I have caught more largemouths and smallmouth bass on artificial baits than any live bait I’m not comparing the two that is just my experience with artificials and a lot of fishermen like myself feel they are fun to use and more exciting than live baits, especially for Bass. What is the Best Artificial Bait for Bass?
- Spinnerbaits 1 or more flashing blades, jigs & skirts.
- Soft Plastic Baits-best baits for beginners,
- Plastic Worms- available in many shapes, colors, & sizes
- Spoons-attract predatory fish
- Crankbaits-imitate baitfish
- Stick Baitsa-a multipurpose lure for many species
- Jigs-can score trophy-sized bass
The dream of a big largemouth bass drives many anglers crazy because bass will hide in the middle of thick cover, not along the edge like someone to two-pounders, and will be swimming in shallow water underneath the dock and the boat you’re sitting in.
Best Artificial Bait for Bass
Fishing for bass is a pleasure like no other the thrill, the challenge, the anticipation. Your fishing game’s success largely depends on the quality of the lures you use. It’s a given that the best bass fishing lures are a prerequisite for a top-class bass fishing experience.
There’s a vast array of artificial lures in the market, so choosing the best one for bass can sometimes feel overwhelming. When it comes to bass lures, choosing the right color, size, and style can make a world of difference. Talking about colors, the diversity available is astounding a palette that caters to all sorts of underwater conditions and bass behaviors. Let’s talk about Artificial baits for Bass.
The largemouth bass is a predatory animal, so the best artificial lures to use mimic the prey in the water at the time. Many artificial lures have a unique feature that helps attract bass despite not looking very similar to a real prey animal. For example, they may flash in the light.
Jigs, Crankbaits, Plastic Worms, Spinnerbaits, and swimbaits, are all effective bass lures. Most of these are very versatile lures making them practical for largemouth bass fishing in most conditions throughout the year when used effectively.
Best Year-Round Lures
Jigs
Jigs are weighted bass lures that often contain a skirt that pulses in the water to attract bass. Jigs are probably the most versatile bass lure, making them a great place to start when unsure of which lure to use based on water conditions. They can be used throughout the year in almost any temperature and weather, whether 50 degrees or 90 degrees. Jigs can work in both shallow and deep waters and work in various environments, including shoreline structures and steep underwater banks.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits usually look like crayfish or small fish with a lip on the front, causing them to dive underwater and wobble as retrieved. However, there are also lipless crankbaits that are just as effective when fishing. They get their action from a nose-down altitude by placing the line on the back of the bait and its slender body, which will vibrate rapidly as the water passes over both body sides.
Similar to jigs, crankbaits are pretty versatile and can be used in most types of weather, deep and shallow water columns. Many professional guides have said lipless crankbaits are extra productive during the early spring and late fall, but it’s been proven on many excellent fishing trips that these can work in year-round conditions. The largemouth bass is like lipless crankbaits over deep points and dying grass flats during cold water. However, during warmer times like the early summer, fishing crankbaits are suitable for covering sections of water targeting school fish.
Worms
The plastic worm is popular among bass fishermen because it can be used in various conditions. And rigged in many different ways to be fished in both shallow water and deep water. Finesse worms don’t look very exciting on the outside but don’t be fooled because worms can catch largemouth bass all day, every day in many cases. Conventional methods of rigging plastic worms are the Texas rig, Carolina rig, weightless, and drop shot.
Plastic worms are one of the simplest and most effective year-round lures that consistently catch fish. In addition, these versatile lures can be used in almost any condition. In cold water, anglers can drag a worm on a Carolina rig or Shakey Head. In warmer water, anglers should twitch one weightless near the boat dock and vegetation.
Experience Top Bass Fishing with the Perfect Artificial Baits and Lures
These days the authenticity of artificial lures is impressive, with every detail meticulously crafted to mimic the appearance and movements of a bass’s natural prey. Lures like the speed worm have garnered much popularity among bass anglers. Anglers I know are very excited about the “Speed Worm”
It’s not surprising to see why the speed worm lure’s unique action and vibration underwater are almost irresistible to bass. On the arrival of new bass lures in the market, both men and women fishing enthusiasts jump at the chance to try them out.
