Are you ready to take your bass fishing skills to the next level with the best bass fishing lures? Whether you’re a novice angler or looking to sharpen your techniques, choosing the right fishing lures can make all the difference in your success on the water.
With an overwhelming array of options, finding the perfect bass fishing lure can seem like casting into a vast sea of choices. But worry not because, in this guide, we’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to select the best bass fishing lures.
I apologize in advance – this post may seem to jump around a bit. I intend to help you understand the different types of fishing lures so you are informed when the time comes to make a purchase. I will follow up with our top choices for beginner bass anglers and how to use these various bass fishing lures to improve your success rate. So grab your fishing gear because we’re about to dive into the exciting world of bass fishing, where reeling in trophy-sized largemouth bass is the ultimate thrill.
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Understanding the Different Types of Bass Fishing Lures
All artificial lures on the market are carefully engineered to imitate a specific type of baitfish or prey. Your chances of success increase when you know which type of bass fishing lure to select, the colour, when to use it and the correct presentation.
Ideally, you are trying to mimic the local baitfish in the area. All this has to factor in water temperatures, clarity, weather, baitfish movement, season, etc. So, let’s explore the various types of lures and give you a comprehensive understanding of their characteristics.
Crankbaits
One of the most common types of bass fishing lures is the crankbait. These lures imitate injured or fleeing baitfish, creating erratic movements that entice bass to strike. These lures have a diving lip that allows them to dive to a specific depth when retrieved. There are also lipless crankbaits, which excel in shallow water and are commonly used in the spring and fall.
Crankbaits come in various colours, shapes and sizes. Some brands, like MegaBass, make super-realistic baits. It’s crazy how closely they resemble real baitfish. Anyways, pay attention to the lip size, as each is designed to dive to different depths in the water.
Understanding the diving depth of a crankbait is crucial, as it allows you to target specific areas of the water column where bass are likely to be feeding. Go too deep, and all you’re doing is deweeding the lake! I love pulling cranks – they are my go-to lure. Over the years, I’ve learned how to keep a crank hovering just above the vegetation. And the strikes it gets are simply glorious!!
MegaBass Deep-X 200
The Deep-X 200 is designed to bring out the best in your fishing game. With its outstanding long casting distance, you’ll reach those elusive hotspots effortlessly! But that’s not all… The high pitch vibrations emitted by this crankbait will send out irresistible signals to nearby fish, practically begging them to take a bite! And here’s a secret – it’s low center of gravity! This clever feature ensures extra stability and a realistic swimming action, effectively tricking even the wariest of bass into striking!
Spinnerbait
Another type of lure is the spinnerbait, my husband’s favourite. It consists of 1 or more metal blades that spin with a skirted jig on the opposite end. As you retrieve the fishing lure through the water, the blade(s) create vibrations and flashes that mimic a small school of baitfish, catching the attention of nearby bass. Spinnerbaits are popular amongst anglers for their versatility and effectiveness in various water conditions.
When fishing weedbeds specifically, the spinnerbait is your best friend. Unlike triple hooks, the spinnerbait is better at breaking through weeds. More importantly, as the lure pops and bounces off the weeds, it often gets a good reaction strike.
MegaBass SV-3 Spinnerbait
This bad boy is built to conquer pesky weeds that often stand in the way. With its exceptional cutting power, you can effortlessly glide through the thick vegetation and reveal the hidden hotspots where BIG bites are waiting for you!
What’s even better? The MegaBass SV-3 vibrant double willow blades create commotion in the water, luring every fish within miles to come and investigate. Get ready for some explosive action, my friends!
Jigs
Jigs are another essential type of bass fishing lure. These lures consist of a weighted head and a trailer, which can be a soft plastic bait or a skirted jig. Jigs are incredibly versatile and can be fished using various methods, such as dragging them along the bottom or flipping them into heavy cover. Their realistic appearance and slow, methodical movements often trigger bass to strike. When you find your other bass fishing lures not producing results, this is the time when you want to use a jig.
Soft Plastic Bait
Soft plastic baits are another category of bass fishing lures that every beginner should be familiar with. These lures come in various shapes and sizes, including worms, creature baits, swimbaits, and tube bait, and can be rigged with different hooks and weights. You’ll also notice that the tails vary from straight to curl-tail.
