Types Of Fishing Lures For Bass: Artificial Jigs + Live Bait
Hey there, anglers! Are you looking to up your bass fishing game? Lure selection is key to catching the biggest bass.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a variety of lures and baits to choose from. You gotta assess the fishing conditions and select the right lure for the job. It’s important to consider water depth, water conditions, line selection, and color choices.
Let’s take a look at the different lures and baits available and make sure you’re equipped with the right tackle.
Types of Baits and Lures for Bass Fishing
You should consider using spinnerbaits, and live bait such as flies and worms when it comes to bass fishing.
Jerkbait, swimbaits, crankbaits are great for catching bass in deeper waters.
Finally, don’t forget about jigs, soft plastic bait, and topwater lures – all of which can be effective when targeting bass.
Let’s take a close look at them.
Spinnerbait
Spinnerbaits buzz and flash in the water, making them a great choice for bringing bass in. When fishing with spinnerbaits, it helps to use the correct casting techniques to effectively present your lure.
When using spinnerbaits customized with different colors, you can increase your chances of success. It’s important to select the correct lure depending on the season, and make sure to properly maintain your spinnerbait by cleaning it after each use.
Spinnerbaits are a versatile lure that can be used in nearly any conditions, making them a great choice for bass fishing. They can be used to cover a large area quickly and effectively, and can be used to target both shallow and deep water areas.
Spinnerbaits come in different sizes, colors, and styles, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job. Changing lure size and shape can be a great way to customize your presentation and entice bass into biting.
Live Bait
Using live bait, flies, or worms can give anglers a more natural presentation that can tantalize even the wariest of fish.
The type of live bait used depends on the type of bass being targeted and the local environment, but anglers should always consider casting techniques and water temperature.
Lure presentation is also key, as bass will often be more receptive to live bait when it’s presented in a way that mimics natural prey.
Bottom structure and weather conditions should also be taken into account when choosing live bait, as these factors can influence a bass’s behavior and willingness to bite.
Jerkbait
By jerking your rod, you can create an enticing action that will excite even the most hesitant of fish.
Jerkbait is a great lure for bass, as it can be used in a variety of techniques to mimic the action of a distressed baitfish.
When fishing with a jerkbait, it’s important to choose the right type of tackle setup and bait selection. For instance, a heavy action rod with a reel spooled with braided line is recommended for jerking lures.
In addition, selecting the right type of lure can be important, as some lures have a more pronounced action than others. Proper rigging of the lure can also make a difference, as using a split shot to add weight to the line will help the lure dive deeper.
In order to get the best action out of the lure, it is important to use jerking techniques that will create an erratic and erratic-looking action that will attract the attention of bass.
Swimbaits
Swimbaits can be a great way to entice those finicky bass, so give ’em a shot and see what happens! Swimbaits come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, so there’s something to suit all conditions.
When flipping or sight fishing, color selection can play a large role in success. The weather conditions also dictate your choice of swimbait, as the size and type will be determined by the temperature.
Hook size is also important, as it needs to be appropriate for the type of swimbait you’re using.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are lures that offer different presentation options that can be useful when targeting bass.
When using crankbaits and deep diving crankbaits, it’s important to consider fish behavior, lure speed, and retrieve techniques.
The lure action of these lures can be altered depending on these factors. For example, a fast retrieve creates more surface disturbance, which can be advantageous when bass are in a more active feeding state.
The Z Man Original Chatterbait is a versatile lure as it’s designed to imitate the movements of small baitfish. But the success of this lure is dependent on bait presentation, lure speed, and the angler’s ability to create the desired action.
When fishing with the Z Man Original Chatterbait, subtle changes in retrieve speed can create a more realistic presentation, which can lead to more success.
Jigs
Jigs can be used to mimic the movements of prey, gliding through the water like a graceful dancer. The key to using jigs for bass is understanding the jigging technique.
From color selection to size, shape, and the presentation of the bait, anglers need to understand the movement and desired reaction of the bass.
The key components of the jigging technique are color selection, size, shape, and presentation.
Color selection is important because the color of the jig will determine how much attention it draws from the bass.
Jig sizes range from 1/4-ounce to 1 1/2-ounce and are typically made of lead.
Jig shapes come in a variety of options, including round, football, and bullet head.
Presentation is the most important part of the jigging technique, as anglers can maneuver the bait to imitate the movements of live prey.
