For many anglers, largemouth bass is the fish that started it all - the species that inspired a lifelong passion for freshwater fishing. Largemouth bass are well known for striking at just about any bait or lure. However, their feeding habits and locations change throughout the season. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or the shore, having the right lures can make all the difference. In this guide, I'll break down three key levels of lures to help you build the ultimate bass tackle box, with tips for each season so you’re always prepared.
This summer, I’ve spent countless hours fishing for bass by kayak and from shore. I caught my personal best on a Ned rig and my smallest to date on an inline spinner, the latter of which is a lure more often recommended for trout. Bass are not known for being picky, but sometimes it takes extra effort to pick through the other fish and get a lure within range of an aggressive largemouth. These recommendations were selected for just that purpose - presenting the right lure in the right place at the right time.
Core Essentials
The Core Essentials are the lures every bass angler should have in their box, no matter the season. These lures are reliable, accessible, and can hold their own in all seasons.
Flukes
Flukes mimic injured baitfish, triggering reaction bites on a twitch-and-pause retrieval. Retrieve them with short jerks of the rod tip, letting the lure glide and pause intermittently. Choose colors like pearl and white for clear conditions or darker options like black for murky water.
Ned Rigs
The Ned rig is a finesse presentation that gives anglers countless options to impart subtle or erratic actions to their retrieve. Use gentle hops and pauses to mimic a small, easy meal. Natural colors like green pumpkin, brown, and black work well year-round, especially in clear water. In murky waters, try plastics with bright orange or chartreuse accents which stand out better against their surroundings.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are perfect for covering water quickly and triggering aggressive bites. Use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses, or bounce the lure off rocks and structure to mimic fleeing baitfish. In spring, bright colors like chartreuse and craw patterns excel, while in summer, shad and bluegill colors are more effective. Consider lure size and swimming depth when looking for the lure that will best mimic what bass are eating each season.
Versatile Additions
These lures provide variety and flexibility, allowing you to adapt your presentation based on changing conditions and fish behavior. They are great for when the essentials aren’t quite getting the job done.
Topwater Poppers
Poppers create a surface commotion that draws bass in from a distance. Use a pop-and-pause retrieve, creating splashes and pauses to imitate a struggling baitfish. Bright colors like bone, white, and frog patterns work well in low-light conditions, while natural hues are best for clear water.
Stick Baits
Stick baits, like Senkos, offer a subtle shimmy on the fall that bass find irresistible. Use them weightless for a slow, tantalizing descent or wacky-rigged for added movement. Green pumpkin, black, and watermelon are versatile color choices that work in most water conditions.
Topwater Frogs
Frogs excel in thick vegetation where other lures are guaranteed to snag. Use a steady walking motion or short hops to mimic a real frog skimming across the surface. Black, white, and green patterns are go-to choices, with darker colors working well in low light and brighter patterns excelling in sunny conditions. Beware that sometimes the frog movement is a bit too real, and you may trigger an aggression strike from a rogue bullfrog.
Specialized Showstoppers
These lures offer that extra edge when conditions are tough or when you’re targeting bigger bass. They are perfect for experienced anglers looking to fine-tune their approach.
ChatterBait
Z-Man asserts that this fan favorite can perform like a crankbait, a jig, and a spinnerbait in one lure. Pair the ChatterBait with a soft plastic trailer for a lure with major drawing power. The blade imparts noise and flash, the skirt creates a hefty baitfish profile, and the trailer seals the deal by fine-tuning the wobble or roll. Experiment with different retrieval speeds to work the surface or target fish at greater depths.
Jerk Baits
Jerk baits shine in cold water but can be effective year-round with the right cadence. Use a twitch-twitch-pause retrieve to imitate a dying baitfish. Colors like translucent, silver, and chartreuse work best in clear water, while opaque shades are ideal for stained conditions.
Ploppers
Ploppers create noise and surface disturbance that can draw explosive strikes. Retrieve them steadily across the surface, creating a loud, gurgling sound. Colors like bone, black, and bluegill work well, with darker shades excelling in overcast conditions and brighter ones in more transparent water.
These lures provide the foundation of a successful bass tackle box, allowing you to adjust your strategy based on the season and the mood of the fish. Whether you’re working through heavy cover, targeting finicky post-spawn bass, or chasing fall giants, there’s a lure here that’s right for you.
Check out my list of bass favorites for additional colors and sizes, as well as some of my favorite bass fishing lures that I haven't featured in this post.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to improve your fishing game, be sure to check out the fishing tips and tutorials section of the blog.
Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!