The key to using soft plastic baits effectively is to imitate the movement and behaviour of natural prey. No straight retrieve! When was the last time you saw a worm crawl or swim in a straight line?
Our Favorite Plastics: Yamamoto Senko 5″ Worms
Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are the thrill-seekers of bass fishing lures. These lures aim to float on the water’s surface, creating enticing movements and disruptions that simulate the actions of distressed prey. Topwater lures are most effective in calm conditions, during low-light periods, or when the bass is particularly aggressive. When a bass attacks a topwater lure, it is an explosive strike that is exciting and visually rewarding.
This surface lure category includes buzz bait, frogs, whopper ploppers, walking bait, poppers, darters, prop baits, crawlers, etc.
Our Favourite and Best Bass Topwater Lures:
Poppers: Shimano World Pop, Megabass Popmax
Walking Bait: Teckle Kicknocker
Buzzbait: Megabass Jamaica Boa
Whopper Plopper: River2Sea 110 (4 3/8″)
RELATED: 11 of The Latest Spring Fishing Lures for 2024
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bass Fishing Lures
So, now that you know what types of bass lures are out there, there are a few key factors to consider before purchasing your very first or hundredth best bass fishing lure. First and foremost is understanding the prevailing conditions of the water; this is so crucial as different fishing lures excel in different situations. Let’s start with assessing:
1. Water Temperature
Water temperature plays a significant role in determining how the bass will behave and their willingness to strike. In cold waters, bass are sluggish and less likely to chase down fast-moving lures. Therefore, you should opt for a slower, more subtle lure like a high-quality jig or a soft plastic worm. On the other hand, in warmer water, the bass is often more active and aggressive, making topwater lures or fast-moving crankbaits more effective.
2. Water Clarity
The clarity of the water is another factor to consider. In clear water, bass rely more on vision to locate prey, so using artificial lures that closely resemble natural baitfish or critters can be highly effective. If you find yourself in murky or muddy water, lures with a sizeable profile or fishing lures that create more vibration or noise can help the bass locate and strike your bait. Fish, in general, will often sense a lure’s vibration and begin the chase long before they actually see the fishing lure.
3. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions also play a role in fishing lure selection. On bright, sunny days, bass might seek shelter in deeper water or under cover, so lures that can be worked in those areas, such as curl-tail jigs or Texas-rigged soft plastics, can be effective. On cloudy or overcast days, bass may be more likely to roam and feed in shallower water, making topwater lures or shallow-running crankbaits a good choice.
4. Depth
Consider the feeding behaviour of the fish, which can be a massive element in lure selection. Are the fish actively feeding on the surface or near the bottom? Other times, bass are found suspended in the water column, which can be the most difficult.
5. Presentation
Remember to vary your presentation if things aren’t working! The bass may be chasing down fast-moving prey or prefer slower-moving offerings. Sometimes, the lure is not the issue, rather than the speed of the retrieve. Be sure to change that up and see if it sparks more bites.
Be sure to change that up and see if it sparks more bites.
If you’re having one of those days when nothing seems to work, try changing lures based on vertical versus horizontal presentation. Ie. If you know the fish are there, and a jig isn’t working, try a spinnerbait and vice versa.
By carefully considering these factors and selecting the correct fishing lure for the conditions and behaviour, you can vastly improve your chances of landing a trophy-size bass. Be sure to have a variety of baits in your tackle box and be ready to experiment with different techniques. As conditions change, be prepared to adjust your approach based on what the bass are telling you.
RELATED: Fishing Basics: Our Introductory Guide for the New Fisherman
Top Bass Fishing Lures for Beginners
With fishing conditions and bass behaviour in mind, having the top bass fishing lures in your tackle box can further enhance your success as a beginner bass angler. Not only are these recommended for beginners, these lures are also the top choices for professional anglers.
1. Spinnerbaits
As mentioned earlier, spinbaits consist of a metal blade that spins as you retrieve the fishing lure through the water, creating vibrations and flashes that catch the attention of nearby bass. Spinnerbaits can be effective when the water is murky – or the bass is actively feeding on the surface. Spinnerbaits are my go-to when dealing with heavy weed cover.