A “speed worm” is a type of artificial bait often used for bass fishing. It typically consists of a soft plastic worm-like lure designed to be retrieved quickly through the water, hence the name “speed worm.” Here are some key points about using speed worms for bass fishing:
- Design: Speed worms usually have a streamlined body shape with a tapered tail, allowing them to slice through the water efficiently at higher retrieval speeds.
- Action: When retrieved quickly, speed worms create a lively swimming action that can mimic fleeing baitfish or other prey, triggering predatory instincts in the bass.
- Versatility: Speed worms can be effective in various fishing scenarios, including covering water quickly to locate actively feeding bass or targeting bass in shallow cover or vegetation.
- Rigging Options: Speed worms can be rigged in different ways depending on the fishing conditions and angler preference. Common rigging options include Texas rigging, Carolina rigging, or using them as trailers on spinnerbaits or swim jigs.
- Color Selection: Choose colors that match the prevalent forage in your fishing area. Natural hues like green pumpkin or watermelon are often reliable, but brighter colors can be effective in stained or murky water.
- Retrieve Technique: Experiment with retrieval speeds and techniques to find what works best on any given day. Sometimes a steady, fast retrieve is effective, while other times a stop-and-go or erratic retrieve may trigger strikes.
- Seasonal Considerations: Speed worms can be productive throughout the year but may be particularly effective during warmer months when bass are more active and chasing fast-moving prey.
- Adjustments: Be prepared to adjust your presentation based on fishing conditions, such as water clarity, depth, and bass activity levels. Adapting to the conditions can improve your success with speed worms.
Overall, speed worms are a versatile and effective bait for bass fishing, particularly when bass are actively feeding and pursuing faster-moving prey items. Experimentation and adapting to changing conditions are key to maximizing success with this bait. Despite the abundance of artificial bait varieties for bass, remember that there is no ‘best’ lure. The fishing conditions, the type of bass, and your method and finesse determine what works best.
Each angler has a signature style, a personal favorite when it comes to bass fishing lures. Be it a topwater frog, a crankbait, or a soft plastic lure, everyone has their ‘go-to’ artificial lure. Mine is the Speed Worm. What’s your top bait for bass? Share your fishing tales with us, compare notes, and swap tips and suggestions.
Advantages of Using Artificial Baitfish and Swimbait/Spinnerbait in Bass Fishing
There’s no denying the thrill of bass fishing – it’s truly a game of patience and skill. The Florida waterways, full of bass, serve as a great playground for both seasoned anglers and newbies. One crucial part of this game is choosing the best bait for bass.
Traditionalists might advocate for live bait, but the advent of artificial baits and lures has dramatically changed the scene. So, what are the advantages of using artificial baitfish, spinnerbaits, and swimbait in bass fishing?
The majority of bass anglers have acknowledged the effectiveness of artificial bait. Owing to their versatile design and (weed-less) snag-proof traits, they’ve swiftly become a top choice. One key advantage of these baits is their soft, realistic texture which often fools the megabass into believing it’s attacking live prey. Movement through the water is everything! With Swimbaits it’s a key feature.
Recurring scenarios of bass falling for the spin have placed these lures for bass in the spotlight. The swimbait, or right color frog, in particular, has proven a great hit and very successful.
The lifelike motions of a swimbait in water are nothing short of mesmerizing for a bass. Among the large variety of baits available, the baitfish and swimbait varieties are indeed outstanding. The round hooks attached to these lures provide an impeccable grip, ensuring a worthwhile catch. The weight of these lures is another factor to consider.
A good weight balance adds to the believable motion of these lures in the water. These artificial baits also come in patterns mimicking the bass’s favorite meal – the classic worm and the savory crawfish. This is truly an advantage that propels these lures to the top of the favorite list for bass fishing.
If you’re someone who loves to fish around grass and vegetation, these baits and swimbaits are perfect because of their snag-proof frog design. They glide swiftly over and around the structures, reducing the number of snags and lost baits. In essence, these artificial baits and lures maximize your bass fishing experience while providing fun in your fishing adventures.
Finally, the durability of these artificial baits can’t be understated. They’re made to resist the harshest of fishing conditions, making them a great choice for bass anglers. Keep in mind that choosing the best lures for this wonderful water sport is crucial in achieving successful catches. So consider these advantages too buy an artificial baitfish, frog, or swimbait before your next bass fishing trip. You’ll likely find they are the best bait for bass, bar none.
