A top ten list of my favourite bass fishing lures, including how and when to use each one. Add these to your arsenal to gain the edge over your competition out on the water.
Bass is a very popular sporting fish that anglers like to try and catch,
coming up below is a list of the ten best bass fishing lures on the market, as well as a bit on how and why each one can be used. This is purely opinion of course, but should provide you with a decent guide to help give you the edge out on the water!
10. Chatter-bait
The Chatter-bait is still a relatively new fishing lure but has made a big splash on the bass fishing scene. From tournaments to weekends on the water it has been making a name for itself by consistently producing bass. The Chatter-bait falls somewhere between a buzz-bait and a jig in presentation.
9. Swim-bait
In recent years Swim-baits have become the best bet for catching trophy-size large-mouth bass. There is a large range of Swim-baits available to match your location. Their popularity in "Big Bass" waters like those found in California and Texas push them onto this list at No. 9.
8. Creature Baits
There is a huge variety of soft plastic lures on the market that look like anything and nothing in the water. Creature baits like the Yum Woolly Beavertail have given anglers a new set of plastics to trick pressured bass. Creature baits can also be used as trailers for other baits.
7. Classic Lip Crank Bait
Crank-baits really are time tested bass catching lures. Large or small, these cranks can catch all of them. Their precision and physical appearance is constantly being updated but even the classic older versions will deliver you plenty of fish. Tournament anglers will often be seen running cranks to locate fish on large flats or over deep water structure.
6. Bass Jig
Flip it, pitch it, swim it, either way the Jig is a great way to catch bass. It is a consistent 'go-to' bait for tournament anglers and rightly so. Natural colour football head jigs are great in deep structure or you can try swimming a shad coloured model off of ledges and over structure. The addition of a trailer is always a winner.
5. Lip-less Crank
The Lip-less crank is a more versatile version of the classic crank. It's tight wiggle and multitude of depths and speeds it can be presented at have made it a favourite of professionals and amateurs alike. Kevin Van Dam uses this lure as his 'go-to' bait. Designed by KVD himself, this "sexy shad" is a must have bait!
4. Senko
The Senko has quickly become a favourite amongst anglers. It can be presented in a great variety of ways and bass really love each and every one of them. My favourite Senko technique is a Wacky Rig.
3. Spinner bait
Spinner baits like the TerminatorT2 spinner bait are the most reached for bait for locating bass. They can be fished fast or slow in deep water or shallow water. Spinner baits are especially effective as the water gets warmer. If you're out this summer and fishing in a new spot, tie on a spinner bait and do some searching. I’m sure you’ll have a good time and some decent success.
2. The tube
The Tube bait is one the most versatile bass lures available. It catches large- and small-mouth bass alike and can be used in any waters at almost any temperature to catch fish. Its versatility and ability to mimic so many things give it the No. 2 ranking. Try a Berkeley Powerbait 3" or 4" in Pumpkinseed or Green Pumpkin in any water you fish. The best one I have come across is a Texas-Rig with a tungsten weight. The tungsten weight makes clicking noises as it bounces across objects, the sound of it helps bass look for it in unusual conditions. The tube gets its second place spot due to its incredible success at catching small mouth bass. It is my favourite 'go-to' bait for small mouth bass fishing.
1. Worm
Soft plastic worms come in many shapes and sizes, all of which have a place. They're by far the most versatile fishing lure on the market, and are effective on their own or as trailers. Large versions over 10" have pulled monster bass from Falcon lake while finesse worms on drop shot rigs have been used to fool even the most wary of bass. My personal 'go-to' bait is a Zoom Trick Worm Texas rigged weightless, or with a tungsten weight if needed. You can use it as a top-water, in weeds, over logs, or put a weight on and throw it into rock piles in six metres or more of water. Nothing is better than the classic worm!
