Versatile soft stickbait with subtle action, available in over 20 colors. It catches fish when others fail, and it’s budget-friendly.
Durable vibrating jig with a unique hex-shaped blade for an irresistible underwater ruckus. Versatile and effective in various conditions.
Affordable square-bill crankbait with excellent deflection, rattling action, and a wide range of colors. Ideal for fishing around cover.
Ever feel like you’re throwing everything in your tackle box at the bass, but nothing seems to bite?
You’re not alone. Bass fishing can be a fickle game, with the weather, water temperature, and even the time of day impacting what lures these finicky fish will go for.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a handful of “go-to” lures that consistently produce results, regardless of the conditions? Well, you’re in luck.
We’ve done the research, tested the waters, and narrowed down the seven best bass lures for 2024 that will help you catch more fish, no matter the season or scenario.
What Are the Best Bass Lures?
The answer is more than one-size-fits-all. The ideal lure depends on the time of year, water conditions, and the bass’s feeding behavior. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the seven best bass lures that will consistently put fish in your boat, no matter the situation:
1. Yamamoto Senko
You’ve probably heard of the Senko. It’s the legendary “do-nothing” bait that somehow catches bass when nothing else will. This soft stick bait has an uncanny ability to trigger strikes, even from the most finicky fish.
Our Take
The Senko is a staple in my tackle box. It consistently catches fish, and its versatility makes it a must-have in your arsenal.
Key Benefits
- Unmatched Versatility: Fish it weightless, wacky-rigged, Texas-rigged, or on a jig head – the Senko performs in almost any scenario.
- Subtle, Natural Action: The Senko's slow fall and subtle shimmy mimic a dying baitfish, irresistible to bass.
- Wide Color Selection: Over 20 colors to match any water condition or forage base.
- Durability (Sort Of): While not the toughest bait on the market, the Senko is surprisingly resilient for a soft plastic.
- Budget-Friendly: A pack of 10 Senkos typically costs around $7, making it an affordable option for any angler.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $10.14
Pros
Cons
2. Z-Man ChatterBait
The Z-Man ChatterBait is like the Swiss Army knife of bass lures. It's a vibrating jig with a hex-shaped blade that creates an irresistible ruckus underwater. Bass can't seem to help themselves when they hear this thing coming.
Our Take
The ChatterBait is a game-changer. It's my go-to lure when I need to cover water quickly and find active fish.
Key Benefits
- Versatile: It can be burned across the surface, slow-rolled through weeds, or bounced along the bottom.
- Unique Action: The ChatterBait's blade creates a vibration and flash that mimics a fleeing baitfish.
- Wide Color Selection: Z-Man offers a massive range of colors to match any water condition or forage.
- Durability: The ChatterBait is built tough. The head and blade are designed to withstand repeated strikes.
- Budget-Friendly (Comparatively): While a bit pricier than soft plastics, the ChatterBait's durability and versatility make it a good value.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $11.09
Pros
Cons
3. Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait
Named after bass fishing legend Kevin VanDam, the Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait is a force to be reckoned with. Its square bill design makes it ideal for deflecting off the cover and triggering reaction strikes from bass.
Our Take
The Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait is a go-to lure for fishing in shallow water and around cover. Its ability to deflect and create a racket is a major asset when targeting aggressive bass.
Key Benefits
- Deflection Prowess: The square bill deflects off rocks, stumps, and other cover, enticing bass to strike.
- Rattling Action: Internal rattles create a commotion that attracts bass from a distance.
- Wide Range of Colors: Choose from a variety of realistic and vibrant colors to match the forage and water conditions.
- Durability: Built to withstand abuse, this crankbait can handle repeated collisions with cover.
- Affordable: Typically priced around $5-$6, it's a budget-friendly option that delivers results.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $5.96
Pros
Cons
4. Zoom Fluke Stick Bait
The Zoom Fluke Stick Bait is a soft plastic jerk bait that mimics a fleeing baitfish. Its slender profile and erratic action make it irresistible to bass, especially in clear water.
Our Take
The Zoom Fluke is a versatile soft plastic that can be used in various situations. Its lifelike action and affordable price make it a must-have for any serious bass angler.
Key Benefits
- Lifelike Action: The Fluke's subtle twitching and darting motion is incredibly realistic.
- Versatile: It can be fished weightless, wacky-rigged, or on a jig head.
- Wide Color Selection: Zoom offers a variety of natural and vibrant colors to match any situation.
- Affordable: A pack of 10 Flukes typically costs around $4-$5.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $4.69
Pros
Cons
5. Roboworm Straight Tail Worm
The Roboworm Straight Tail Worm is a classic finesse bait that has been catching bass for decades. Its simple design and subtle action make it a favorite among tournament anglers and weekend warriors alike.