Best Artificial Bait/Fishing Lures for Bass
Spinnerbaits
contain metal blades that rotate when retrieved through the water. The rotating blades reflect any light, making them look like baitfish to bass. Spinnerbaits also have rubber skirts that flutter in the water to give them extra attractiveness to bass.
These can be used in shallow and deep water in various environments. Spinnerbaits are usually most effective during the early morning and when night fishing. However, they can also be good throughout the day during the spawning season for attracting bass over spawning beds.
It’s best to use a medium speed when retrieving spinner bait. If you reel too fast, the lure may skip out of the water, but if you’re too slow, the bass will have too much time to look at it and possibly decide not to bite onto it.
Soft Plastic Baits
Soft plastic bait is the most versatile bait made today. The advantage of soft plastic baits is their natural feel to fish, which will persuade the fish to keep holding on after biting. The natural movement of soft plastic is another advantage to enticing a bite.
Bounced off of the bottom or against structure during retrieval soft plastic is most productive. Many different shapes, colors, and sizes are available in soft plastics for all seasons, but soft plastics are productive year-round. Jigging or dragging this plastic worm makes the tail end of the worm wiggle bringing it to life.
- Ribbon Tail
Wacky Worm - Finesse Worm
- Wacky Worm
Plastic Worms
Fishing with plastic worms is a great way to land bass. Available in many shapes, colors, and sizes, you won’t find a more versatile bass lure than the plastic worm. Artificial lures are made to mimic live bait and worms are a bass favorite. With the numerous ways to rig them, the possibilities are endless. However, plastic bass worms are a very broad topic simple to use, and very successful.
Fishing Spoons & Jigs
Spoons and jigs attract by sight, either with flash or vertical movement. Tip a spoon or a jig with a worm or minnow to complete a productive rigging. The spoon imitates an injured baitfish, so it is best retrieved in an erratic manner that will alarm a predatory fish. The main objective of selecting an artificial lure is to match the current food of the target game fish you are after. Sight, sound, and taste are the primary keys to a productive artificial lure.
What are the best live Baits for Bass fishing?
Bass are predators they’ll eat pretty much anything smaller than them in their natural environment like:
Minnows
Shad
Crayfish & other crustaceans.
Worms-Nightcrawler
Small Bluegills & small Catfish called “stones.”
Frogs
Insects on the surface-Grasshopper-Crickets-Dragonflies
Yes-Bass will eat smaller Bass .…………………………………………………………..read more
Crankbaits
The primary characteristics of the crankbait (also called plugs) that attract fish are sound and sight. My personal favorite, the sound produced by a crankbait is created with metal balls or beads implanted inside the bait’s body. The crankbait is designed with different-shaped lips that control the diving action of the lure.
A crankbait with a lip sticking straight out will dive deeper, presenting a lure to fish that have suspended in deeper water during warmer times of the season. A crankbait with a vertical lip dives the least. This is the lure to present to fish that are becoming more active as spring arrives or fall approaches, driving fish to the shallower water.
The popper-type lure creates a similar effect. The gurgling sound that the popper makes, imitates an injured baitfish which means lunch for a big bass.
Stick Baits
Stick baits are a type of bass fishing lures and baits that can mimic the movement of surface swimming baitfish They are soft, sinking plastics that can be rigged and fished in different ways They are great to use in various water conditions and all seasons, especially when the bite is slow.
Some of the best colors for stick baits are green pumpkin with black flake, black and blue flake, and more realistic designs They are great for fishing around docks and other structures where bass like to hide.
| Name of Artificial Bait | Type | Color | For which type of Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strike King Square Bill Crankbait | Crankbait | Various | All kinds |
| Berkley Powerbait | Soft Plastic | Various including natural and high-visibility colors | All kinds |
| Rapala X-Rap Extreme Action Slashbait | Slashbait | Various | All kinds, particularly Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass |
| Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Jig | Jig | Various including natural and high-visibility colors | All kinds, particularly suited for heavy cover |
| Yamamoto Senko Bait | Soft Plastic Stick Bait | Various including natural colors | All kinds of Bass |
| Booyah Pad Crasher Frogs | Frog | Various including natural and high-visibility colors | All kinds, particularly Largemouth Bass on the cover |
Finding the Top Crankbait and Jerkbait for Successful Bass Fishing in Any Water
Finding the top crankbait and jerk bait for successful bass fishing in any water isn’t just about selecting the best baits from a tackle shop. It’s about the nuance of colors, the right plastic materials, and understanding the behaviors of your prey.
