Best lures for bass fishing

The best lures for bass fishing depend on the conditions, water clarity, and the bass’s behavior.

1. Soft Plastic Worms

• Best for: Slow fishing, finesse techniques

• Popular choices: Gary Yamamoto Senko, Zoom Trick Worm, Berkley PowerBait MaxScent

• Techniques: Texas rig, Wacky rig, Carolina rig

2. Crankbaits

• Best for: Covering water quickly, mimicking baitfish

• Popular choices: Strike King KVD Squarebill, Rapala DT Series, Bandit 200

• Types:

  • Squarebill: Shallow water, rocky areas

  • Deep-diving: For deeper lakes and ledges

3. Jigs

• Best for: Year-round fishing, targeting big bass

• Popular choices: Strike King Hack Attack, Booyah Boo Jig, Z-Man ChatterBait

• Types:

  • Football jigs: Rocky bottoms

  • Swim jigs: Grass and open water

  • Flipping jigs: Heavy cover

4. Spinnerbaits

• Best for: Murky water, windy conditions

• Popular choices: War Eagle, Strike King Spinnerbait, Booyah Blade

• Blade types:

  • Willowleaf: Faster retrieve, more flash

  • Colorado: More vibration for dirty water

5. Topwater Lures

• Best for: Early morning, late evening, summer months

• Popular choices: Heddon Zara Spook (walking bait), Booyah Pad Crasher (frog), Whopper Plopper (buzzbait-style)

6. Swimbaits

• Best for: Targeting trophy bass

• Popular choices: Keitech Swing Impact, Megabass Magdraft, Huddleston Deluxe

• Techniques: Slow rolling, rigged on a jig head or weighted hook

7. Lipless Crankbaits

• Best for: Cold water, covering water quickly

• Popular choices: Rat-L-Trap, Strike King Red Eye Shad, Yo-Zuri Rattl’n Vibe

• Techniques: Yo-yo retrieve, steady retrieve

8. Ned Rig (Finesse Fishing)

• Best for: Pressured waters, tough conditions

• Popular choices: Z-Man Finesse TRD, Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Ned Worm

• Techniques: Dragging along the bottom

Each lure works best in different situations, so having a variety in your tackle box is key. Do you fish in clear or murky water?