I must add, to use spinnerbaits and topwater lures effectively you must learn to master proper techniques. With other lures, you can wing it at first, but I find these lures to be a bit more finicky, very effective, but finicky!
2. Soft Plastic Worms
Soft plastic worms are especially effective when bass are in a more sluggish, less aggressive mood. Consider bright-coloured soft plastic lures in murky water and natural colours in clear water. Over the years, our goto plastic worms have been the natural colour with a yellow curl-tail or black with a pink fire tail.
Plastics are more of a “finesse” technique and can be rigged in various fashions such as wacky, Texas rig, drop shot or Carolina rig. Texas rigs are the go-to for heavy weed cover and shallow water, and drop shot is suited for those times you want to set your worms to be at a specific depth off the bottom. You can also set up drop shots in a weedless fashion. Carolina rigs are suitable for fishing deep water.
3. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are also a favourite, as they are effective in areas with submerged structures or when bass are actively chasing fast-moving prey. Colours similar to the waterbody’s baitfish do better in cold water, whereas bright crankbaits fare well in warmer waters.
Crankbaits are easier to fish. Most beginner anglers go with a straight retrieve, but if you can master changing your speed and pausing, your chances of hooking a giant fish go up ten-fold.
4. Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are super exciting and can yield an impressive and memorable strike. These fishing lures excel in calm water conditions or when bass actively feeds near the surface. Look for colours that are green, green pumpkin, yellow, white or blue, which will yield more favourable results.
Remember, the key to success is to have a varied selection of lures in your tackle box. Bass will not respond to the same old fishing lure used every time, especially in busy open water with anglers throwing everything at them.
Techniques for Using Bass Fishing Lures Effectively
The key to hooking a trophy bass is to vary your technique. Beginner anglers struggle with hooking up a fish as their technique usually involves a straight retrieve. Whether it be a slow or quick retrieve, no prey in the water moves in a straight line. Let’s look at some techniques that you can practice and perfect.
Fishing Techniques for Topwater Lures
When using topwater lures, it’s all about creating a realistic action that entices bass to strike. These lures float on the surface and imitate various types of prey, such as frogs, mice, or injured baitfish. To effectively work these lures, try using a series of twitches, pauses, and retrieves, which creates the illusion of struggling prey.
Crankbait Fishing Techniques
For crankbaits, the key is to mimic the movements of injured or fleeing baitfish. To use your crankbait effectively, do a long cast out and reel the crankbait in at a steady pace. Vary the speed (which affects depth) of your retrieves to imitate the erratic movements of wounded baitfish. You can also try fast cranks of the reel with pauses in between or even burning the lure and sweeping the rod occasionally to get the fishing lure to bounce off a hard bottom and get that reaction strike.
Spinnerbait Techniques for Bass Fishing
The key to using spinnerbaits effectively is to vary your retrieve speed (and depth). Start by casting the spinnerbait out and reeling it in at a medium speed. If you’re not getting bites, try slowing down and slow-roll along the bottom. Finally, you can also speed up and burn the lure just under the surface – this doesn’t give the bass time to look (and think), which leads to a satisfying reaction strike.
Experiment with different depths by choosing different spinnerbaits based on weight or adding a trailer. And, of course, this goes back to retrieve speed – the slower, the deeper the lure goes.
Effective Jigging Techniques
To effectively use jigs, cast the jig out and let it sink to the bottom. Once the jig reaches the desired depth, use a series of short hops and pauses to imitate a crayfish or other bottom-dwelling prey. Pay close attention to any subtle taps or pressure on the line, which could indicate a bass has taken the bait. Jigs are especially effective when bass are holding near cover or in areas with dense vegetation. Also, aim for an instant hookset with jigs, as fish will spit the lure out quickly when they bite on all that metal.
RELATED: Proven Essential Tips to Master Fall Fishing
Bass Fishing Lure Maintenance and Care Tips
Wow, was that ever a lot to take in? Hopefully, your bass lure knowledge has increased drastically. Before you go, as with anything, maintaining your lures and baits is very important. After a day of fishing, we all mindlessly make the mistake of tossing our wet fishing lures into a tackle box only to find the lure peeling or with rusty hooks.