In this world of bass fishing, the best crankbaits aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of product. Every angler knows that the lure can make all the difference in any water condition. Crankbaits are my favorite lure and there are dozens to choose from if not hundreds.
Let’s view it from a broad perspective. Two of the top artificial baits for bass have stood above the rest over the years – crankbait and jerkbait. Both lure types work well on bass, but each type flaunts quirks unique to itself. When it comes to crankbaits, a deep dive into the water finds them most effective, mimicking the movements of prey. These lures are usually made of plastic and come in a variety of colors to attract bass from afar.
Jerkbait, on the other hand, is known for creating a realistic representation of an injured fish, an easy prey for bass. A sudden fast retrieve followed by a pause sends a jerk bait into a frenzy, imitating distressed prey and triggering the predatory instincts in the bass. Whether you’re fishing in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, or any other bass-abounding water, Jerkbait holds itself as a game-changer.
At the top of both lure types, some bait stands out. Men Realtree crankbait, with its lifelike colors and plastic body, can be highly effective for bass, as much in clear water as in murky ones. Additionally, Georgia and Pennsylvania waters can be particularly yielding with well-placed spinner bait. Spinnerbait lures, with their key features, key colors flashy, and spinning blades, attract bass and can be exceptionally productive for bass in any water type.
Many tackle shops offer a range of these artificial baits all year round at competitive prices. Whether you’re in pursuit of bass, walleye, or trout, a well-stocked tackle box should include crankbaits, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits.
The choice of the best fishing tackle often translates to a successful day out bass fishing. Indeed, the artificial bait mimics the wild and hunting instincts of the bass, leaving them vulnerable to your line. In conclusion, your most successful bass fishing expedition might just be a click away. Grab that bait, jump on that boat, and make your bass catch of the year. When you switch from live bait to artificial there is a feeling that you have stepped up a notch to become a knowledgable angler.
Best Bass Lures to Use in 2024
Best Jerk Bait: Megabass Vision 110Megabass Vision 110 is the best jerkbait.
Specs
- Size: 4-1/3 inches
- Best Colors: Sexy Shad, French Pearl, Table Rock SP
- Hooks/Lure Pairing: Comes Rigged with Treble Hooks
Pros
- Realistic color options
- Great action in the water
- Barbs on the outside of hooks to help land more fish
Cons
- Not cheap
In 2009, the world of bass fishing was permanently changed with the creation of the Megabass Vision 110. For the first time, there were realistic-looking jerkbaits with great action readily available and the result was apparent.
Anglers from across the country started dialing in deep-water fish with a bait that could be worked slow or fast. Since then, the jerkbait market has been flooded with realistic options, but the Megabass still reigns king. Fished slowly, it can trick the most pressured bass into eating which is crucial in tournament situations. But when bass are schooled up and chasing bait, they lure fish just as well with a fast retrieve.
The bait has an erratic swimming action, due in part to the perfect balance, that mimics a fleeing baitfish. It is currently offered in 56 colors so you can match any baitfish out there including bluegill and perch. A go-to is sexy shad which works in a variety of conditions. The best time to fish them is the early season when bass are pre-spawned and looking to pack on the weight. But don’t be afraid to fish them in windy conditions when baitfish get pushed around and make easy meals.
Best Chatterbait: Z-Man The Original Chatterbait
Specs
Size: 5/0 hook in 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz, and 5/8 oz
Best Colors: Sexy Shad, Chartreuse/White, Black/Blue, Green Pumpkin
Hooks/Lure Pairing: Paddle Tail Swimbaits or Crawfish Trailers
Pros
Easy to fish
Goes through vegetation well
Affordable
Cons
Skirts can fall apart after a lot of fish
If I could only have one bait for pond fishing it would be the Z-Man Original Chatterbait. This is one of the most versatile baits available and is great for covering water. Fishing a chatterbait is simple, you cast it out and reel it in, which is great for casting and moving.
The bait has a blade on the front that vibrates to attract fish and doubles as a weed guard to go through vegetation. Fished as is, it is effective, but paired with a soft plastic trailer it’s deadly. Popping it off the bottom makes the blade flutter and can entice fish to eat. If you like packing light, chatter baits are a great way to minimize gear and cover all your bases in just about any situation.
