Your choice of the bait to use for bass fishing will determine whether or not you will have a great fishing day. This explains the need to get the lures right, and the good thing is that picking the bait is almost as enjoyable as the fishing itself. Remember that the impulses of the bass to make use of are its agitation and hunger. In other terms, the bass will hit the lure thinking that it is something edible, if it is hungry, or with the intention of destroying it if it gets agitated.
There is a wide variety of baits to use for bass fishing coming in different colors and style, and the best color to use will depend on a number of factors like weather conditions, time of the year (season) and the clarity of the water. It is therefore essential to consider these factors when thinking of what bait to use for bass – each is discussed below.
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Season
The most exciting time of the year to go bass fishing is in spring since this is the fish’s spawning season. As such, the fish will move to shallow waters to breed and feed, especially when the water temperatures are about 55 – 62 Fahrenheit. With the increase in the temperature of the water, increase the brightness of the baits as well. Better yet, make use of light-colored lures with dark markings on them to catch the attention of the bass.
Clarity of the water
There is no doubt the clarity of the water will dictate the right color to use when fishing bass. In fact, it is the most important factor to consider when choosing the color of the bait to use. When fishing in clear water, stick to colors like watermelon, root beer, and green pumpkin among other lighter colors. On the hand, fishing in rather dirty or stained water, the best pick would be a combination of black/blue colors or June-bug. Also, when fishing in muddy water; go with fluorescent and bright colors for your lures. They are easily detectable.
Weather conditions
The amount of sun reaching the water and the general weather conditions in which you are fishing influence the activity and feeding of the fish and will, in turn, determine the color of the bait to use. For instance, on a cloudy day, you want to use dark and conspicuous colors like chrome, black, green and blue for your baits and painted blades. Silver and gold blades and spinner baits would be ideal for a sunny and bright day fishing.
With that said, it is now clear that baits operate like many other tools and picking the right one is essential. So what bait to use for bass fishing? Here is a breakdown of the best baits to use for bass fishing.
1. Plastic Worms
On top of the list of the best bait to use for bass fishing is the plastic worms thanks to their versatility and attractiveness to the fish. What’s more, these baits seem alive, and to the bass, they look like natural food. You will find this type of lures in various sizes, colors, and style for the condition in which you are fishing. The trick to use when using these worms for fishing is to be patient and hold steady. Wait for that slight thump when the bass hits, before giving it a hard hookset.
2. Bass Jigs
If you are not planning to wait until spring when the bass will be in the shallow water breeding and feeding to catch them, then you will need to consider bass jigs. However, to ensure that you are doing it right, you will need a little more skill up your sleeves compared to when using other baits. The good thing about these lures is that you will go home with bigger bass compared to what you would get with most other baits.
Since the secret to using jigs is to stay at the bottom, you want to make sure that the weight of the one that you pick is sufficient. Drag it along the bottom of the water to mimic a crawfish and attract the attention of the bass. If you do it right, you might even catch the bass while your jig is sinking, especially when it has a trailer that enhances the action.
3. Spinnerbaits
The thing that makes spinnerbaits stand out among most other baits is their ability to cover a large surface area and attract the bass at the same time. A typical spinnerbait consists of dangling shiny blades, and the other end of the wire has a lead head with a sharp hook. A soft rubber skirt covers the main hook, and a trailer hook is usually included to catch the bass that strikes short of the main hook.
When fishing spinnerbaits, you want to cause a commotion in the water that will attract the bass. This is best done by repeatedly retrieving it in the water in a straight position. The blades will flash wildly and more likely be seen, heard or felt by the bass.
4. Topwater Baits
If you want to add fun to your bass fishing, then a topwater bait would be the right choice. The bass will leap out of the water in an attempt to engulf the bait and get caught in the process. The design of these baits makes them easily detectable as ready food by causing ripples and producing splashing popping sounds when retrieving them. They are best for use along the shores or where there is grass cover, and when there is low light like during the morning or late in the evening.
When using these lures, you don’t want to retrieve them from the water too fast to avoid missing your chance when the bass hits a miss when charging up from below. Also, when the bass hits the bait, give it a second or two to get a good bite of the hook before pulling.
5. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are liked for their versatility and ability to cover a large area of water in a short time. They come in different sizes, weights, and shapes and the right pick depends on the depth of the water in which you are fishing.
Also, when picking the crankbait to use, make sure that you get its color right for easy detection. However, there isn’t much to do when crankbait fishing. You only need to cast and wait. Once you feel the thump by the bass, you can retrieve with a random jerk of the rod tip.
