The amateur and competitive nature of bass fishing draws a large amount of followers and it continues to keep its high place in the popularity stakes. However, using the right fishing lures and bait is the secret of success in this particular sport. The time of day or night you are fishing, the location, and depth and type of water are all things to be taken into account when deciding which bass fishing lures and bait to use. To familiarize yourself with the most frequently used and effective lures and bait take a look at the suggestions below.

Jigs

A lot of experienced fishermen and women stand by jigs (heavy baits with one hook) as being the most useful all around baits, especially in clear to slightly murky waters. Jigs are useful for getting the attention of fish at rest. When using jigs, remember to give them enough motion to fool the bass into thinking of them as live prey. Jigs are best used in water which is at 60 degrees or lower, making them a good choice for night fishing.

Rubber Worms

Rubber worms are far easier to work with, and just as effective as the genuine article. These lures feature a little extra weight, allowing for a slow descent. Bass will bite at your rubber worm - if you’re lucky. Otherwise, just reel it back in and try again.

Try Spinner Baits

Spinner baits are unusual in shape and made of an oversized metal attachment which, as the name suggest, spins in the water. This kind of lure draws the fish by the disturbance it makes in the water. You can use spinner baits throughout the year and they are particularly useful during the spawning season when the fish are less interested in feeding.

Crank Baits

Crank lures work by imitating the motion of an injured fish and are used as top water lures or as sinkers. The noise made by these lures also helps to attract bass. To make the most of these lures, use a slow motion, just as would be made by an injured fish.

Poppers

Poppers are not unlike crank baits but they are a top water lure only. As they skim across the water a popping noise is heard. Summer is the best time to use poppers and slow reel action is required.

Grubs

Smallmouth bass especially are drawn to these small lures. A grub is essentially a bare jig head with a soft plastic body on a hook. These bass fishing lures are ideal where there is insufficient cover. Grubs are most effective in deep, clear waters, with smoke, salt and pepper, yellow and white being the best colors to use.

Tube Baits

When fishing in clear water or surrounded by inactive fish, tube jigs works wonders to specifically target bass. A spinning reel on a 6 to 6.5 -foot medium-light to medium action rod best accommodates this type of drop bait. Also, seek out water no deeper than 10 feet when using tube baits.

Vibrating Lures

A tremor is generated by the plastic or metal used in this type of lure when it is taken out of the water. The lure sinks to the bottom and does not get lost in particularly deep waters. An assortment of lures is available in this category, including tail spinners, which are weighty, compact baits of metal that use a small spinner as a focus for the bass. The use of vibrating lures is best when fishing about stumps, close to the currents of rivers, over waterlogged grass and on deep channel drop offs.