Our Take
The Roboworm Straight Tail Worm is a timeless classic that continues to produce results year after year. Its versatility and subtle action make it a must-have for any serious bass angler.
Key Benefits
- Subtle Action: The Straight Tail Worm's subtle wriggling motion is often irresistible to finicky bass.
- Versatility: It can be fished Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, or on a drop shot rig.
- Variety of Colors: Roboworm offers a wide range of colors to match any water condition or forage.
- Durability: Made from high-quality plastic, the Straight Tail Worm can withstand multiple bites.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $4.29
Pros
Cons
6. Booyah Blade Spinnerbait
The Booyah Blade Spinnerbait is a search bait that permits you to cover water quickly and locate active fish. Its spinning blades create flashes and vibrations that attract bass from a distance.
Our Take
The Booyah Blade Spinnerbait is a great lure for covering water and finding active fish. Its flash and vibration are particularly effective in stained or murky water.
Key Benefits
- Search Bait: Ideal for covering water and finding active fish.
- Flash and Vibration: Spinning blades create a commotion that attracts bass.
- Versatility: Can be fished through grass, over submerged vegetation, or around docks.
- Durability: Built tough with strong components and a durable finish.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $10.13
Pros
Cons
7. Missile Baits D Bomb
The Missile Baits D Bomb is a compact jig that excels at flipping and pitching into heavy cover. Its streamlined design allows it to penetrate thick vegetation and reach bass that other lures can't.
Our Take
The Missile Baits D Bomb is a go-to lure for fishing in heavy cover. Its compact design and weedless properties make it a valuable tool for extracting bass from their hiding places.
Key Benefits
- Compact Design: Easily penetrates thick cover.
- Weedless: The weed guard helps prevent snags in vegetation.
- Rattling Action: Internal rattles attract bass from a distance.
- Hard Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of fishing in heavy cover.
Pricing
- Price: Starting at $9.04
Pros
Cons
How Can Bass Lures Benefit You?
Using the right bass lures can be the difference between a frustrating day on the water and a cooler full of fish. Fishing lures, especially those designed specifically for bass, are engineered to mimic the look, movement, and even the scent of the prey largemouth bass naturally feed on.
Topwater lures, for example, create a commotion on the surface that draws attention and triggers explosive strikes.
Meanwhile, soft plastic artificial lures like the Senko and Fluke can be manipulated to mimic a dying baitfish, tempting even the most passive bass into biting.
By understanding the different types of lures and how to use them effectively, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more successful angler and landing that trophy largemouth bass.
Buyer's Guide: How We Conducted Our Research
When researching the best bass lures, we focused on the following factors to help you catch bass more consistently:
- Pricing: We compared prices across various retailers to ensure we recommend lures that offer great value for the price.
- Features: We examined each lure's unique features, such as versatility, action, color options, durability, and whether it is effective with jig heads or can be used as a plastic worm.
- Negatives: We considered potential drawbacks, such as limited versatility, durability issues, or difficulty using certain rigging techniques.
- Support or Refund: We looked into the manufacturer's customer support and refund policies to ensure you're covered if you encounter any issues.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right bass lures can be overwhelming, but armed with this guide, you're now equipped to tackle any fishing situation.
Whether you're using jig heads, tossing topwater baits, or casting deep diving crankbaits, remember that versatility is key.
By selecting lures that can be adapted to various conditions and presentations, you'll increase your chances of landing that giant fish. So, stock your fishing tackle with a few of our top picks, experiment with different techniques, and, most importantly, have fun out on the water!
Remember, the best lure is the one that catches fish for you. So, get out there, explore, and discover what works best for your style and your local waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best overall fishing lure for bass?
The Yamamoto Senko is widely considered one of the best all-around bass lures due to its versatility and effectiveness in various conditions. It's a great choice for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Are frog lures effective for catching bass?
Yes, frog lures can be very effective, especially in areas with heavy vegetation. Bass are ambush predators and often hide in lily pads or weeds, where a frog lure can trigger a fish strike.
When should I use a topwater lure for bass?
Topwater lures are most effective in low-light conditions, such as early morning, late evening, or on cloudy days. Bass are more likely to be feeding near the surface during these times.
How do I choose the right color plastic worms for bass fishing?
The color choice depends on water clarity and forage. In clear water, use natural colors like green pumpkin or watermelon. In murky water, opt for brighter colors like chartreuse or Junebug.
What is the best way to rig a plastic worm for bass?
The Texas rig is a famous and versatile way to rig a plastic worm. It's weedless, allowing you to fish in heavy cover without snagging. Other options include the wacky rig and drop shot rig.