The feeling is gut-wrenching when you have a good-sized fish on your hook, which suddenly breaks or is not sharp enough to puncture the lip. This feeling gets worse if you’ve been fishing all day and it was your only hook-up. Here are a few tips to ensure the longevity of your fishing lures:
Tip #1
Tip #2
Tip #3
Tip #4
Tip #5
RELATED: How to Choose the Right Fishing Reel: A Comprehensive Guide
Where to Buy Bass Fishing Lures
With the increasing popularity of bass fishing, finding a wide range of the best lures for fishing is easier than ever.
If you’re someone who enjoys the experience of browsing through physical stores, visit your local sporting goods store like Sail or BassPro. Otherwise, there are specialty fishing tackle stores like Peterborough Pro Tackle in Canada and The Hook Up in the US. These establishments often have knowledgeable staff who can provide advice and recommendations based on their experience and your skill level and fishing preferences.
Plus, shopping in person allows you to physically examine the lures, ensuring you pick the ones that suit your needs best. A little FYI – knowledgeable staff tend to sell you what they use in their particular body of water, what may not be selling well in the store or the latest, expensive, untested lures.
Another option is the convenience of online shopping. The benefit of online shopping is access to customer reviews, an extensive selection of fishing lures and discounts. Making it easier to find affordable yet effective fishing lures for beginners.
Recommended Resources for Learning More About Bass Fishing Lures
There are plenty of resources available when it comes to expanding your knowledge of bass fishing lures. Whether you prefer reading books, watching instructional videos, or following online forums, these resources will provide valuable insights and tips to enhance your lure selection skills.
One classic resource that many anglers swear by is fishing books. These books often delve into the nuances of bass fishing and offer in-depth explanations of various lure types, techniques, and strategies. Look for titles written by experienced bass anglers and experts in the field.
Some popular recommendations include “Bass Fishing 101” by Kevin VanDam and “In Pursuit of Giant Bass” by Bill Murphy. Then there is our favourite series, from Field & Stream, which would be the Total Fishing Manual. Their entire ‘Total’ series of books is an easy read with some humour sprinkled throughout.
If visual learning is more your style, instructional videos are a great way to enhance your understanding of bass fishing lures. There are countless YouTube channels and websites dedicated to providing step-by-step tutorials and demonstrations on lure selection and usage. YouTube Channels like BassFishingHQ are known for their informative videos that cover a wide range of topics related to bass fishing.
For those who enjoy the interactive nature of online communities, joining fishing forums can provide a wealth of knowledge. Online fishing forums such as BassResource.com and Bassfishin.com have active communities of anglers who are more than willing to share their experiences and insights. These platforms allow you to ask specific questions, seek advice, and engage in discussions about bass fishing. You might even come across recommendations for lesser-known lure brands or unique fishing techniques that could give you an edge on the water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Bass Fishing Lures
One of the most common mistakes to avoid is solely relying on trendy lures. While it’s tempting to pick fishing lures that everyone is talking about, it’s essential to remember that fishing conditions and bass behaviour will vary widely. What works for one angler may not work for another, and what was effective yesterday may not be today. Instead of following the crowd, take the time to understand the specific characteristics and features of different lures and how they relate to the waterbodies and conditions you’ll be fishing in.
Matching Lure Size to Target Bass
Overcomplicating Purchases
Lack of Adaptability
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Bass Fishing Lures for Beginners
Choosing the best bass fishing lures for beginners is crucial in levelling up your fishing game. Throughout this bass fishing lure guide, we’ve explored the different types of lures, factors to consider, top choices for beginners, effective fishing techniques, maintenance tips, and even where to purchase these essential tools. Now armed with this knowledge, it’s time to put what you know into action!
So, grab your gear, hit the water, and embrace the thrill of reeling in your next big bass. Just think, with every cast, you’re one step closer to becoming a skilled angler. Good luck!
Comment your favourite bass fishing lures or colour preference. Or share with someone who you think could use these helpful tips. Thank you!
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