a good idea to pay attention to these factors when fishing for bass.
What Is the Best Bait for Bass?
The best bait for bass can vary depending on the specific fishing situation and the preferences of the bass in a given body of water.
Some of the most effective baits for bass include live bait, such as worms, minnows, and crayfish, as well as artificial lures, such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms.
When choosing a bait, it is important to consider the size and color of the bait, as well as the type of cover and structure you are fishing around and the time of year.
For example, in clear water, natural-looking baits in shades of green, brown, and orange may be more effective, while in murky water, brighter colors such as chartreuse and fluorescent may be more visible to the bass.
It is always a good idea to have a variety of baits and lures on hand and to experiment to see what works best in different situations.
What Are the Colors Easily Seen by Bass?
The colors that are easily seen by bass can vary depending on the specific fishing situation and the preferences of the bass in a given body of water.
In general, bass is more sensitive to certain colors and shades depending on the clarity of the water and the time of day.
In clear water, natural-looking colors such as green, brown, and orange may be more easily seen by bass, as they mimic the appearance of their natural prey.
These colors can be especially effective during the early morning and late evening hours when the sun is low on the horizon and the water is more clear.
In murky water, on the other hand, brighter colors such as chartreuse, fluorescent yellow, and hot pink may be more visible to bass, as they can help the bait or lure stand out in the reduced visibility.
It is always a good idea to have a variety of colors on hand and to experiment to see what works best in different situations.
READ: The Great Debate: Can Fish See Braided Line and Does It Matter?
Wrapping Up
There are a whole lot of options when it comes to bass lures but choosing the right lure can increase your chances of landing your next big bass.
We hope that after reading our article, you have all the information about the different types of bass lures available and which bass you like the most.
Now you can purchase a few basic baits and you’re all set for a successful fishing season.
Tight lines, bend rods, and may all your fishes come true!