Don't Fish Without These: The 5 Must-Have Lures Every Beginner Bass Angler Needs
What Are The Best Beginner Bass Lures?
The Short Answer:
Spinnerbait
Squarebill Crankbait
Whopper Plopper
Wacky Rig
Texas Rigged Soft Plastic Creature Bait
As a beginner Bass Fisherman, proper gear selection–including rod & reel selection and lure selection–can quickly become overwhelming. There are an incredible amount of options to choose from, and I remember thinking I had to have hundreds of lures and the perfect color selections that bass love as a beginner to catch fish. This is not true. These five lures will allow you to catch fish in nearly any body of water, at any time of the year.
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Understanding the Importance of Lure Selection in Bass Fishing:
Although lure selection is not as complicated as some will have you believe, understanding why these five lures made the cut as must-haves for beginner bass fishermen is crucial to maximizing your success on the water. Each of these lures offers unique advantages that cater to different fishing conditions, seasons, and water clarities.
By understanding the strengths and applications of each of these lures, beginner bass fishermen can confidently tackle a wide range of fishing scenarios and increase their chances of landing a bass. Remember to adapt your lure selection based on the season, water clarity, and bass behavior to maximize your success on the water.
Below, you will find explanations for why each lure was selected, as well as the best times to throw each of them.
The Top 5 Must-Have Lures:
Spinnerbait
With its flashy blades and enticing skirts, the spinnerbait is my go-to lure for covering water and attracting bass in a variety of scenarios. Its versatility makes it effective in both clear and murky waters, and its ability to mimic injured baitfish is irresistible to hungry bass year-round. One of my favorite ways to fish spinnerbaits is to cast them near submerged cover, such as fallen trees or docks, and retrieve them with a steady, medium-paced retrieve. Keep an eye out for any sudden strikes, as bass often hit spinnerbaits with aggression. One of the best things about this lure is that you can fish it very quickly, so you can use it to find bass when you are just getting to a new spot, then switch to a more preferable lure if needed.
When should you fish with a spinnerbait?
You can throw a spinnerbait all year, but may want to retrieve it more slowly in the colder months. Opt for a smaller sized spinnerbait in the winter as well, when bass become more finicky. Be sure to match the color of any lure you throw to your body of water’s visibility and water clarity. Additionally, throw this lure when you can see baitfish, such as shad and bluegill, in the water, and throw lures that match their colors.
Squarebill Crankbait
If you're fishing in shallow water or around cover like rocks and logs, squarebill crankbaits are your go-to lure. Squarebill crankbaits have all the benefits of a spinnerbait, but squarebill crankbaits dive to a specific depth, allowing you to target bass hiding in different parts of the water column. Experiment with different colors and retrieve speeds until you find what works best for you, but nothing beats a shad colored or red squarebill crankbait. Trust me, when a big bass smashes it, you’re in for a heart-pounding experience you won't soon forget!
When should you fish with a squarebill crankbait?
Similar to spinnerbaits, you can throw a squarebill crankbait all year long and catch fish. However, this lure is particularly effective throughout spring and early fall, when bass are up shallow. Ask any experienced fishermen, and they will tell you that a red, crawfish colored squarebill crankbait is one of the best lures to throw in early spring!
Whopper Plopper
The Whopper Plopper is a topwater lure that creates a commotion on the surface, mimicking the sound and action of a fleeing baitfish. The Whopper Plopper's surface disturbance and lifelike action make it irresistible to bass, especially during the warmer months and in shallow, weedy areas. Its loud, erratic movement attracts bass from afar, making it an excellent choice for fishing in clear water or during low-light conditions. There's nothing quite like the exhilaration of seeing a bass explode on a Whopper Plopper.
When should you fish with a whopper plopper?
You can fish topwater lures like the whopper plopper effectively from Spring all the way to mid-fall. If you see bass feeding near the surface, throw out your whopper plopper.
Wacky Rig
The wacky rig is a simple yet effective finesse technique that consistently produces bites, especially in tough fishing conditions. To rig a wacky worm, simply hook a soft plastic stick bait/senko through the middle and let it sink slowly to the bottom. Bass find the tantalizing wobble of a wacky worm irresistible, making it a must-have in any angler's arsenal. Whether you're fishing in clear water or murky ponds, the wacky rig is sure to produce results.
When should you fish with a wacky rig?
You can fish a wacky rig year round. When the bite is tough and the fish aren’t biting your faster moving baits, throw out a wacky rig. It is effective in both shallow and deeper water, although you may need to add a weight if you want to fish deeper than 8-10 feet. The main appeal of the wacky rig to bass is its extremely slow falling action in the water column.
Texas Rigged Soft Plastic Creature Bait
When bass are hiding in heavy cover or lurking in thick vegetation, a Texas rigged soft plastic creature bait is your best bet for getting a bite. Texas rigging involves burying the hook point in the bait to make it weedless, allowing you to fish in areas where other lures would get snagged. With its lifelike appearance and natural movement, a Texas rigged soft plastic creature bait is sure to fool even the most cautious bass.
When Should you fish with a Texas Rig?
You can fish a Texas Rig year round. It is especially useful when fishing in areas where you are likely to get snagged up, since it is weedless when properly rigged up.
Additional Tips for Success:
As you embark on your bass fishing journey, remember that success often comes down to experimentation and persistence. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, colors, and retrieves until you find what works best for you. And most importantly, enjoy the process! Bass fishing is as much about the thrill of the chase as it is about catching fish.
So there you have it, the top five must-have lures for beginner bass fishermen. With these versatile and effective lures in your tackle box, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any fishing scenario and catch your fair share of bass. Remember, it's not about having the most expensive gear or the fanciest lures – it's about getting out on the water, enjoying nature, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Happy fishing!
Unlock More Bass Fishing Success As a Beginner with These Bonus Tips:
Elevate your bass fishing game with these tips to enhance your success on the water:
Learn to Read the Water:
Understanding the structure and features of the water body you're fishing in can significantly improve your chances of catching bass. Look for underwater structures like rocks, logs, and vegetation where bass are likely to hide and ambush prey.
Master Your Cast:
Practice different casting techniques to ensure accurate and efficient presentations. Experiment with different angles, distances, and retrieves to find what works best in different situations.
Stay Mobile:
Bass are constantly on the move, so don't hesitate to change locations if you're not getting bites. Stay adaptable and willing to explore new areas to increase your chances of success. I personally move on to a new spot or at least switch lures if I have not had a bite after 15 minutes of fishing.
Fish More Slowly:
Patience is key in bass fishing. Sometimes it takes time for the bass to respond to your lure, so don't get discouraged if you're not getting immediate results. Keep casting, stay focused, and trust in your skills. One of the first changes I’ll make if I am not getting bites is to fish my lures more slowly.
By incorporating these bonus tips into your bass fishing arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to take your fishing game to the next level and reel in more trophy-worthy catches. Happy fishing!