Soft Plastic Bait
Soft plastic baits are a great way to draw the attention of bass, and can be used to entice them to take a bite. As an angler, you can use a variety of fishing techniques to get the best results when using soft plastic baits.
Depending on your fishing situation, you can choose the size, shape, action, and color of the lure to best suit the conditions. For example, if you’re fishing in shallow water, you might want to use a smaller lure with a fast action, while if you’re fishing in deep water, you could use a larger lure with a slower action.
Additionally, the color of the lure can be used to attract bass. Bright colors may be more effective in clear waters, while in murky waters, dark colors may be more effective.
Topwater Lures
Topwater lures create a commotion on the water’s surface that can make bass strike in a flash!
This type of lure has become increasingly popular among fishing enthusiasts. With a variety of colors and sizes, trolling techniques, and presentation methods, anglers can use topwater lures to their advantage.
Here are some of the reasons why topwater lures are great for bass fishing:
- Lure Variety: There are many different types of topwater lures available, ranging from buzzbaits, poppers, and frogs to stick baits, wake baits, and prop baits. This variety allows anglers to choose the type of lure that best suits their needs and the conditions.
- Trolling Techniques: Topwater lures can be used with a variety of trolling techniques such as slow trolling, fast trolling, and drift trolling. This allows anglers to cover more water and increase their chances of hooking a bass.
- Lure Presentation: Topwater lures can be presented in a number of ways. Anglers can cast, troll, or even drift the lure to entice bass.
- Strike Detection: One of the best things about using topwater lures is that they offer visual strike detection. Anglers can watch their lure and detect when a bass strikes. This allows them to set the hook quickly and increase their chances of landing the bass.
Live Natural Bait vs. Artificial Lures
When it comes to bass fishing, anglers must decide between using live natural bait or artificial lures to attract their catch.
Live natural bait, such as worms, frogs, minnows, or crayfish, can be an effective way to lure bass, as the natural scents and tastes of these bait fish can be irresistible to bass.
Artificial lures can also be effective, as they can often be used in weedless rigging, allowing anglers to more easily fish in areas with weeds, lily pads, and other aquatic vegetation.
Additionally, artificial lures can be more easily adjusted to match the weather conditions and boat speed, allowing anglers to more accurately target the bass.
| Live Natural Bait | Artificial Lures |
|---|---|
| Natural scents and tastes | Weedless rigging |
| More difficult to adjust for weather and boat speed | Easier to adjust for weather and boat speed |
| Requires more tackle boxes | Requires fewer tackle boxes |
| Requires more active rod action | Requires less active rod action |
Assess the Fishing Conditions Before Selecting the Lure
To truly maximize your catch, you need to assess the conditions and choose the right lure – it’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book!
When it comes to fishing for bass, it’s important to consider analyzing the weather, lure presentation, lure size, water clarity, and fish habits in order to make the best lure selection.
Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision:
- Keep an eye on the weather conditions. Wind, rain, and temperature can all play a role in the type of lure you should be using.
- Consider the presentation of the lure. It should mimic the type of food bass are typically after.
- Size matters! If the lure is too small, bass may not be interested. If it’s too big, they may be scared off.
- Take into account the clarity of the water. If it’s murky, opt for a darker colored lure. If it’s clear, choose a lighter colored one.
By taking into consideration the weather, lure presentation, lure size, water clarity, and fish habits, you can make an informed decision as to which lure will be most effective for catching bass.
Factors to Consider
Choosing the right line and color for the water depth and conditions is like putting together a puzzle – it requires careful consideration to ensure a successful catch.
When considering lure selection for bass fishing, there are several factors to consider that will affect the outcome of your catch. These include water depth, water conditions, line selection and color choices.
The depth of the water will determine the size and weight of the lure that is needed to effectively present the bait. Lure size and weight will also be affected by the current speed and the strength of the line used. Selecting the right color is also important, as it can help your lure stand out to attract the bass’ attention.
| Water Conditions | Bait Presentation |
|---|---|
| Depth | Lure Size & Weight |
| Current Speed | Line Strength |
| Color | Attract Attention |
Conclusion
You’ve learned the basics of what lures and baits to use for bass fishing. Live natural bait can be great for certain conditions, but artificial lures can also be just as effective.
Assessing the conditions and choosing the right lure is key. You should consider the water depth, water conditions, line selection, and color choices. With the right lure, you can increase your chances of success.
In fact, bass fishermen who use proper lures have a higher success rate than those who don’t. So, next time you’re out fishing for bass, be sure to equip yourself with the right lures to increase your chances of success.