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What are Some Types of Bass Fishing Lures?

By Ken Black
Updated May 17, 2024
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Given the variety of the prey the species goes after, bass fishing lures are similarly varied in their actions, appearance, methods and procedures. Whether it is hard or soft, topwaters, suspended lures or bottom baits, bass fishing lures run the gambit of offerings. This is not only a testament to the fish, but also the anglers who go after them. Many have their own preferred methods and seasons, and bass fishing lures reflect that diversified viewpoint.

Many consider the easiest bass fishing lures to be plastic worms and other soft baits. Even tournament fisherman, when all else fails, usually go back to this traditional lure type. They are meant to be fished slow, on or near the lake or river bottom. They usually work best in sandy areas on the edge of vegetation. However, care should be taken not to get into areas that are too weedy or their effectiveness could be diminished.

Suspended lures for bass include crank baits and spinner baits. These types of bass fishing lures are often used in the middle of the day, when the bass retreat to cooler waters. Bass tend to have very definite patterns for where they will be, depending on the time of day. Therefore, those interested in choosing the correct bass fishing lures should take note of these very predictable patterns. Suspended lures are usually retrieved faster than other types of lures, but each situation may be slightly different.

Top water bass fishing lures are some of the most exciting in the minds of many anglers. With these lures, it is actually possible not only to feel the strike, but see it as well. This type of anticipation and action usually leads to a heart-pounding experience as both sides, the angler and the fish, prepare to do battle with each other. Topwater bass fishing lures include those designed to look like fish or other aquatic life moving at or near the surface. Generally, they are hard lures.

While it has been said that the only thing that limits making effective bass fishing lures is the human imagination, there are some that perform better than others. Colors, depth and retrieval rates all make a difference. in the spring, near or during spawning season, bass tend to more aggressive. In the fall, when cooler weather sets in, fishing patterns and lure choices may again need some adjustment. Part of the allure of bass fishing is that no two days are ever the same. While the fish are predictable, they can also be quite finicky.

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Discussion Comments

By TreeMan — On May 15, 2012

I have used top lures a few times, but have never had any kind of success with them. I'm not sure if I am just not using them correctly or if they just aren't that effective.

I have tried a lot of different things. I started off with frogs. I've tried a couple of different types, but haven't even gotten a bite from them. From everything I've read, I'm using them in the right situations and with the right form. I've had friends say they work, but not for me.

I've also tried a couple of poppers with limited success. Unlike the frogs, I've actually gotten some bites and brought in a few fish with them, but nothing to make me want to keep using them.

Does anyone here have any tips for when or how to use top lures? I don't want to keep buying new bass fishing lures if they aren't effective.

By Izzy78 — On May 14, 2012

@Emilski - I would echo what jmc88 said. Stick with worms at first. One thing to remember is to avoid discount bass fishing lures. There is a reason they are cheap. If they worked wonders, they wouldn't be trying to give them away.

On the other hand, the best bass fishing lures don't always have to make you break the bank. It's all about color, location, and technique. I would highly suggest scanning the internet for pages giving tips and tricks and maybe even buying a book or two if you are really interested.

Fishing can be a great hobby once you get a little practice under your belt, but it can also be extremely frustrating and expensive at times. You didn't mention going with anyone specifically, but if you have friends who may be interested, bring them along. It makes it much more fun to have someone to keep you company. Just make sure you keep them away from your spot if they're scaring the fish way!

By jmc88 — On May 13, 2012

@Emilski - I'm glad to hear you have started fishing. Unfortunately, fishing is one of those things that has a huge learning curve, especially if you don't have a good teacher around who can guide you in the right direction. It also doesn't help that most anglers aren't usually willing to let someone new hang around that they aren't familiar with.

Starting off, I would suggest just keeping with worms and trying a ton of different casting and reeling combinations. The first thing to consider is the lure color. I would suggest going online and finding a site that lists good colors to use during different times and water conditions. Some of the colors you absolutely need to have, though, are white, chartreuse, and some type of brownish color.

By Emilski — On May 13, 2012

I have just gotten into fishing fairly recently, and I am having a lot of trouble with deciding what lure to use.

I have a lot of different things, but nothing really ever seems to work. Part of the problem is that a lot of stores have hundred or thousands of bass fishing lures for sale, and I am not experienced enough to choose the good from the bad.

Most of the time I fish in local ponds for largemouth bass. I have tried the normal plastic worms as well as a couple of different spinnerbaits. I have a crankbait, but I'm not really sure what the best way to use it is.

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