Best Frog: Spro Bronzeye Popper Frog
Specs
- Size: 2.4 inches
- Best Colors: Rainforest Black, Natural, Nasty Shad
- Hooks/Lure Pairing: Comes with Gamakatsu Hooks
Pros
- Great popping action
- Can work it slow or fast
- Sharp hooks for landing fish
Cons
- Cost more than most frogs
Summertime means hot days, warm water, and lots of vegetation. While it may seem impossible to get through the vegetation, the bass hasn’t gone anywhere. Instead of going through it, I prefer to go over it with a frog lure. The Spro Bronzeye Popper Frog is my go-to frog lure for summer bass fishing. In the heat of summer, frogs are everywhere, and bass key in on them.
A popping frog like the Spro allows you to work your lure fast or slow. The lip on the frog chugs and throws water so a small twitch can still produce a lot of commotion. This is important because bass don’t always want it to work fast and traditional frogs can struggle to make enough commotion at slow speeds. What sets Spro frogs apart from others is the quality of the hooks.
Built with Gamakatsu hooks they are ridiculously sharp which is a must when you need to bury the hook into a fish from far away. The hooks are also plenty stout to avoid bending one out when dragging a fish through thick vegetation. My preferred colors are natural or rainforest black, but in the case of these frogs, the action seems more important than the color.
Best Smallmouth Lures: Roboworm 4.5” Straight Worm
Specs
- Size: 4.5 inches
- Best Colors: Pumpkin Punisher, Margarita Mutilator, Bold Bluegill
- Hooks/Lure Pairing: VMC Spinshot 1/0 or 2/0
Pros
- Erratic action
- Salt release system
- Unique layered colors
Cons
- Only ten in a pack
The Roboworm 4.5″ Straight Worm is one of my favorite smallmouth bass baits. You can fish this lure in a variety of ways including on an EWG hook like you’d fish any other bass worm. However, adding this to a drop shot rig is the best for consistently getting bites. The worm is soft and pliable resulting in an erratic wiggling action. When bounced on a drop shot rig it can mimic a dying baitfish or a fleeing crustacean. Smallmouth key in on this and can consistently be caught.
For a good drop shot, bait scent is key and the Roboworms have a salt release system that tricks fish into holding on longer. When crawling a drop shot this can put more fish in the boat giving you time to feel the bite. For colors, most anglers prefer the margarita mutilator for goby or crawfish imitations and the pumpkin punisher for shad and shiner imitations. Your best bet is to match the worm color to what the fish are eating and you’re on the way to catching fish.
In Conclusion:
Using artificial bait for bass fishing is a practical and cost-effective method. Beginners and experts alike can benefit from it. While all recommended baits have their perks, the right choice ultimately depends on the angler’s fishing style, water clarity, and local monster bass species present. Remember that trial and error play a massive part in fishing, so never be afraid to experiment. Lastly, regardless of your artificial bait selection, the secret lies in your skills and patience; the best bass fishing story is yet to be written.
Happy Summer fishing! Jim
Are Largemouth Bass Attracted to Sound?
Largemouth Bass have 2 sensors for investigating acoustical disturbances. One in its inner ear & another in the lateral line on its body. Both work off each other to hear & feel vibrations. Despite a Bass’s lack of hearing high frequencies, its curious nature attracts it to all & any kind of sound .…………………………………………………………………….. Read more
References:
Wired to Fish-Best Artificial Baits for Bass Fishing
FAQ’s
- How do I choose the right artificial bait for bass? Consider factors like water conditions, weather, time of year, and bass behavior. Experimentation and local knowledge are key.
- What colors work best for artificial bass bait? Natural colors like green pumpkin or watermelon are reliable, but bright colors can attract attention in murky water or low-light conditions.
- How should I retrieve artificial bait for bass? Vary your retrieval speed and technique to mimic natural prey. Slow and steady retrieves often work well, but erratic movements can trigger strikes.
- Should I use scent or attractants with artificial bait? Some anglers swear by scent additives to enhance bait effectiveness, especially in tough fishing conditions or when bass are less active.
- What size of artificial bait is best for bass? Match the size of your bait to the size of the bass’s natural prey in the area. Smaller baits for finesse fishing, larger baits for targeting bigger bass.