What Kind of Bait to Use for Bass?

A variety of baits are effective for catching bass.

The average tackle shop has a huge variety of bass-fishing baits. From spinnerbaits and crankbaits to topwater baits and plastic worms, the options can seem endless. Fished at the right time in the right place, most baits are effective. But for catching bass consistently, no matter where the place or time of year, there are just a few baits that anglers should know how to fish.

Jigs and Pigs

Jigs and pigs are one of the most effective lures for catching bass. They really shine when the target is big bass. The lure itself is simple: a lead jig with a silicone skirt and fiber weed guard, and a trailer made of pork or plastic (which is the pig portion of the lure). The most common jig weights are between 3/8 and 1/2 ounce, but some anglers use bigger jigs if they need them to punch through heavy cover. Jigs and pigs can be fished from the top of the water column to the bottom. Crawled along the bottom, they resemble crayfish. Swum off the bottom, they resemble a minnow or other fish. In general, light-colored jigs and pigs are best in clear water or under sunny conditions, while dark-colored jigs are best under low-light conditions or in dirty water.

Spinnerbaits

It is likely that spinnerbaits, which are shaped like safety pins and include single or multiple blades, are the most versatile bass bait that exists. The lures include a silicone skirt that undulates as it is retrieved through the water. Spinnerbaits are effective when cast out and retrieved in a steady manner, but they can be deadly when anglers impart some action to them. One way to do that is to alternate between a slow and fast retrieve. Some anglers like to pump their rod tips as they retrieve the baits. The basic idea is to make bass believe the spinnerbait is a wounded fish. Spinnerbaits are most effective when fished around heavy cover. Anglers who bump the lures onto cover or objects, which causes spinnerbaits to ricochet, find the most success. Light and translucent colors are best in clear water, while dark, solids colors are best in stained or dirty water.

Lipless Crankbaits

Lipless crankbaits are fantastic baits for determining the location of active bass. These lures have flat sides, and the most common weight is 1/2 ounce. One of the reasons they are so effective at locating bass is because they are aerodynamic and can be cast long distances, even into the wind. Fish lipless crankbaits around weed edges and drop-offs or over the top of weed flats. A steady retrieve generally works best. Chrome-colored lipless crankbaits work in all waters, though some anglers like to use chartreuse or another flashy color in stained-water conditions.

Plastic Worms

Plastic worms are one of the most popular bass baits in the world. One of the reasons for that is they can be rigged so many different ways. When they are rigged Texas-style, they are weedless and can be fished in the heaviest of cover. Carolina-rigged worms can be used to cover large amounts of water where the bottom is relatively clean. A wacky-rigged worm can be used to attract bites from suspended bass.

Topwaters

Anglers who want a bait that combines excitement and bass-catching ability should choose a topwater. These baits are retrieved along the surface, where they attract the attention of bass lurking below. Oftentimes, a bass that hits a topwater bait comes completely out of the water to do so. Buzzbaits are one of the most effective topwater lures, which should be fished around shallow cover or over weed flats. Low-light conditions tend to be best for catching bass on topwater baits, but it is a good idea to always keep a topwater rigged, since bass will heat them throughout the day. Topwaters are most effective when the surface of the water is calm.

References

• Bass Fishing USA: Bgeinner's Guide to Bass Lures