5 Best Lures For Largemouth Bass

Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 5 best lures for Largemouth Bass fishing this year. Now I have to admit to being a traditional bait user for most of my fishing life however in recent times, after getting out there a bit with a friend of mine who uses nothing else, I have been experimenting with lures for Bass – admittedly to varying degrees of success.

For those of you who are not familiar with lures, they are often considered a must use for Largemouth Bass fishing with many using them exclusively over live bait. The thing is that there are so many different types available that it can all get a but confusing after a while. So let’s check it all out…

I will review these in more detail below but if you just want to get to sitting without all the carry on, my 5 options are listed here for your convenience:

06/06/2023 07:55 pm GMT

As mentioned above, there are a few options to choose from when it comes to fishing lures for Largemouth Bass. So before we get into it, I will just run through some of those variations below:

Soft Plastics

Soft Plastics comprise a plastic-looking body that is attached to a lead ‘sinker’ (known as a jig head) with a hook attached. The advantage here is that these can be made to look like any type of natural bait that will attract a good Largemouth such as worms, craws, minnows, grubs, flukes and even frogs. The lure is cast and slowly retrieved in a jigging motion (hence the name) to attract fish to it. Some plastics are even coated with a smelly ‘liquid’ to enhance fish attraction.

To be honest, apart from Bass, there are not many species that will not take a soft plastic. They work well on a drop shot rig and I love these for drifting as well.

Crankbaits

I have always known these as Jerkbaits however crankbaits are bait fish looking lures usually with a plastic flap at the front that looks a little like a duckbill. Their design is that they tend to float around the surface and then once the line is retrieved, will dive down to the bottom (via the duckbill) twitching and jigging around along the way.

When retrieving the line with these you can usually feel a vibration in the line as well which is also a fish attractant. Their bright colours and vibrating movement make these good for chasing Largemouth in murkier waters too.

Swimbaits

Whist technically all of the lures above can be classified as swimbaits, I am using the name here to describe the options that are made to specifically look like a fish that is swimming. They are often made of fiberglass or plastic and separated into two or more pieces so that they ‘swim’ around like a fish would when retrieved.

These are particularly popular if you are fishing in freshwater for such species as Bass or Cod as they mimic the live bait (Minnows, Shiners or Shad for example) that are commonly found within their habitats.

Spinner Baits

Now I have to admit that these are something of a fascination for me as I always look at them and wonder how they mimic anything that a fish would naturally eat. They are however extremely popular and effective for not only Bass but also other fresh water type fish such as Perch and Cod as well.

Whilst the main body does I guess mirror baitfish, it is the vibration and bright flashing, vibrating metal that appears to attract your catch to it. I have seen these work firsthand and can account for their effectiveness and found that they work best on long cast and retrieve type scenarios.

Bass Jigs

Bass Jigs (a.k.a Flipping Jigs) are great for those chasing Largemouth in their favored habitats along grassy areas near banks, under ledges or in amongst other structures. As they are dragged along, they make short flips or jumps either over or under the structure to attract the fish hiding underneath. They will also sink if left still to make them visible to fish hiding under ledges as well.

In general terms, they are effectively a soft plastic with extra flaps and appendages attached to which not only attract fish, but make them less susceptible to snags too which is why they work so well within structure.

Now, this is where the fun starts because many of these lures will work on many different types of fish. Regardless, as you look to purchase your own lures, below are some things that you may want to consider when using lures for Largemouth Bass:

Where the fish are – We have touched on this above however the type of lure you choose can depend on where you are trying to catch your fish. For example if you are looking to cast and retrieve, then swim and crankbaits will work well. Alternatively, if you are close to the bank and looking for fish along the edges, then bass jigs will be the go.

Weight requirements – Each of the lure types above are available in a number of different weights. Lure weights are important for a number of reasons including:

• Heavier weights can be cast a little further.
• Heavier weights will anchor and drag on the bottom more effectively.
• Lighter weights are easier to jig and ‘flick’ around.
• Lighter jerk bait lures will float better than their heavier counterparts.

Again, do your research into the environment that you are fishing in. If you are working in shallower waters, then a light weighted lure will work very well. Heaver lures may be needed in deeper areas however they will ‘catch’ on the bottom a lot more often if you are drifting.

If I am planning to cast and retrieve then I usually purchase the same lure in a couple of different weight sizes and will go to a heaver option if I am not able to reach where the fish are on casting.

Rod specifications – The next consideration (and a very important one) is to ensure that any lure you use fits within the specification details of your Bass fishing rod. In some cases, rod specs include a lure or tackle weight which is the highest designated weight that the rod can handle.

In most cases, however, you are going to be looking at this from the power rating of the rod. In simple language, I have always known the power rating as a measure of how ‘bendy’ it is. Light power rods bend with little force and heavy ones need a lot of pressure to bend. So, in short:

• Light – very bendy – even whippy – will bend a lot with even the smallest fish. Use these for light jiggy lures only.
• Medium – needs a bit more pressure to bend – In general, this is a good measure for all-round use with light to medium-weighted lures.
• Heavy – takes a lot to make it bend – I would recommend these for areas where the current is quite strong or you want to use particularly heavy lures, etc.

Seasonal influences – When it comes to Bass fishing, seasonal behaviors can also determine the types of lure that they will take. For example, in summer, Largemouth Bass tend to go deeper to avoid the warmer waters on the edge so a deep diving crankbait or weighted soft plastic will work better than a floating jig along the bank. And of course when they are feeding aggressively in the lead up to the spawning season, you could throw an old shoe in there and they will take it – well not really but you get the picture.

Local knowledge – When I discuss live bait options for any fishing type, I always say to check with the locals to see what is found in the local system. The idea behind this is that you want to match your bait to what it is that the fish eat naturally.

The fact that you are planning to use a lure should not change this behaviour. For example, why spend you time dropping soft plastic worms when craws are what work best in that particular lake or river. If you are fishing in a new spot, always check with the locals to see what lures they use and more importantly, where they drop them.

As I have mentioned above, there are plenty of types of lures when it comes to largemouth bass fishing. Based on this information and my own experience, here are my 5 best recommended options for Largemouth Bass…

1. ODDSPRO Fishing Lures Baits Set

Our first option here provides for a number of lure types including Senko Worms, Craw Baits and Curved Tail Grubs. All are attached to a premium durable lead and the mechanically-sharpened barbed hook point ensures better penetration. Full specifications include:

• Weight: 3/8 oz, 1/4 oz, 3/16 oz
• Hook: Mechanically-sharpened barbed hook
• Composition: Plastic
• Replaceable hook: Jig head replaced once hook is compromised

Other inclusions:

• Mimics the look and action of real live bait
• Cost-effective
• Mechanically-sharpened barbed hook

Why have I chosen it?

This is an affordable yet quality lure option suitable for a number of fishing spots. Soft plastics are perfect for beginners due to their ease of use and low chance of snagging in structure as well. These would work well for catfish, cod and saltwater fishing too.

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2. YONGZHI Fishing Lures

One of the most commonly used Bass lures, these crankbaits come in a number of brilliant colors with lifelike baitfish swimming action effective in both saltwater and freshwater. Full specifications as follows:

• Weight: 0.49 oz
• Hook: Treble hook at front and rear
• Composition: ABS Plastic, Steel Wire
• Replaceable hooks: Yes

Other inclusions:

• Features a built-in gravity ball to increase casting distance
• Features wide wobbling and life-like swimming action
• Vivid eyes and firm hanging loop
• Front loop for attachment of weights as required

Why have I chosen it?

I have added these lures purely for their effectiveness when used for Bass fishing across any season and in almost all habitats. I have always found these the perfect ‘go-to’ when nothing else is working.

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3. GOTOUR Swimbait Fishing Lures

Our next options are swimbait lures constructed with a tough ABS plastic body supported by a strong mesh made from woven fabric. They comprise a life-like 3D eye, pearl powder coating and emit stimulating sound waves to appeal to the predatory nature of Bass as well as being suitable for Pike, Muskie, Trout, Walleye, Snook and Salmon as well.

Details are as follows:

• Weight: 0.4 oz
• Hook: Mustad treble at front and back
• Composition: ABS plastic body supported by strong mesh woven fabric
• Replaceable hooks: Yes

Other inclusions:

• High simulation jointed body
• Built in vibration rattle
• Natural S-shaped swimming action

Why have I chosen it?

This lure is popular with Bass fishermen due to its realistic look and effective swimming behaviour. They are great for the lake, river or pond and can be trolled or cast into structure based on local conditions.

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4. Goture Bass Spinner Baits

Now we take a look at a good Spinner Bait option that features a Colorado blade that pushes a lot of water to give maximum vibration and a willow blade that imitates a baitfish and provides flash for maximum visibility. This, added to the lifelike jig head and silicone skirts make them very effective for not only Bass, but Perch, Pike and Trout as well. Specifications as follows:

• Weight: 1/2 oz
• Hook: Single barbed hook
• Composition: Lead, stainless steel, plastic, silicone
• Replaceable hook: No

Other inclusions:

• 3D simulation eyes
• Hand-tied silicone skirts
• Sharp and strong Mustad hook.

Why have I chosen it?

I’ve chosen this Spinner Bait due to its decent quality, multi-layer spray paint colour features and 3D stereoscopic eyes that’s perfect for freshwater fishing. The dual blades also make it perfect for both clear and murky water as well.

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5. Xfishman Bass Jigs

These bass jigs are known for their streamlined design that can handle lighter lines as well as a super-versatile downsized flipping jig that includes a lead barb plastic trailer keeper and a skirt collar designed to accept a rattle system. They are the optimum lure for those who like to fish around structure with specifications including:

• Weight: 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 3/8oz
• Hook: Mustad Hook
• Composition: Lead. Silicone
• Replaceable hook: No

Other inclusions:

• Features additional 6 colors of silicone skirts.
• Matched head and hand-tied silicone skirt.
• Features a rugged 3X-Strong Mustad Flipping Hook.

Why have I chosen it?

I’ve chosen this versatile jig as it in simple terms, it is great for Largemouth Bass fishing. It’s also user-friendly with options to create your very own secret jig. And the Mustad ultra point hook means you will not lose a catch that strikes and, as with the others above, can be used for pike and walleye as well.

06/06/2023 07:55 pm GMT

And there they are – my 5 best lures for Largemouth Bass fishing this year. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul